This month, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on HerUpland Endorsed Dog TrainHer, Kelli Aitken—a force of nature whose passion for pointing dogs is matched only by her generosity in sharing that passion with others. A full-time RV’er, Kelli travels the country alongside her husband and a crew of red dogs (and a pointer or two), dedicating her life to training, competing, and mentoring in the upland world. With multiple national championships under her belt and a deep well of knowledge from both AKC and American Field horseback trials, Kelli brings a wealth of experience to HerUpland’s Pointing Dog Camps in Minnesota and Montana. Her exuberance, commitment, and signature “atta’ girl” encouragement light up every training field—and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome her into a new role as a field mentor at our Arizona Quail Camp this January.
Follow her journey:@quantonas_irish
Meet Kelli!
I (along with my husband) am a full time RV’er who travels the country training, hunting, and competing with her Irish Setters (and a pointer or two.) We compete in Horseback Field Trials in both the AKC and UKC (formerly the American Field.) I also judge a few field trials every year. We have been traveling full time for 3 years, and I don’t see that coming to an end anytime soon. Combined, my dogs have won 14 AKC and American Field National Championships.
How did you get into upland hunting?
I grew up showing dogs, as my grandma was a professional handler. When I was preparing to go on one of my deployments, I decided to send my 2 show bred Irish Setters to a field trainer so that they could be gainfully employed while I was off playing soldier. I spent the next 12 months of my deployment reading all the rules of all the bird dog sports, and when I came back, I dipped my toes in the water. The rest is history!
What drew you to the upland community?
I was drawn to the upland community by falling in love with seeing the dogs do what they were bred to do. You can’t beat that natural instinct!
How has this journey impacted your life?
Well, first off, if it weren’t for these darn dogs, I’d probably have a physical address and a full bank account! This journey has made my life what it is today. I dedicate my whole self to the success of my dogs. I can’t imagine my life without this passion fueling my existance.
How are you involved with HerUpland?
I have been a TrainHer at both the MN and MT Pointing Dog Camps.
Are you a participant, mentor, volunteer, or all of the above?
I am a Volunteer (and hopefully a mentor to those I’ve had the pleasure of helping)
What’s your most memorable experience with HerUpland?
The best moment was sitting around the fire after the 3rd day of the MT camp, and listening to people who were literally strangers 72 hours ago discuss their intentions of carpooling across the country for another HerUpland adventure. It was mind blowingly inspiring.
What does being part of HerUpland mean to you?
It means building other women up in the one part of life that I feel like I am successful at. I’m not great at a lot of things in life, but being able to share my knowledge and experience re:pointing dogs is something that makes me feel like I’m giving back.
What breed(s) do you have, and what do you love most about them?
I have primarily Irish Setters with a couple of pointers to keep me busy.
Do you compete in any events (hunt tests, field trials, NAVHDA, etc)?
I compete in AKC and American Field Horseback Field Trials
Share a fun or proud moment with your dog(s).
I’ve won a lot all over the country, but my most memorable was probably winning my first Horseback Championship with my dog, “Cooler”, and piloting my girl, “Reason” 2nd place in the 2024 AKC All Pointing Breed National Walking Gun Dog Championship among 63 dogs.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women new to upland hunting or dog training?
If I could give one piece of advice to a woman who was new to pointing dogs, I would suggest finding a mentor. Find someone who inspires you, trains to the level you want your dog to be trained to, and hunts/competes with class and sportsmanship. Our community would be prone to growing more if we all had a mentor to help, educate, push, and inspire us.
What’s in your vest?
Shells. I don’t shoot a lot of wild birds. I tend to enjoy the dog work a bit too much as I frequently don’t take shots.
Any must-have gear you never leave home without?
A staple gun can save you big time if you feel able.
Favorite snack or lucky charm?
An apple and a protein shake can make me last all day in the land of wild birds.
Favorite upland hunting memory?
I love shooting the first wild bird for each of my dogs, but there’s something about the moment the first bird of each upland season is pointed that burns its way into my memory.
What role does conservation play in your upland journey?
Conservation is what is keeping our public lands as available as they are.
Anything else you’d like to share?
There’s no phrase I like to use more than “atta’ girl.” I wish more of our world was filled with women supporting other women!