Mentor. Volunteer. Bird Dog Devotee.
From the mountains of western Montana to the fields of NAVHDA tests, Rachel Willard is a dedicated mentor and volunteer whose upland journey is powered by purpose—and two incredible bird dogs.
Rachel first entered the hunting world through big game, learning alongside her husband, Andrew. But everything changed when they brought home their first bird dog, Sage, a Pudelpointer. That single moment sparked a deep passion not only for upland hunting, but for the training, partnership, and adventure that comes with working dogs in wild places.
Since then, her life has been transformed. From NAVHDA testing and public land bird hunting to mentoring at Pointing Dog Camps and Montana Grouse Camp, Rachel has poured her heart into the HerUpland community. Whether she’s guiding a new handler, tracking down a wounded bird with Basil (her German Wirehaired Pointer), or crafting feather projects for the Feather Foundation, Rachel leads with humility, passion, and a commitment to helping others rise.
Volunteering with HerUpland, she says, has allowed her to give back in the most meaningful way—by lifting up other women just as she was once lifted.
Based in western Montana
Bird Dog Team: Sage the Pudelpointer & Basil the GWP
“HerUpland gave me confidence, connection, and a path to grow. Now I get to pass that on.”
Follow her journey:@rnwillard24
Meet Rachel!
I grew up in Colorado but moved to western Montana four years ago with my husband, Andrew. We now live in a small town south of Missoula, where I work as a physical therapist. Outside of work, our lives revolve around our bird dogs and the outdoors. We spend our free time training for NAVHDA tests, hunting upland birds and big game, and exploring the beautiful mountains near our home through camping and hiking.I grew up in Colorado but moved to western Montana four years ago with my husband, Andrew. We now live in a small town south of Missoula, where I work as a physical therapist. Outside of work, our lives revolve around our bird dogs and the outdoors. We spend our free time training for NAVHDA tests, hunting upland birds and big game, and exploring the beautiful mountains near our home through camping and hiking.
How did you get into upland hunting?
I was first introduced to hunting by my husband, Andrew. When he wanted to spend more time in the field, I decided to learn alongside him. We started with big game hunting, primarily deer in Nebraska, and dabbled in pheasant hunting—but without dogs, it wasn’t nearly as enjoyable. After a few outings, we quickly realized that bird hunting without a dog just wasn’t the experience we were looking for.
Knowing that a well-trained hunting dog would make all the difference, we waited until our schedules allowed us to fully commit to training and caring for one. In March 2021, we brought home our first bird dog, Sage, a Pudelpointer. The process of training and hunting with her was so rewarding that just four months later, we added a second puppy—Basil, a German Wirehaired Pointer.
Since then, we’ve spent countless hours training, hunting, and building an incredible partnership with our dogs. What started as a way to spend more time outdoors has turned into a true passion for upland hunting and working with bird dogs.
What drew you to the upland community?
I’ve always had a deep love for dogs—especially working dogs and the process of training them. While I truly enjoyed getting into big game hunting, my passion lies in upland bird hunting with my dogs. Watching them develop their skills, gain confidence, and grow season after season is incredibly rewarding. Their companionship, drive, and intelligence make every hunt more meaningful. Simply put, I love upland hunting because I love hunting with my dogs.
How has this journey impacted your life?
My journey into the bird dog and upland world has completely transformed my life. Since bringing home our first bird dog, everything we do revolves around them. In the spring and summer, we dedicate our time to training for NAVHDA tests, and once fall arrives, every free moment is spent chasing wild birds.
Caring for and working with our dogs has become my daily focus—ensuring they get the exercise, training, and mental stimulation they need to thrive. With each season, my passion for bird dogs and hunting has only deepened, and I aspire to turn that passion into a professional training career in the future.
How are you involved with HerUpland?
This year will be my fourth year participating in a HerUpland Pointing Dog camp (Puppy camp, Intermediate camp twice, and the upcoming Invitational camp) and my fourth year as a MT Grouse Camp field mentor. I also make feather projects for the Feathers Foundation.
Are you a participant, mentor, volunteer, or all of the above?
All of the Above!
What’s your most memorable experience with HerUpland?
I’ve had many incredible experiences with HerUpland, but one of my favorites was at my first Pointing Dog Camp. I attended Puppy Camp with Sage when she was just five months old, and at the time, she was hesitant about swimming. I had voiced my concerns and was eager to work on building her confidence in the water.
One day, we took the puppies to a pond with a gentle, sloping bank. We tossed a bumper into the water, and to my surprise, Sage’s competitive drive kicked in—overpowering her hesitation. She launched herself in, swimming furiously past another puppy to reach the bumper first.
I was elated! Seeing her conquer that challenge was an unforgettable moment, and I was so grateful for the experience and support at camp that has lead to a multi-year journey of training and hunting.
What does being part of HerUpland mean to you?
I am incredibly grateful for the countless people who have invested in me throughout my upland hunting and dog training journey. Being part of HerUpland gives me the opportunity to pay that forward, sharing what I’ve learned while continuing to grow alongside an amazing community of women. I love being connected with others who share the same passion, and through HerUpland, I’ve built lifelong friendships that I truly cherish.
What breed(s) do you have, and what do you love most about them?
I have two incredible bird dogs—Sage, a Pudelpointer, and Basil, a German Wirehaired Pointer. I love everything about these high-drive, versatile hunting breeds. They are relentless workers, full of energy and determination, able to power through tough hunting conditions and challenging training scenarios without hesitation. Yet, they’re also affectionate, friendly companions who share my passion for bird hunting.
Together, they make the perfect team, each with their own strengths. When I’m chasing ruffed grouse, pheasants, or ducks, Sage is my go-to partner. But for wide-open country pursuits—sharptailed grouse, dusky grouse, Hungarian partridge, or chukar—Basil is my girl. No matter the species or terrain, these two make every hunt an adventure, and I couldn’t ask for better partners in the field.
Do you compete in any events (hunt tests, field trials, NAVHDA, etc)?
I compete in NAVHDA events, including NA, UT, and the Invitational coming up this year
Share a fun or proud moment with your dog(s).
Last hunting season, my husband and I were pheasant hunting with a friend in a sprawling marsh, thick with towering grasses and dense reeds. The recent freeze had finally firmed up the water, allowing us to push into the heavy cover where birds had been flushing wild for weeks.
My husband worked the far side with our Pudelpointer, Sage, while I hunted with our German Wirehaired Pointer, Basil. Our friend moved in from another angle with his young black Lab. We each approached from different sides, hoping to funnel the birds toward the center and create shot opportunities for one another.
Suddenly, I heard the unmistakable rush of wings ahead. A pheasant flushed hard to my left, cutting across the marsh. I shouldered my gun, fired, and watched the bird drop—but I knew it wasn’t a clean hit. Carefully marking the spot where it fell, I made my way through the thick cover with Basil at my side, knowing all too well how easily a wounded bird could disappear in terrain like this.
When we reached the area, there was no bird in sight. Remembering our NAVHDA Utility Test training, I gave Basil the command, “Get it!” She immediately got to work, her nose sweeping through the tangled vegetation. Moments later, she froze—locked on point in a dense cluster of grass. “Get it! Fetch!” I urged. She lunged in, but the rooster burst out the other side, just out of her view.
What followed was an agonizing game of cat-and-mouse. The pheasant weaved through the reeds, using every trick in the book to escape, but Basil was relentless. For seven long minutes, she tracked, pursued, and closed in—until finally, she caught the rooster and delivered it proudly to hand.
I was overjoyed and so proud of this dog. Her determination and skill had made the difference. That season, we didn’t lose a single wounded pheasant, and it was all thanks to Basil’s tenacious, tireless bird recovery.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women new to upland hunting or dog training?
Find friends who are farther into their bird hunting/dog training journey than you, who have their hunting styles, training styles, and dog work that you like, and spend as much time with them as you can, asking questions and taking initiative to learn from them.
What’s in your vest?
I carry a lot of water for me and my dogs, a lot of ammo so I never have to worry about running out of shells, my Garmin handheld, field first aid kit, hemostats for removing thorns and cactus, snare cutters, a spare leash, a few granola bars, and dog treats. 
Any must-have gear you never leave home without?
Other than the obvious answers of my gun, dog, and GPS collars, we never leave home without our collection of “get truck unstuck” tools, including traction boards, shovels, chains, and a tow strap… all of which have come in handy to help ourselves and others!
Favorite snack or lucky charm?
Pringles! My husband and I plan for one can of pringles each day on our hunting trips… sometimes I buy 8 cans at a time!
Favorite upland hunting memory?
One of my most unforgettable moments from last hunting season happened with a friend I met through HerUpland camps, Jessie. Just a few weeks before our hunt, Jessie had earned a NAVHDA “Versatile Champion” title with her dog, Olive, while I had achieved a “Prize I” Utility score with Sage. We set out for a mountain grouse hunt with a shared goal: “good dog work.” We agreed to only take shots if the dogs performed exceptionally, finding and holding the birds.
After a few wild flushes, I heard the familiar trill of my Garmin handheld—Sage was on point. I signaled to Jessie, who called Olive closer. As we neared Sage, Olive instinctively moved into a solid point, backing Sage as she held her birds. We both readied our guns and carefully edged past the dogs. When the birds flushed into the woods, we shot, each bringing down a dusky grouse in midair.
Elation surged through me as I watched Sage remain steady through the flush, gun shots, and fall of the birds. She beautifully recovered and retrieved my bird, while Olive delivered Jessie’s bird to her as well. In that moment, Jessie and I shared a profound sense of pride as we celebrated the culmination of hours spent training these remarkable dogs. Their exceptional work had led us to success in more ways than one. It was a memory I’ll always treasure, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the connections I’ve made through HerUpland.
What role does conservation play in your upland journey?
I see firsthand how habitat quality directly impacts bird populations and, in turn, the hunting experience. Healthy ecosystems mean more opportunities for dogs to develop their natural abilities and for hunters to enjoy a more sustainable pursuit.
Are you involved in any habitat restoration or conservation organizations?
I am a member of Pheasants Forever.
How do you personally contribute to conservation efforts?
I support conservation efforts by promoting ethical hunting practices, advocating for habitat preservation, and encouraging responsible land stewardship. We are mindful to never shoot all the birds out of a covey or family group, and we don’t re-hunt the same areas multiple times in each season. We use Boss non-toxic ammo and solid copper bullets when upland and big game hunting to reduce the effects of lead on the environment to ensure that future generations of hunters and their dogs can continue to experience the uplands as they were meant to be.