Steady to Wing 2022
From Chloe…
Our first Steady to Wing was magical.
I watched as a dozen girls saw a bird dog go on point for the first time.
I watched as girls took aim and shot their first pheasants.
I squealed and laughed and cried along as we all celebrated every shot, whether there was a bird down or not.
I saw the smiles and confidence in each woman as they took to the field.
I saw the goosebumps and the misty eyes of the mentors, some of whom have been afield longer than we've been alive, as they watched these girls move through the field.
I saw the awe in the girls' eyes as they saw pointing dogs work.
I felt an immense amount of pride this weekend.
I am proud of the women for going outside of their comfort zones and trying something new. Something for themselves.
I am proud of all of the volunteers, some of them my old friends and many of them my new friends, who were the backbone of this event.
I am proud of myself and honored for having some small hand in getting these women into the field.
I cannot imagine a better event.
Thank you so much to @rosetimmer and @gallatinvalleypheasantsforever for helping make this dream a reality.
Thank you to our sponsors and volunteers for creating an amazing space for the women to learn and grow.
Thank you to Sandborn's Fish Kreek Ranch game preserve for allowing us to use your beautiful land to show these women a taste of upland hunting.
And of course, thank you to each and every woman who showed up for this event. Your willing and positive attitudes were what really made the event what it was. Your honesty, hard work, and kindness towards one another was beyond what we could have ever imagined for this event. I cannot say this enough– I am proud of all of you and would gladly share the field with you any day.
Thank you thank you thank you. My heart is truly full.
<3 cn
Chloe Nostrant is the managing editor and creative director for Raconteur. She is a photographer by trade and a writer at heart. She lives in Livingston, Montana with her Gordon Setter and Griffon.