Amanda is a HerUpland board member and badass bird hunter. She was nominated for this HighlightHer segment by her close friend and mentee, Beth Sanders. In Beth’s own words, Amanda is exceptional because of “her dedication to everything she does. Amanda gives 100% to hunting, her communities, and her passions.” Read on to learn more about Ms. Ponti.
1. Describe a typical day in your life
My day starts with the ear shakes of two black dogs, followed by a long day of work in my home office as a Healthcare IT Project Manager. The work day ends with a dog run on some private land I am blessed to have access to. Then it’s home to do some unwinding while whipping up something mostly homemade for dinner and I wrap up my day in the backyard hammock with a book and 4 silky ears that needs scratched while I swing.
2. How did you get into hunting and/or dog training?
I got into dog training after I purchased my German Shorthair and wanted to be able to give her the ability to do what she was bread to do.
3. If you’ve attended a HerUpland Event(s), which one and what did you enjoy most about that event?
I worked the HerUpland Booth at Pheasant Fest (come visit us in Sioux Falls in 2024), and recently attended the HerUpland Rendezvous in Montana. Both events were my favorite and for the same reason, HerUpland allows a connection to such tremendous women who are doing such incredible things while also making space to support other women and I am so grateful to be a part of that.
4. What’s your Bird Dog Breed of choice, and why?
I own both a German Shorthair and a German Wirehair. I would say my next puppy will be a wirehair because I love their consistency, off switch, willingness to please and ability to tolerate the cold. However, I’d love to own a Cocker one days so I don’t know that I am that breed committed.
5. Name one thing you’d like to accomplish with your dog in the next year.
My highest priority this year is enjoying a successful and enjoyable hunting season, while spending as many days in the field behind my birddog as possible. I am tossing around the idea of rerunning my wirehair in the NAVHDA UT test, but that’s undecided at this point, so I’d say that’s a goal in pencil, but not in pen yet.
6. What is your favorite upland or bird dog product on the market right now?
My Decked drawer system is my favorite product right now. I just recently got it switched from training to hunting mode and I am so happy with all the organization and storage it provides me while knowing my stuff will not get wet, damaged, or stolen.
