34059 Sheep Camp Rd.
Bonner, MT 59823
501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit
Federal Tax ID Number:
88-1817113
CEO, Founder – Montana
From the moment her heart-dog, Briar, a spirited German Wirehaired Pointer, delivered a pheasant to her hands, Courtney Bastian knew her life was set to follow the path of feathers and fields. It was 2008, and that poignant gesture from Briar beckoned Courtney away from her camera and into the world of upland hunting with a shotgun and a passion to match the drive of her four-legged companions.
As the Founder and Executive Director of HerUpland, Courtney stands at the forefront of a movement celebrating and fostering the spirit of women and youth in the realm of upland hunting. Her journey, which took a significant turn upon moving to the expansive and wild beauty of Montana in September 2019, has been driven by a quest to connect, share, and grow with fellow upland enthusiasts. As the global pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges to forming in-person bonds, Courtney pivoted with grace and ingenuity, launching The Bird Dog Babe Podcast. This virtual gathering space became the pulse of a burgeoning community, leading to the conception and subsequent blossoming of HerUpland into a nonprofit organization by the end of 2022.
Courtney orchestrates HerUpland events with an unwavering commitment to education, hands-on experiences, and mentorship, offering hunting skills camps, wingshooting clinics, and bird dog training camps. Her vision is carved from the belief that competency and confidence are the wings upon which female and youth hunters will soar.
Her life is a tapestry of adventures alongside her husband William, and their two children, Burke and Blayre. Whether she’s navigating the uplands with her German Wirehaired Pointers, Bracchi Italianos, and a Cocker or savoring the tranquility of her Montana homestead amid chickens, Nigerian Dwarf goats, Kune Kune pigs, and her beloved Tennessee Walking and Paso Fino horses, Courtney lives her ethos of balance and passion.
Courtney’s roots in science, with a B.Sc. in Biology and Animal Science from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, have nourished her methodical approach to conservation and sustainable hunting practices. Currently, she is further sharpening her acumen by pursuing an MBA dual degree in Management and Marketing, fortifying her ability to lead HerUpland with innovative strategies and a clear vision.
A luminary in the upland hunting community, Courtney Bastian is not just forging paths for women and youth in this field but is ensuring that the trails are wide, welcoming, and wonderfully wild.
Tech management
Amanda is an adult-onset hunter who enjoys watching her beloved girls work in the field, Bentlee (GSP) and Finn (GWP). She is passionate about providing safe hunting opportunities to all willing to tag along with her. During the off-season, you can find her training bird dogs and supporting organizations whose missions align with preserving bird habitat, promoting youth hunting/shooting, and supporting women in the outdoors.
Administrative Management – Minnesota
Sam is a lifelong hunter who shifted gears to primarily upland birds in her adult life. She loves spending time hunting with her husband, Jake, and their three bird dogs; Rem (GSP), Motley (WPG), and Storm (PP). She’s passionate about conservation efforts for the birds she chases and loves the opportunity to help others get involved. When the hunting season is over, she can be found training her bird dogs and volunteering for organizations that raise money and provide educational opportunities for like-minded individuals.
Webmaster – Nevada
An Outdoorsy Introvert and Northern Nevada transplant, Amy loves being almost anywhere outside (sunshine preferred). One who is known for conversing with her dogs and following the whispers of the wind, you will find her seeking joy in life and living for the experiences. At home, she attends to the demands of 2 teen boys, Ryker and Ayden, and grabs little moments with her husband, Keith, whenever possible. Otherwise, you can find her training and working her 2 Vizslas, Jack and Beans.
California
Page started hunting as a way to commune with nature in the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. That first hunt got her hooked, and she now avidly chases western big game, waterfowl, and of course, upland birds. In the off season, Page trains her English Cocker Spaniel and has started hosting and running in spaniel field trials. Page is dedicated to building communities of women who hunt together and learn from each other.
