S2W

Steady to Wing is a women-focused upland hunting workshop held annually in the Gallatin Valley of southwestern Montana. The event brings together beginners and experienced hunters for an intensive 2.5-day experience that covers everything from gun safety to field hunting over pointing dogs.

The weekend splits across three locations in the Bozeman area:

• •Friday evening in Bozeman: Cocktail hour and wild game cooking lesson
• •Saturday morning in Bozeman: Classroom sessions covering habitat, conservation, ethics, strategy, and storytelling
• •Saturday afternoon in Logan, MT at Gallatin Sporting Clays: Shooting instruction and clay shooting practice
• •Sunday near Bozeman: Field training day hunting planted birds over trained bird dogs

Instructors cover:

• •Gun handling and safety fundamentals
• •Shooting technique (clay and live bird)
• •Habitat and conservation principles
• •Hunting over pointing dogs
• •Gear selection and use
• •Wild game cooking
• •Hunting ethics and strategy
• •Storytelling and community

Unlike most women's hunting programs, Steady to Wing actually takes you hunting. The Sunday field day uses preserve land near Bozeman managed in partnership with MSU and Gallatin Valley Pheasants Forever. You'll train over professional bird dogs handled by experienced mentors—meaning you focus on hunting while the volunteers handle dog work.

"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." — Chloe Nostrant, event organizer

Optional: If you own firearms or hunting gear, bring them to learn on what you'll actually use.

Montana Upland Hunting License Required - Residents and non-residents both eligible - Buy online at fwp.mt.gov - If you've never taken Hunter Education, complete it before the workshop - Find courses at fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/hunter

Lodging Not included, but the workshop suggests booking in Bozeman early—rooms and AirBnBs fill quickly. Saturday classes are held on the south end of Bozeman near campus and downtown.

Your Dog Stays Home Don't bring your own bird dog. Mentors bring trained dogs so you can focus on hunting and learning without managing dog handling.

The program is run by Chloe Nostrant in partnership with Gallatin Valley Pheasants Forever, a chapter committed to upland game bird conservation. The workshop started as a dream to introduce women to upland hunting in a structured, welcoming environment where beginners and veterans can learn together.

The organizing philosophy is simple: skill-building, confidence-building, and community. Every volunteer and instructor is there because they care about bringing more people into the field.

Steady to Wing accepts sponsors for various needs: - Participant tuition scholarships - Training birds for the preserve - Meals for participants - Equipment or instruction support

Contact Rose Timmer for sponsorship info.