Mentor. Uplander. Conservationist. Midwest CoordinatHER.
Meet Shelby Isensee — a powerhouse in the upland space whose journey from a childhood spent in the Minnesota outdoors to leading women in the field is as inspiring as it is impactful.
Shelby’s story is rooted in a lifelong love for the outdoors, cultivated through hunting, fishing, and shooting sports with her family. That passion led her to pursue degrees in Natural Resource Law Enforcement and Biological Sciences, where she focused her graduate research on maximizing women’s retention in hunting and fishing. Today, she puts her knowledge into action as the Nebraska Hunting and Shooting R3 Coordinator for the National Wild Turkey Federation, helping introduce and retain hunters in meaningful, lasting ways.
Her journey with HerUpland began as a participant, but it wasn’t long before Shelby stepped up as a mentor, volunteer, and now the Midwest Regional CoordinatHER. Through each role, she’s committed to ensuring other women feel the same sense of belonging, confidence, and community that transformed her own upland experience.
Whether she’s mentoring new hunters, running events, or celebrating the special moments in the field with her family’s Labs, Shelby leads with purpose, passion, and an unwavering belief that there’s space for every woman in the uplands.
Based in Nebraska
Currently Labrador-powered, soon-to-be Pudelpointer mom
Follow her journey: @slizenc10
Meet Shelby!
I was born and raised in southeastern Minnesota, where I developed my love and passion for the outdoors. Growing up, my parents and sister always got me involved in a variety of outdoor activities such as hunting (waterfowl, turkeys, and deer), shooting sports, fishing, kayaking, and more! I continued my passion for the outdoors by attending South Dakota State University where I got my B.S. in Natural Resource Law Enforcement and M.S. in Biological Sciences in Natural Resource Management. My master’s project focused on maximizing women’s hunting and fishing retention by determining effective aspects of programming and mapping women’s groups across the Mountain-Prairie Region. Additionally, I became a mentor in shooting sports as well as waterfowl and upland hunting during my college years. I continue to share my expertise and passion for hunting and shooting sports to this day and continue my work in the R3 space as the Nebraska Hunting and Shooting R3 Coordinator for the National Wild Turkey Federation in partnership with Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
How did you get into upland hunting?
My first upland hunting experience was at a Grouse Camp in northern Wisconsin with the Ruffed Grouse Society. From there, I continued to grow my upland experiences by pursuing different species in different states and environments.
How has this journey impacted your life?
My upland journey has increased my confidence and competence, strengthened my connection to conservation, and introduced me to a supportive community. Upland hunting has expanded my skills, established lifelong friendships, and fueled my passion for mentoring others.
How are you involved with HerUpland?
Currently, I am the Midwest Regional CoordinatHer, a Feather Foundation MakeHer, and volunteer for other events.
Are you a participant, mentor, volunteer, or all of the above?
I started out as a participant with HerUpland attending the Midwest Dog Training Day and Mountain Grouse Hunt Camp, but shortly after I knew I wanted to be more involved and became a mentor. I recently decided I wanted to step up and be the Midwest Regional Coordinator and volunteer at other national events to assist with promoting the mission of HerUpland.
What’s your most memorable experience with HerUpland? 
Being part of HerUpland has shown me the power of a supportive community in a way I never knew I needed. I know what it feels like to be told you don’t belong in hunting or shooting, but here, every individual is valued, encouraged, and empowered. It’s more than just hunting and shooting. It’s about connection, growth, and ensuring everyone feels the same support I’ve been fortunate enough to experience, especially during times when I thought about not continuing my upland journey due to the negative comments from others.
What breed(s) do you have, and what do you love most about them?
My family has Labrador Retrievers. I am excited to start the process of getting my first birddog of my own, which will be a Pudelpointer.
Share a fun or proud moment with your dog(s).
It was a tough day of hunting in South Dakota, but I needed one more duck to finish out my limit. I went back to a spot I had hunted a few days prior that was loaded with various ducks. As all of the ducks got up, I focused on one particular Mallard. After I shot twice at the Drake Mallard, it sailed about 75 yards away before falling out of the sky and falling into cattails. I immediately called my dad telling him I needed our Labrador, Regal. I took her downwind of where I thought the Mallard went down and within 10 seconds she had her nose in the air sniffing, so I knew she was onto it. I told her to search and let her work through the cattails. After a short wait, she came out of the cattails with the Drake Mallard in her mouth. I wish I could’ve stopped time and taken a picture as the afternoon sun was glowing off her and the duck. In that moment, I was telling her “good girl” then a glimmer of sparkle caught my eye. As she got closer, I realized that the Mallard was banded! It was my first band ever and it meant the world having Regal work perfect to find that Mallard for me with my dad watching from the shore nearby.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women new to upland hunting or dog training?
My advice to women new to upland hunting: “Don’t let setbacks or challenges stop you. Every hunt is a learning experience, and perseverance will get you where you want to be. Believe in yourself and know that you are capable of doing anything you set your mind to. Always remember, you’re not alone. The HerUpland community is always here to support and guide you every step of the way.”
What’s in your vest?
I fill my vest with anything I may need for the hunt including a stocking hat/headband, 2 different sets of gloves, knife/leatherman, toilet paper, first aid kits (human and dog), water, shells, extra ponytails, and licenses.
Any must-have gear you never leave home without?
Wild rag and rechargeable hand warmers, especially late season.
Favorite snack or lucky charm?
My favorite snack is smoked duck/goose.
Favorite upland hunting memory?
It was a beautiful day at the end of November with clear skies, temperatures in the low-50’s, and a gentle breeze. My friend, Tyler, and I had headed out to my favorite public piece in South Dakota with his American Brittany, Willa. We were walking through the tall grass prairie before hitting a few strips of corn. As we got to the end of the corn strip, numerous pheasants flushed with their wings hitting the cornstalks and their cackles piercing the silence. Unfortunately, none of them were close enough for a shot so we crossed the bard-wired fence into another portion of tall grass prairie. Shooting light was coming to an end as the sun set on the horizon. I was taking in the various colors of the glowing sunset as we worked the field and losing hope at harvesting my first wild pheasant. Suddenly, Willa darted in front of me and continued to trot behind me. I stopped and watched her work as she was birdy and within seconds, she froze, going on point. I took her steady point in for a second before all of my nerves and adrenaline kicked in as I saw a rooster through the tall grass with Willa just feet away. I slowly crept up behind Willa with my thumb on the safety of my Weatherby Orion and finger ready by the trigger. Tyler looked at me saying, “This one is all you.” As I got closer, the rooster flushed making the iconic cackling sound they are known for. I swiftly brought my gun to my shoulder, switched my safety off, and shot the rooster. Within one shot, the rooster went down and the biggest smile appeared on my face as Tyler handed me my first rooster.
What role does conservation play in your upland journey?
Conservation is important in my upland journey to ensure that there is suitable habitat for species to reproduce and maintain sustainable populations year after year. and hunters to access. These factors are important because they enable hunters to access these habitats, increasing their chances of harvesting their target species while ensuring wildlife populations remain available for hunting.Are you involved in any habitat restoration or conservation organizations?
I am involved with other conservation organizations including the National Wild Turkey Foundation, Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock Society, Pheasants & Quail Forever, and Ducks Unlimited.
How do you personally contribute to conservation efforts?
I contribute to conservation efforts by having annual memberships, attend banquets, and donate to organizations that align with my interests and values. Additionally, I volunteer my time when I am able to assist with events, banquets, or projects.