This year for International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the outdoors and those who make it a better place for all. We want to shine a spotlight on some amazing women in the outdoors – leaders, role models, mentors, mothers, sisters, and daughters – by sharing their stories, words of advice and encouragement for other women. We want to uplift and empower all the women who share the outdoors. One of the women we are proud to call our friend at Savage is Donna McDonald. This is her story!

Donna McDonald

I am the owner and operator of Upper Canyon Outfitters, Inc. where we offer hunting, fishing, horseback, and summer trips/adventures. I have been in the outfitting industry for over forty years. As a woman, I was one of the first women to get an outfitters license in the state of Montana. At the time it was very difficult to pass this exam and even after I did, I was told I didn’t pass the test. I was persistent and appeared before the Board of Outfitters for the state of Montana where I was grilled with questions from the group of nine gentlemen. After about fifteen minutes one said to the group, “She knows her stuff. Give her the license.” 

After that, I was determined to be one of the best outfitters in the state and to run a woman’s owned outfitting/outdoor business. I was unwavering in the pursuit to pave a path to help other women be welcomed into the outdoor industry, and I was filled with a passion for getting more women involved in the sport of hunting. In the last 40 years, I feel I have accomplished that goal and still work on it every day. I became the first woman president of the Montana Outfitters Association, have been appointed to Fish and Game Boards by Governors, and have lobbied on both state and national levels. In addition to those achievements, I have personally helped women become hunting and fishing guides, have run schools on building confidence in women to enjoy the outdoors on their own, whether it be hunting, fishing, or getting out and enjoying what nature has to offer. Today I still offer a getaway to the outdoors adventure course at our ranch and am a member on the boards of both the National Board for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Mt. Fish, Wildlife and Parks Private Land/Public Wildlife Commission.

My advice for women in the outdoors: You are not alone. There are so many great organizations and outreach groups focusing on women helping women learn about outdoor skills. These groups encourage women to join others in the outdoors and enjoy nature. Also, don’t forget there are so many supporting and wonderful men out there that are willing to help. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the caring men in my life who helped lift me up and build my confidence.

How the outdoor industry can support women: It truly is amazing what is currently available for women in the hunting industry. I can remember wearing hand-me-down hunting clothes from my dad and his friends. I looked like a homeless person with a gun. The pants crotch would be down at my knees, sleeves rolled up on the jackets, and moon boots... what a sight! I applaud today’s hunting businesses that offer hunting clothing, footwear, rifles and more for women. And also, the educational and safety classes now offered for women are wonderful. A suggestion I would have is for the industry to keep offering these products, and improve with the help of input from the women who wear and use those products in the field. I think there needs to be more women at outdoor shows encouraging others to become involved in the outdoors, not only concentrating on hunting, but on building confidence, so women are more comfortable exploring nature. I’d like to see more women helping women be comfortable camping and hiking so they can share the outdoors with their children or grandchildren on their own. Educate so others can be educators.

How women can get involved in the outdoors: My good friend Karen Butler has a great program for women through Shoot Like a Girl. I had the honor of watching one employee grow her love of the outdoors as she moved from working indoor positions to becoming a hunting and fishing guide. She is now offering a program called Montana Women Hunters on Facebook to support women in the industry and encourage women to become involved in hunting. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has some great programs for women as well. I encourage programs that not only communicate about hunting but also sportsmanship and ethics in the field. I can’t help but invite ladies to our “Discover It” week at our ranch. This week is dedicated to sharing each of our skill sets, survival techniques, firearm safety and shooting at the range, hunting tips and tricks, horseback riding, hiking, and fly fishing. Although the week is filled with a variety of classes, my main goal is to instill confidence in all who attend in who they are and what they can do.

How I Got Started: I have been very fortunate as my father has inspired me since I was a little girl. I also married a man that has helped encourage me and stood with me every step of the way. Both males and females equally have been supportive, and I will never be able to thank them all. One woman that comes to mind is Jean, she was the executive director for the Outfitters Association. I never worried about the outdoors, but Jean taught me the importance of doing what you believe in and taking a risk to become more involved in advocating for our hunting heritage and the importance of sharing knowledge and helping others. 

How I support other women: I have encouraged and taken a number of women and men into the outdoors who would not otherwise have had that opportunity. My family has a love for the outdoors, and I do hope I helped to encourage that. I have had women and men call and thank me for encouraging them and others, and I love doing it and I hope I have helped others.

Why I’m proud to be a woman in the outdoors: I feel this is my calling and I hope I have uplifted and encouraged others. I am proud to be a pioneer in the industry and will keep on sharing our hunting heritage.

Challenges women face in the outdoor industry: I believe we as an industry men and women are becoming more united as we face challenges with politics, animal population, and less interest in the sport of hunting. We are a united group that believes in our hunting heritage. I think women are at a time when they need to start taking a more active role of leadership in the outdoor industry.

How women can overcome challenges: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Believe in yourself and remember there are champions out there willing to help both men and women, just remember to ask.

Follow Donna McDonald and Upper Canyon Outfitters @uppercanyonoutfitters 

Read more Women in the Outdoors stories!