FAQs

How did you get started in the hunting industry?

Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of a way to hunt every single day. After graduating from college with honors and a double major I began looking for a full time job. I applied at 74 different locations and received 74, sorry we’re looking for someone with more experience.

Instead of being discouraged I decided to pick out the number one location I wanted to work, called them up an offered to work for free to gain the experience I so needed. The first question they asked is what can I do and I replied with I can shoot, edit, sweep floors, log tapes, whatever you need.

For 3-months I worked as a full time unpaid intern at the North American Hunting Club. I drove 150-miles a day back and forth to a job, where I didn’t even get a paycheck. I did this for the experience and to show them I was dedicated. I worked as a waitress every night to pay for my rent, gas and living expenses. The days were brutal and often times I would be so tired on my way home that I would pull over and sleep in my car for a bit then get back on the road to make it to my next job.

After three grueling months of this, I was hired on as a full time producer for the original job I had applied for and moved in next door to the office in an apartment building, as I had no desire for long drives again. I didn’t have enough money to pay rent on my own so I moved in with a girl whom I had never met and shared an apartment with her for several years.

Where do you live?

My husband and I live in south central South Dakota. We have a full house with 4 kids, 2 dogs and 2 cats. 

Do you ever do hunt giveaways where people can join you on a hunt?

Yes, each year I try to do at least one hunt giveaway. This year the hunt is taking place at the Cheyenne Ridge Signature Lodge in South Dakota for a pheasant hunt through Fleet Farm. This hunt is for two people and everything is paid for plus you get a Fleet Farm gift card and a visa gift card. Hunt and trip valued at $10,500. https://www.fleetfarm.com/p/sweepstakes

What events are you attending this year?

I absolutely love doing events as go to a ton of tradeshows and seminars, banquets, speaking engagements etc throughout the year.  For a full list of upcoming events visit the appearances page. https://winchesterdeadlypassion.squarespace.com/schedule-events

How long have you been hunting?

I started shooting a bow at 5 but had to wait until 12-years old to do my first hunt, as that was the legal age in Minnesota.

How old is jax & Does he hunt?

Jax was born on August 20th, 2018 and has had a passion for hunting & the outdoors his entire life. Since he was born he has joined us on numerous hunts, but this year in 2022 he was able to complete his first hunt in Nebraska at the age of 3. He was able to harvest a big Tom turkey with a Winchester 410 while dad and I sat next to him filming the entire experience. The pure joy was undescribable and Jax had worked very hard in preperation for this hunt.

What does your husband do for work?

My husband, Ben Bearshield is a game warden for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe since 2000 and also helps me with a ton of things for the show.

How did you meet your husband?

Ben and I met on a hunt in 2012 in South Dakota and hunted together for years becoming best friends. In 2019 we were married on a beach wedding in the Dominican Republic alongside our close friends and family.

Where do you call home?

We built a new home on 130-acres in south central South dakota in 2019 and live in a wonderful small community where my husband grew up with our 4 kids, 2 dogs ( Pork Chop & Ribeye) Ben has become an active part of he show and currently has the South Dakota state archery elk record.

Any advice for people trying to start their own show?

There are tons of ways to get into the hunting industry, but to me the key is authenticity and hard work.  Don’t pretend to be anything you’re not.  There is room for a wide variety of hunters but most can see through the fakeness in a heartbeat.  Work hard, never give up and be real. 

 For people who are trying to get their foot in the door through YouTube or any other platform, I always recommend buying the best gear you can afford.  I spent all my salary for years just to have the best equipment possible.  When it comes to getting sponsors, I went the route of guilting people into it.  This sounds crazy, but I would pick a company I really loved and do so much for them that they actually felt bad not helping me out just a little.  If you can move the needle for them and help sell product without being a pain most companies will truly appreciate you and reward you accordingly.