09/15/2026
New Member Spotlight for the month is Courtney Brown!!
My name is Courtney,
I was born and raised here in Wisconsin. Currently working a few jobs, Mother of beautiful children, a whirlwind of home projects , sports, groups that interest me and learning to balance it all.
Growing up, I was always the child who was last to come inside—the one who ventured off the path, got muddy catching frogs in ponds, and was at my happiest exploring the outdoors.
When I was finally old enough to shoot a BB gun, and do backyard target practice. It became something that kept me focused. Before long, I became my Dad’s right hand when it came to ridding the yard of chipmunks. Looking back, I realize those little moments were shaping me to who I am today.
My heart truly belonged at our family home—my Grandma’s house outside of Reedsburg, WI in an unincorporated little town called Bear Valley. This is where my passion for the outdoors grew into something greater.
I spent countless hours in those woods learning animal behavior, understanding the lay of the land, finding morel mushrooms, and simply learning how to be comfortable in the outdoors. I shot the majority of my deer there over the span of 20 plus years.
My first deer was taken with my grandfather’s father’s .32 Special, which can be seen in some of the photos. That first harvest meant so much to me—not only because it was my first deer, but because of how I got there and everything that led up to that moment. The excitement, nervousness and feeling so proud of myself. No scope heart shot 70 yards.
One of my favorite memories as a kid was going to the registration station down the street. I loved seeing all the big racks, hearing the stories, and watching the excitement on all the hunters faces. I knew I wanted to continue to feelvthat pride for myself and someday share that same excitement with others.
I was mentored by my Father throughout my teenage years and I learned a lot! We processed our own deer and that gave me more appreciation for the animal and how it was not just a kill but it was a meal, for our family.
As he became less physically able to hunt, I felt it was my responsibility to carry on what he had taught me.
At a time in my life my own personal desires were put on hold. I was told that hunting was a waste of time and that a Mother/ Wife shouldn’t be away from the family hunting. When I wasn't able to venture into the woods, paddle down the river, get dirty, or feel the wind across my face like I once did, something was missing.
I shook the wolves and gained clarity.
I had back surgery in 2018, and the healing process gave me much more than physical recovery. It allowed me to rediscover what I was capable of—and, more importantly, who I was capable of being once again.
And carry on I did.
I signed up for hunts I had always wanted to try. I started venturing down new paths, throwing on new lures just to see what I could catch, bought a new kayak, got into waterfowl hunting, shooting courses, snow goose hunts in multiple states, hog hunting, and so much more.
Along the way, I found like-minded women who broadened my horizons and allowed me to grow.
No one should ever feel alone in what they love. There is always someone to share a passion with.
What is also so great is I am able to share this passion with my children as well. Sitting in a blind and venturing in the woods makes me so happy. I am proud to pass down any knowledge obntained over the years. Ensuring they understand safety, conservation, animal behavior and PATIENCE.
If anyone knows me well enough I do not sit still for very long and am a little high octane to say the least. But i manage to sit in the woods sun up to sun down or in a layout blind for hours on end.
Being out in woods or on the water has been my therapy for years. That time alone teaches you so much and can get you through some hard times. Lord knows I have had a fair share. I am blessed to be alive and well. And will continue to grow and take on any new adventure ahead.
I look forward to a great hunting season and have a few out of state hunts planned already! Also looking forward to helping out again with out upcoming Deer butchering/ processing event in October. I want to teach the youth, empower women and new hunters.
We need you out there! confident to carry, protect and provide!
So many fun things to come.
I am grateful for the group of ladies in WHSA and the support we provide one another.
Cheers to more adventures!!
Thank you!
