About Karen

Built from service, experience, and a life in Montana.

Meet Karen Gehrke, owner of She Starts MT Hunts and a hunting mentor for people ready to begin their journey.

Karen Gehrke hunting in Montana

Army veteran • Lifelong Montanan • 28+ years hunting

A practical and encouraging approach to mentoring new hunters.

Born and raised in Montana, Karen Gehrke is an Army veteran with more than 28 years of hunting experience and two years of experience with archery hunting. Her deep connection to Montana’s outdoors, combined with her military background and commitment to preparation, discipline, and safety, gives her a practical and encouraging approach to mentoring new hunters.

Karen’s passion is helping individuals begin their hunting journey with confidence. She works with clients through the essential steps of becoming a responsible, prepared hunter—including completing hunter education, understanding equipment needs, developing a realistic hunting plan, preparing for the field, and learning what to expect during a first harvest.

Her guidance can also include planning for the practical responsibilities after a harvest, such as safely getting the animal out of the wilderness and arranging for proper processing. Karen believes that successful hunting is about more than the harvest—it is about preparation, respect for wildlife, ethical decision-making, personal responsibility, and building a lasting connection with the outdoors.

Karen is not a licensed hunting guide or outfitter. She provides educational mentoring, preparation support, and hunting-planning assistance to help individuals feel more informed and capable as they take their first steps into hunting. Her goal is to encourage safe, ethical, and responsible participation in Montana’s hunting traditions.