Steady to Wing

In upland hunting, ‘steady to wing’ is a term used when a pointing dog goes on point and holds steady until the bird flushes.

To us, it’s so much more than just that…

Steady to wing for us is that moment of achievement. Your hard work has paid off. You were able to successfully locate birds, your dog picked up the scent– the training days paid off– and now you are just a split second away from having that pheasant, grouse, or Hun, take flight out of that sage brush and then it’s between you and the bird. It is a beautiful moment, one that we all hold our breath for.

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Learn from the experts about Habitat | Conservation | Cooking

Gun Safety | Shooting | Hunting Over Dogs | Gear

Storytelling … and more

What will we do?

Throughout two and a half days you will get the chance to meet other like-minded women, learn about cooking, habitat, and conservation, spend time at the range shooting clays and to learn about gun handling and safety, and spend a day with mentors training over dogs. Other topics include gear, ethics, strategy, storytelling, and more.

Will we actually hunt?

Though pheasant season does not open until October in Montana, we will have the chance to train on planted birds on a property near Bozeman that is managed in partnership with MSU and GVPF. You will need a valid Montana upland license to participate in this weekend.

Do I need a hunting license?

Yes. You will need a valid Montana upland hunting license. If you have not taken Hunter’s Education yet, you must do so prior to the Steady to Wing weekend.

To buy licenses online visit: https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/hunting-licenses and select resident or non-resident.

To find an in-person or online Hunter Education course go here: https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/hunter

Where will this take place?

Friday evening’s cocktail hour and cooking lesson will take place in Bozeman, as well as Saturday morning’s classes. Shooting lessons will be at the Gallatin Sporting Clays in Logan, MT and Sunday’s training day will be near Bozeman. If you are looking for lodging, we suggest looking at places in Bozeman and booking as soon as you get your event ticket.

Is lodging included?

No. If you are coming from out of town, we suggest finding lodging as soon as you get your event ticket since rooms and AirBnBs in Bozeman can fill up quickly. Our classroom days are held on the south end of Bozeman, close to campus and downtown.

What if I have never shot a gun?

No matter if you’ve shot or not, this is a great opportunity to learn. We have a crew of amazing volunteer instructors and a fleet of easy-handling guns to properly introduce you to the shooting world. Our instructors and volunteers put safety first and foremost. It will be a safe, but low-stress environment for learning. Beginners are encouraged to sign up!

What do I bring?

Though we supply much of what is needed (food, water, other drinks, notebooks, pens, hats, hearing protection, shooting glasses, amo, etc), we still ask that you bring certain items each day.

Since we are in the classroom on Saturday morning, you may want to bring other shoes such as slippers to wear around the house until we go to the range.

For the shooting lessons on Saturday we ask that you wear sturdy close-toed shoes, bring sunglasses, and your favorite reusable water bottle. We have a handful of firearms for you to use if needed. If you have your own gun or shooting equipment, please bring it. It is nice to learn on the equipment you will be using. This is also a great opportunity for you to try out different guns and see what fits you or what you like to shoot.

For the field day on Sunday, we ask that you wear long pants (jeans or Carhartt-type pants are great) and hiking/hunting boots. We will have hunter orange for everyone (you are required to wear it on Sunday) and of course supply you with guns if needed and amo. Again, if you have your own gun, hunting vest, or any other upland gear of your own please bring it.

I have a dog, can I bring it?

No. We love our bird dogs, but for Sunday’s hunt, we are asking that your pups stay at home. Our amazing volunteers and mentors will be bringing their dogs for you to train with and they will be doing all the dog handling so you can focus on your hunting and learning. You are more than welcome to hunt grouse or Huns elsewhere in the area with your own dogs after the weekend.

How do I sign up?

Click on the box below to sign up. We will email you a confirmation and follow-up questionnaire once we get your payment! Please do not hesitate to reach out to Chloe or Rose with any questions!