Meet The Instructors
Here at Yow’s Hunting Camps, we are fortunate to be led by some of the top talents in the Pacific Northwest. Not only are our instructors great at what they do, they chose to volunteer as an instructor and are passionate about helping attendees succeed. Regardless of your skill level, our team of instructors is dedicated to helping you reach your goals and make the most of your time at camp. Below is a sampling of the instructors you may interact with.
Candy Yow
Candy grew up living in God’s Country, on large ranches, working hard but loving every day of it. Her love for Wildlife, horses, cattle and dogs came from that childhood. Her appreciation for healthy food we raised and processed ourselves came from that childhood. the love of sunrises, sunsets, thunderstorms, and even drought taught her to trust that He has this, and He will protect us in all situations. Growing up on a ranch you add 2 more holidays to your year, Branding Season & Hunting Season when everyone comes out to the ranch.
Candy is a mother, Wife and Grandma. She has trained horses and worked on ranches for over 30 years. As she slowed down on the training, she sold real estate, mostly horse facilities and ranches. In 2011, Candy met Randy Yow and the rest is history. Her love of Hunting and the Outdoors fit perfectly into his life. Upon meeting, Randy had just submitted some of his episodes he had filmed to the Pursuit Channel and Sportsman’s Channel, both accepted them, and Candy jumped in with both feet to help make that dream come true. Extreme Desire TV aired on Pursuit Channel for 3-4 years, prior to things going digital.
As the show fizzled out, Candy had a vision to create camps for women and youth to teach skills they need either for horses or for hunting. In 2013 this vision came to life as the first Ladies Hunting Camp, which was the original in Oregon. This has now grown to Ladies Camps, Youth Camps, and Advanced Skills Camps, each teaching the skills needed to keep you safe and successful in the Outdoors and Hunting. What a ride it has been for Candy, teaching literally hundreds of ladies and youth each year.
If you ask Candy what her favorite hunt is, it will always be helping someone else. From seeing a grandchild get their first harvest, a sister who lost her son in Afghanistan harvest a Big Horn Sheep, a Wounded Warrior or Hunt of a Lifetime, or even a hunt where nothing was harvested but the time in God’s Country was overwhelming. Her most precious memories include sharing that love of the Outdoors with others, helping them on their hunt, helping them see the utter beauty of the Sunrise, and helping them see they can do it no matter how overwhelming it may feel.
Telling these stories and sharing these memories has lead Candy in a new direction as she has started sharing these experiences on stage as a Motivational, Inspirational Speaker. She believes God put us in those stories to share them with others, especially as we get older. Her love and faith in others is perfect for the You Can Do it attitude. Her experiences and failures can be used to help others overcome or conquer their own and to pick up and move forward no matter how steep the climb.
You can find Candy and Randy in numerous Western States either hunting or helping and supporting others. If they’re not traveling, the Yow’s can be found at their home in Fort Rock, helping the next potential Outdoorsperson gain the skill and drive to live and love in God’s Country.
Randy Yow
Randy grew up in a hunting and outfitting family, spending every free moment in the woods, his love for wildlife, hunting and being in God’s Country led him to a life of Hunting and doing what he loves with his family and friends all across the West. Helping others achieve a goal is as rewarding as doing it yourself, and Randy has certainly helped a lot of people achieve their goals.
Randy is a Custom Home Builder by day, he is a Husband, Father and Grandpa, as well as standing strong for God, Country and Family. Randy is Blessed with so many memories of family and friends while out hunting and spending time in the backcountry. He believes and lives for, Back County, DIY, Public lands hunting, it isn’t always easy, but it is always real.
“At the first light of day I stand on the top of the mountain, hearing the Bugle far below in the misty canyon and the breeze blowing through the tops of the spruce. Thanks to all who let me be there! I am alive.”
~Randy Yow
Brooke Smith
My name is Brooke Smith, the owner of Prineville Athletic Club and Rafter BT Creations. I am a certified USA Archery instructor, NRA certified Range Safety officer and lover of the outdoors. I believe that the Lord put me on this earth to share my passion for the outdoors with others. At Yow Hunting Camps I have a couple different rolls. I am the lead instructor on the archery range and I also teach a class at the Ladies Camp, how to tow a trailer. I also fill in anywhere else that I might be needed. When I learned about hunting I had a terrible teacher. I work hard in every aspect of camps to make sure that campers learn in a safe, comfortable non judgmental environment. My instruction and friendship doesn’t end at the end of camp, I love staying in touch with all of the campers after camp and following their outdoor journeys.
I am also involved in various conservation groups. It is important to me to help protect our hunting heritage for not only ourselves but for future generations.
Heather Aldrich
Heather Aldrich is co-owner of Bravo!MFG.INC., home of the Super Grade Wall Tent. She has been part of the outdoor industry for close to 30 years. She is an active member of many conservation organizations and a life member of the American Bear Foundation.
She actively teaches predator hunting seminars and greatly enjoys mentoring new bear hunters in class and in the field. She firmly believes in families getting into the outdoors and loves encouraging them in their outdoor pursuits. This is one of the reasons she loves the Yow’s Hunting camps so much. Heather is a staunch supporter of sound predator management. She is the mother of two and resides in SW Washington with her husband John.
Tara Grassman
Hi my name is Tara Grassman, my husband of 43 years and I are retired from farming in Christmas Valley where we have lived for a very long time, I still run tractor for my kids when they need a hand which I enjoy very much. We have been fortunate to be able to travel to Africa, New Zealand, Hawaii and Canada hunting which was amazing! We have three children, the boy’s took over our farm, our daughter and family live in Eagle Point, we have 9 grandchildren we tragically lost our grandson Mason in March of 2022, we have 2 great grandchildren and one more on the way so we have been blessed. I enjoy my family, gardening, hunting, fishing and quilting and have donated several quilts to camp. If you have any questions I’m happy to share my thoughts.
Jen O’Hara
Jen O’Hara is the co-founder of Girls With Guns Clothing® (GWG) and a lifelong Northern Californian with deep roots in the outdoors. Although she now calls Red Bluff home, she grew up in the small ranching community of Adin, California. Jen didn’t begin hunting until she was 27 years old, just one year before launching GWG, but that first successful blacktail hunt sparked a passion that would shape both her personal life and her career.
Since then, Jen has evolved into an accomplished and well rounded hunter—from chasing blacktail in her home state and hunting mule deer alongside her dad, to completing challenging backcountry elk hunts and pursuing game across multiple continents. Her years of global experience have taken her to over 10 countries and provided opportunities to harvest a wide range of species, including kudu, springbok, zebra, lion, hippo, red stag, bongo, and more. These adventures have broadened her perspective as a hunter and storyteller, reinforcing her role as an authentic voice in the outdoor space.
Jen is also a passionate firearms instructor and educator. While she teaches less frequently than in the past, she continues to offer monthly online classes, focusing on CCW training and defensive holster work. Jen is committed to helping women develop real confidence and capability with firearms—addressing a critical need for practical, accessible training in today’s world. Her teaching style emphasizes safety, preparedness, and empowerment, especially for women who are new to concealed carry.
At home, Jen’s most important role is mom and wife. As her daughters, ages 3 and 6, grow, they are beginning to discover their own love for the outdoors and are learning safe gun handling traditions, starting with Jen teaching them the NRA Eddie Eagle program. Jen homeschools her girls and runs a growing homestead—both of which are highlighted in her digital series. These aspects of her life have strengthened her belief in personal responsibility, family-centered outdoor traditions, and the importance of preserving our 2nd Amendment rights for future generations.
Lisa Atkin
Lisa Atkin (experienced huntress and survival enthusiast) and Hailey Cvitanovich (experienced huntress and Search & Rescue (SAR) volunteer). Between our life experiences and love of the great outdoors, we hope to share our passion in empowering women to get out and safely enjoy the incredible rugged terrain we live in. With over 30 years cumulative experience we look forward to sharing our knowledge with you, and learning through shared knowledge of everyone in the class.
Hailey Cvitanovich
Hailey Cvitanovich (experienced huntress and Search & Rescue (SAR) volunteer) and Lisa Atkin (experienced huntress and survival enthusiast). Between our life experiences and love of the great outdoors, we hope to share our passion in empowering women to get out and safely enjoy the incredible rugged terrain we live in. With over 30 years cumulative experience we look forward to sharing our knowledge with you, and learning through shared knowledge of everyone in the class.
Sam Gangler
Born and raised in eastern Oregon, the outdoors has always been my home. From an early age, I could be found by my Dad’s side, on adventures such as coyote, deer, and elk hunting. At just 12 years old, I picked up my first rifle tags, and that moment marked the beginning of a lifelong pursuit.
By my teenage years, my interests expanded beyond rifle hunting—I became a dedicated archery hunter with a particular obsession for elk. There’s something about the challenge of the chase, the silence of the forest, and the connection to nature that has continued to draw me back year after year.
In 2006, I married my husband, who is every bit as passionate about the outdoors as I am. Together, we’ve built a life around our shared love of hunting and adventure, raising three wonderful kids.
In 2017, I joined the team at YOWS Hunting Camp, where I discovered a whole new joy in teaching and mentoring. Shortly after, I became an NRA-certified rifle instructor—a milestone that deepened my commitment to sharing knowledge and skills with others. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping other women find confidence, strength, and camaraderie through hunting.
For me, hunting has always been more than a sport—it’s a way of life, a tradition rooted in respect for nature, and a community built on shared experience. I truly love what I do, and I can’t wait for my next adventure in the field
Lori Miller
Hello, my name is Lori Miller. I am 57 years old, a mother of five, and a grandmother to seven. My passion for the outdoors developed later in life, and I now consider myself an avid outdoorswoman.
Growing up, I spent time fishing with my dad, but hunting was not something I was introduced to as a child. My interest in hunting began in 2013, at the age of 45, when friends helped me discover this new pursuit.
In 2019, I was introduced to wild turkey hunting, which quickly became an obsession. The challenge and excitement of turkey hunting pushed me to grow as a woodsman, testing my skills and deepening my connection to the outdoors.
In early 2021, I became involved with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). I started as a committee member in my local chapter and, in 2023, became President of the Klamath Falls chapter. Currently, I serve as President and sit on the State board.
Alongside my work with NWTF, I am also a member of two other conservation groups. My dedication to the outdoors extends to volunteering as a Hunter Education instructor.
Being involved in these organizations allows me to share my passion for the outdoors, contribute to conservation, and pass along the hunting heritage to others.
Jessica Gatchet
Jessica (Jessie) Gatchet is a resident of La Pine Oregon. Her passion is hunting, fishing, trapping, and taxidermy! She owns her own taxidermy shop called Her Wild Adventures. When she isn’t working on building her business or spending time in the woods she spends her time with her husband and 3 dogs. She loves teaching others about hunting whether it is with a rifle, shotgun or bow. Her favorite animals to hunt above all else are predators but mostly bear. She loves chatting about her passions and would love to hear all your questions you have!
Christy Harshman
Raised in the outdoors, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for nature and the freedom it brings. Though I didn’t begin hunting until adulthood, I grew up surrounded by the traditions of hunting and conservation—and I now feel incredibly fortunate to be part of Elk Camp each year.
Working in the outdoor industry has introduced me to some of the most inspiring people, including the Yows. This year, I’m honored to be teaching how to prepare meals for camp—whether you’re deep in the woods during a hunt, on a long hike, or relaxing by a quiet lake.
Sharing my love for the outdoors and helping others discover their own path to self-sufficiency and success is something I deeply value. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone gain the confidence and skills to thrive in the wild.
Charlie Cookson
Charlie Cookson is the owner of Next Step Firearms Education. He grew up in rural Oregon, with a deep love for the outdoors. An avid outdoorsman, Charlie has spent countless hours hunting, fishing, hiking, and backpacking across the Northwest. A lifelong shooter, in 2006, Charlie started working with a top-level firearms instructor and soon transitioned into an instructor role.
Part of Ladies Hunting Camp from the beginning, Charlie’s passion lies in helping new or inexperienced hunters and shooters discover the confidence, skills, and joy that come with learning outdoor and firearm fundamentals. He takes pride in creating a safe, supportive environment where students can build their abilities while developing a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.
Steve Baker
I’ve been with Work Sharp, The Knife Sharpening Company, for 27 years, starting out on the assembly line before working my way up to New Product Designer and now Product Line Manager. Over the years I have sharpened a Lot of knives & I truly enjoy helping others pick up new skills. I’ve hunted and fished most of my life, but really got back into it these past few years. While archery has always been my first love, I also love to get out shooting, mushroom hunting, and just being outside.
Troy Corum
Hello everyone, I’m Troy Corum, one of your instructors at Yow’s Hunting Camp. My journey in the great outdoors began at the tender age of seven, when I embarked on countless adventures through the breathtaking Pacific Northwest alongside my father. He instilled in me not only the essential skills of how and where to hunt, but also the profound reasons why we hunt—principles that have shaped my understanding of this timeless pursuit.
At Yow’s Hunting Camp, we believe that knowledge is the cornerstone of successful hunting. We are passionately committed to helping you grasp these vital concepts while arming you with the skills you need to thrive in the wilderness. Hunting is not just an activity; it is a cherished part of our heritage—a thread that binds us to the land and our ancestors.
We invite you to join us and immerse yourself in the wisdom we’ve gathered from years of exploring the wild.
I can’t wait to see all of you at camp and share this incredible journey together!
Toby Gangler
Hey, I’m Toby. I’m one of the instructors here at Yow’s Hunting Camp, and I’ve got a deep passion for chasing elk—especially with a bow. There’s nothing like getting in close, working a bull with the right calls, and seeing it all come together at full draw. I’ve spent years dialing in my elk calling and learning how to read animals in real time to create high-percentage setups.
I also teach rifle fundamentals here at camp. My focus is on real-world hunting scenarios—building solid shooting positions off natural terrain, understanding your optics, and making the shot count when it matters most. It’s not about punching paper from a bench—it’s about being ready when that opportunity shows up in the field.
From calling predators in the snow to packing bulls out of deep canyons, I’ve put plenty of boot miles on the mountain. But the best part of this lifestyle? Helping others build confidence, skills, and a deep respect for the hunt.
At Yow’s, we’re not just teaching—we’re passing on a tradition and helping hunters of all levels take their next step.
Matt Elliott
Matt Elliott is the Chief Commercial Officer for Work Sharp. He’s spent 25 years working in the outdoor industry. A lifelong fisher and hunter, Matt offers a broad range of experience from bass and panfish to salmon and steelhead, across a wide range of techniques. Matt is an avid archery elk and deer hunter, is obsessed with wild turkey, and knows his way around pistols and bolt-guns. He’s brings a wide range of hunting experience, from day hunting to long-range backcountry backpack hunting. He is well-respected and well-connected to some of the best hunters and fishers of the modern era. If he can’t answer your question directly, he most certainly knows an expert on the topic.
“I’ve been captivated by the mystery of God’s creation and the science of ecology for as long as I can remember. From the age of three, I felt drawn to the outdoors. Fishing and hunting have given me nearly everything: they brought me closer to God, pulled me from addiction, and led me to Alaska, where I became a guide.
My first job in a sporting goods store introduced me to my wife, Lacey. That path eventually led to our greatest gift: our son, Michael. The outdoors also launched my professional career, now 20+ years strong, and connected me with a community of lifelong friends who share this same deep passion.
Now, I want to give that gift back to open access, protect rights, and secure funding for wildlife conservation by inspiring more people to fall in love with the outdoors.
I believe women, especially mothers, are critical to carrying this passion into the next generation. That’s why I support efforts like LHC that foster independence, spark shared interest, and reduce barriers through shared knowledge. This is work I care deeply about, for the good of our wildlife, our wild places, and my son, Michael.”
Duane Ledford
Duane is the owner of “Stay Center” and Ledford Custom Rifles and Ammunition in Madras, Oregon. He is an 8th Generation Rifle Builder. Henry Ledford began the Family Business in 1825 in Davidson, North Carolina.
Duane joined the Marine Corps as an Infantryman right after High School in 1994. He served as a Primary Marksmanship Instructor, training Marksmanship Coaches across the Marine Corps. He was a Designated Marksman for multiple operations in various locations globally. He was a member of the Marine Corps Shooting Team setting multiple National Records and was eventually promoted to Infantry Weapons Officer and served as the OIC of Marine Corps Security Forces Regiment and Marine Corps Air/Ground Combat Center Live-Fire Ranges.
During his time in the Marine Corps he tested and helped develop multiple platforms including the U.S.M.C Designated Marksman Rifle, the U.S.M.C. Enhanced Battle Rifle, and the Desert Tech SRS and SRS A-1. He provided direct oversight of the Competition In Arms Program as it transitioned from static firing lines to the Three Gun type Reactive Shooting Scenarios it is today.
Duane grew up hunting Western Big Game in Oregon. He’s been hunting Western Big Game for 40+ years. In recent years he’s successfully harvested Whitetail, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Elk, Sable (S.A.), Red Stag (NZ) and many others. He is a ‘student’ of Ballistics with a focus on Terminal Ballistics, studying Entry, Exit and Cavity effects, in order to guide hunters in bullet selection to achieve ethical harvesting of game.