Are you ready to step outside your comfort zone, learn new skills, and experience the thrill of upland bird hunting alongside a powerful group of adventurous women? Join us in the stunning area of Decorah, Iowa for a weekend designed to build your confidence, fuel your sense of adventure, and deepen your connection to the outdoors.

Friday: Arrival + Trap Shooting & Firearms Skills
We’ll kick things off with a fun and empowering afternoon at the range. You’ll get comfortable with trap shooting, perfect practice for upland bird hunting, and have the chance to try your hand at the rifle and handgun range. No experience? No problem. Our instructors will guide you every step of the way, ensuring a safe and encouraging environment for all skill levels.

Saturday: Upland Bird Hunt
The real adventure begins as we head to a private hunting preserve to test our skills in the field. You’ll hunt ring-necked pheasant and chukar, two fast and exciting upland species. With expert guidance and a supportive group of women by your side, you’ll experience the excitement of the hunt in a way that feels both empowering and unforgettable. After our time outdoors, we’ll wind down in the charming town of Decorah. This hidden gem is full of warm hospitality, with cozy shops, excellent restaurants, and unique local wineries and breweries. Whether you’re relaxing with a glass of wine or exploring the streets with your new friends, every moment will be part of the adventure.

What Makes This Experience Unique:

• Open to all experience levels, from total beginners to seasoned outdoorswomen
   
• Emphasis on learning and confidence-building
   
• Expert outfitters and instructors who prioritize safety and empowerment
   
• Small group size (8 women max) for a personalized, connected experience
   
• Time to relax and enjoy the local area!
   
• Expert instruction and guided upland hunt
   
• Trap shooting, rifle, and handgun range access
   
• Comfortable lodging
   
• Evening outings in Decorah
   

This is more than a hunting trip, it’s a chance to invest in yourself, make lifelong friendships, and discover a new side of who you are. Whether you’re looking to try something new, grow your skills, or simply spend a weekend outdoors with an inspiring group of women, this trip is for you.

Only 8 spots available! 

Why Her Wilderness?

Since 2019, Her Wilderness has been redefining the outdoor space for women. Our mission is to empower women through meaningful outdoor experiences, whether that’s hunting, fishing, hiking, or simply stepping into nature with confidence. Every trip we offer is designed to help you grow, connect, and feel truly alive. We know outdoor adventures can feel intimidating, especially if you’re new to it. That’s why our trips are women-only, designed to be welcoming, safe, and encouraging. No judgment. No pressure. Just a group of like-minded women supporting each other as we explore new skills and discover new passions.

Iowa has a long and proud history of pheasant hunting, dating back to 1925. This year marks the 100th anniversary of pheasant season in the state, making it a perfect time to be part of the tradition. We’ll be hunting the ring-necked pheasant, a classic game bird known for its beauty and challenge. In addition, we’ll pursue chukar, a non-native upland bird raised on the private preserve for exciting and ethical hunting opportunities.

• Ring-necked pheasant: Daily limit of 3 roosters  
• Chukar: Available on-site for additional opportunities  
• Hunting hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  
• Location: Private preserve near Decorah, Iowa

The lodging accommodations that are included in your trip are always tailored to women looking for a welcoming and spacious atmosphere to foster friendships! Our cozy accommodations offer ample room to relax and unwind, featuring large common areas where you can connect with fellow guests.  When selecting a space, we prioritize spaces that create a serene escape, complemented by shared amenities that encourage camaraderie and comfort. You’ll find well-maintained shared bedrooms and bathrooms, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone. Please note that during this trip, you may need to share a bed / bedroom with another participant. We appreciate your understanding as this helps foster a sense of camaraderie and community among all attendees. Feel free to socialize in the kitchen and living areas or enjoy the fresh air outside. Whether you’re joining us for a quick weekend getaway or an extended stay, we strive to choose an environment that nurtures a sense of community while providing all the comforts of home. Embrace the chance to make new friends and create lasting memories during this unique experience! Once you connect with your trip coordinator, they will share more specific details about your lodging accommodations.

Yes, we know this part might seem a bit tedious, but it’s important! We kindly ask that everyone who registers for a trip visits the FAQs and Policy page on our website. If you sign up for a trip without reviewing this information, it’s your responsibility. There’s a wealth of valuable information there that could influence your decision. Please make sure to check out all the FAQs and Policies on our website before signing up for a trip with us. Thank you!

We want to ensure that every trip with Her Wilderness is enjoyable and memorable, but we acknowledge that sometimes things don’t go as planned. Mother Nature has a significant impact on our outdoor adventures, so we encourage you to approach each trip with a positive attitude and a "go with the flow" mindset. If this feels unreasonable to you, we kindly ask that you reconsider registering for our events. Weather can be unpredictable, affecting activities like hiking, hunting, and fishing, and our top priority is always your safety. For instance, if your trip is focused on duck hunting but our guide believes a goose hunt is more feasible, we will follow their expert recommendation. If this kind of flexibility is not something you're comfortable with, we encourage you to think twice about joining us. We expect all participants to maintain a positive attitude, regardless of the circumstances. Many of our trips have faced changes, cancellations, or rescheduling, yet the understanding and adaptability of the group have made all the difference that still allows for an incredible experience! We take pride in creating fun experiences, even in challenging situations. Please be aware that our trips may involve sharing accommodations with others, unpredictable weather that could impact planned activities, limited bathroom facilities for larger groups, and the possibility of not harvesting the specific animal you hoped for. These are real scenarios that can arise, and while we’ll do our best to minimize issues, they can happen. We strive to maintain a drama-free and stress-free environment. If any participant brings negativity or drama, they will be asked to leave without a refund and will not be allowed to return. Our goal is to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and valued, so we ask for your cooperation in keeping a cool, calm, and collected attitude throughout the trip. We truly appreciate each of our customers and are committed to providing the best possible experience for all participants. Thank you for understanding, and we look forward to creating unforgettable memories together!  

We’re thrilled to announce a new booking and payment system aimed at enhancing your experience! Starting October 1, 2024, all trip registrations will be processed through WeTravel. Once you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email via the WeTravel platform. Your trip coordinator will then reach out with detailed information about your adventure and schedule two virtual video meetings for all trip attendees. The coordinator will share their email and other contact information with you at their discretion, so please respect their boundaries and contact them only through the provided information. A quick reminder: personal social media profiles are not the best way to reach out to your coordinator. During the virtual meetings, hosted on Google Meet, you’ll discuss important details such as packing lists, travel plans, and more. To ensure smooth communication, please register with a valid email address that you check regularly. If you have any questions or need assistance regarding the trip, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at questions@herwilderness.co. We look forward to making your experience exceptional!

We’ll arrive at our Airbnb at 4:00 p.m. and get settled in. Once everyone has unpacked, we’ll head out to the trap range from 4:00–7:00 p.m. to shoot two rounds and warm up our skills for the hunt. Afterward, we’ll enjoy dinner together at one of Decorah’s local restaurants and spend the evening getting to know each other. You can decide how late you’d like to stay out, as we don’t have an early morning the next day.

This morning we’ll enjoy a slower start with time to make coffee, grab breakfast, and prepare for the day. By 9:00 a.m. we’ll meet our guides at the game farm for a full upland bird hunt. We’ll be after ring-necked pheasants and chukar, with pointing dogs to help locate birds and maximize our time in the field. After the hunt, our guides will walk us through the process of cleaning our birds so you can go home confident in your skills—and with your harvest ready to cook! (Don’t forget to bring bags or a cooler.)

Once we’ve wrapped up at the preserve, we’ll head back to Decorah to freshen up and enjoy the afternoon exploring this charming town. With cozy shops, local restaurants, and a great selection of wineries and breweries, there will be plenty of opportunities to relax and celebrate the day together.

After one last morning together, we’ll pack up and check out of our Airbnb. Depending on timing, you may want to grab breakfast or coffee in town before beginning the journey home. While this is a departure day, you’ll leave with new skills, confidence, and friendships to carry forward.

✨ Optional Add-On Experience ✨
Want to make the most of your weekend? You can extend your adventure with an extra morning hunt on Sunday for just $125 per person! This is the perfect opportunity to spend a little more time in the field, sharpen your skills alongside our guides, and bring home even more memories (and birds!). Spots are limited, so be sure to reserve your add-on before the trip begins!