Every woman who’s ever stepped outside her comfort zone knows that mix of hesitation and hope that comes before trying something new. For a few Ducks Unlimited conservation leaders, that moment came in Montana, first with fly rods in hand on the Missouri River, then with shotguns at sunrise near Bozeman.
For Abby Rokosch, a DU biologist in Montana, the trip offered a reminder that growth often comes through patience. “Fly-fishing isn’t really easy,” she says. “It takes a lot of patience and practice. Everybody caught fish, everybody lost fish, and that’s what made it fun.” The laughter that followed each missed strike said more than a full creel ever could. Confidence, like conservation, is built one cast at a time.
The next morning, rods gave way to shotguns as DU volunteer Bridger Pierce guided the women on an early-season duck hunt. Some had hunted for years, while others were stepping into a blind for the first time. What could have been intimidating instead became empowering, an environment where questions were welcomed, skills were shared, and encouragement came easily.
For Dr. Karen Waldrop, Ducks Unlimited’s Chief Conservation Officer, the experience highlighted the importance of connection and mentorship. “It’s so important for women to mentor other women,” she says. “Having someone to learn from, to hunt or fish with, helps build confidence and creates a sense of belonging in the outdoors. When women see others like them thriving and leading in these spaces, it opens the door for even more participation, and that’s how conservation grows.”
That sense of shared purpose mirrors Ducks Unlimited’s broader mission: conserving wetlands not only for wildlife but for the people who find renewal, community, and purpose in these places. Each cast, each flight, and each shared sunrise tie conservation to connection.
The Montana cast-and-blast wasn’t just about catching fish or dropping birds. It was about rediscovering joy, strengthening friendships, and proving that courage, like water, flows strongest when shared.
Watch the Ascend episode to see their story unfold.
Learn more at ducks.org/ascend.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
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