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.
California
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.
Illustrator – Michigan
Naomi Coates is a Michigan native who is always attempting to capture her love for the outdoors and hunting through her illustrations. She resides in the midst of being afield, raising a family, working as a nurse, and creating art
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.
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.
West Virginia
I’m a mom and attorney in Charleston, West Virginia. My husband and I live on a small farm with our four dogs; Wyatt (Gordon Setter) and Grant (American Black Lab) are our hunting partners and Boone and Chase are enjoying retirement. I’ve always had a passion for dogs, but fell in love with the uplands and shooting sports during the pandemic. I’m so excited to be part of HerUpland and to play a small role in advancing this wonderful mission with such strong and like-minded women. I can’t wait to get in the field with our MembHers!
Podcast Host – North Carolina
Terry Ann is passionate about all things related to performance dogs, dog sports, and bird hunting. She currently owns a nine year old vizsla named Zara. When she first got Zara as a puppy, she had no intention of training her for hunting. When Zara was two years old, she entered her in a Junior Hunter Test at her breeder’s encouragement. With little training, Zara did exceptionally well and she found herself amazed watching Zara’s natural ability. Soon after, she decided that she wanted to train Zara to a more advanced level and that began a long journey that has taken her places she never imagined.
Terry Ann and Zara have participated in AKC and UKC field trials, AKC hunt tests, and the NAVHDA Utility Test and Invitational. They enjoy woodcock and duck hunting in the winter. Terry Ann has been a member of NAVHDA for five years and volunteers regularly at monthly training days and tests. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and their other dog, a Rhodesian ridgeback named Colombo.
