Mentorship is more than just teaching skills. At HerUpland, it’s a powerful way to build confidence, grow community, and help more women feel at home in the uplands.
Why Mentorship Matters
Upland hunting, bird dog training, and shooting sports can feel intimidating at first. Many women don’t have someone to guide them through those first experiences. That’s where mentorship comes in.
A good mentor offers more than knowledge—they offer support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. With someone walking beside you, it’s easier to ask questions, make mistakes, and keep learning.
What Mentorship Builds
Mentorship helps women gain practical field skills. From handling a firearm safely to reading bird habitat and training a dog, mentors pass on valuable experience. However, they also provide something deeper. Connection.
Through shared moments in the field, around the campfire, and even online, mentorship builds lasting friendships. These relationships make women feel welcome, seen, and valued. That’s the foundation of a strong community.
Mentorship That Comes Full Circle
One of the most meaningful aspects of HerUpland’s mentorship model is that many of our mentors didn’t start out as experts—they started as participants.
They came to a dog training day, signed up for a hunt camp, or tuned into a Zoom Room session with curiosity, questions, and maybe even some nerves. But through those first experiences, they found something more than just skill-building. They found encouragement, belonging, and the powerful realization that they could do this.
These women—who once looked up to mentors—often leave their first event inspired to give back. Over time, they step into leadership roles, not because they know everything, but because they remember what it felt like to be new. That empathy makes them exceptional mentors.
Take Shelby Isensee, for example. She first attended HerUpland’s Midwest Dog Training Day and later participated in a Mountain Grouse Hunt Camp. Those early experiences connected her with other women and mentors who saw her potential. With that support, she grew her skills and confidence in the field—and realized she wanted to help others do the same.
Now, she’s not only a mentor, but also the Midwest Regional CoordinatHER, a Feather Foundation MakeHER, and an ongoing volunteer at national events. Her journey is a perfect example of what happens when women are encouraged, equipped, and empowered through mentorship.
This story isn’t unique—it’s happening again and again. At HerUpland, many of our leaders began exactly where you might be now: curious, a little unsure, but eager to learn. That’s why our programs are intentionally designed to support this kind of growth—from first steps to full-circle leadership.
How HerUpland Supports Mentorship
At HerUpland, mentorship is not a side note—it’s built into the foundation of everything we do. From the field to the screen, every touchpoint is designed to connect, educate, and uplift.
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Hunt Camps, Wingshooting Clinics & Dog Training Events
These immersive experiences offer more than technical training—they create real-life opportunities for women to build confidence alongside experienced mentors. Whether you’re learning to shoot, handle your dog, or navigate your first wild bird hunt, you’re never doing it alone. -
HerUpland Network
Our private online network keeps mentorship and education going long after the event ends. Members can connect, ask questions, and access exclusive content designed to support continued growth. Plus, your membership directly funds our scholarship programs—making it possible for more women and youth to experience the uplands. -
Feather Foundation
This program is all about reducing barriers. Whether it’s help covering event costs or providing essential gear, the Feather Foundation ensures that more women—regardless of their background—have access to the mentorship, training, and support they need to succeed.
How You Can Get Involved
Whether you’re new or experienced, there’s a place for you. Mentors don’t need to know everything—they just need to care and be willing to share.
Here’s how to take part:
- Sign up for an event
- Apply to be a mentor or volunteer
- Offer encouragement to others in the field
Together, we grow.
Mentorship Is the Heartbeat of HerUpland
When women mentor other women, something powerful happens. Skills improve. Confidence grows. And community thrives.
That’s the power of mentorship in the uplands.