best dog for pheasant hunting?

bowhuntn87 · 08-31-2006, 03:25 PM

I have been pheasant hunting for a while, but I am looking into getting a dog. I was just wondering what the best all around dog was for pheasant hunting.

Doc E · 08-31-2006, 07:30 PM

What state do you live in?
Wild birds or planted birds?

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bowhuntn87 · 08-31-2006, 08:04 PM

I live in iowa, they are all wild birds

Doc E · 09-01-2006, 07:41 AM

I was born and raised in SW Iowa (Oakland). Got smart and moved away many years ago.

For Iowa conditions and birds (assuming you are not going to hunt waterfowl), I'd think that a GSP (German Shorthair) would be your ideal dog.

.

Phil from Maine · 09-01-2006, 09:49 AM

I think we all can say what we feel is the best dog for pheasant
hunting or any other purpose. I have to look at the temp. that
the dog has as well as a number of factors. I enjoy the Irish and
it does not mean anyone else have to. I have children that enjoy
playing with them as well. So for my purpose the Irish does well.
I like to watch them on birds and the ability to stay with a running
bird without causing it to flush as well as pointing it when it is not
running. I simply love the style that they show when hunting as
much as the hunting they perform for me.

camelcluch · 09-01-2006, 10:44 AM

I think the perfect dog has more questions then one would think. Do you prefer pointers or flushers? Is there water involved? What kind of terrain and weather? I think that the perfect dog is up to you. There are so many breeds from cockers to boykins. Look into the ones that work for your needs and family. Good luck....

Jimmy S · 09-01-2006, 01:02 PM

Based on my (limited) knowledge...from what I have heard and read, the pick would be the Springer Spaniel.

My understanding is pheasant would rather run than fly.

The Springer, because oftheir size and determination, can and will go into nasty/thick places other dogsmay not.

In theend, most often, the bird will flush giving the huntera shot.

Others may have a different view. If mine are incorrect, pleaselet me know.

Phil from Maine · 09-01-2006, 01:23 PM

I think any well trained bird dog will go through the thick stuff you
and I couldn't even begin to walk through. The drive to find the bird
is strong in any well trained bird dog. As long as the nose is good
the rest of the dog will follow. And yes Springersmake great flushing
dogs.They even can point when trained to. It is all what the individual
wants for a hunting/family dog that matters.

tatonka · 09-06-2006, 10:27 PM

I've had gundogs since 1973. I've not found a better breed than a quality Field Bred English Springer. They are generally considered to be the ulitimate pheasant dog. Larry Mueller (gundog writer for Outdoor Life) did a series several years back on pheasant dogs, and the final conclusion was that while there are individual dogs in all breeds that excel as pheasant dogs, when talking about breeds in general the Springer tops the list.

As far as the pointing breeds to, the German Shorthair got the nod.

I have bred English Springers for 18 years. I also have Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. I've either owned or hunted over most of the other gundog breeds (I'm primarily a pheasant hunter). After all these years, Springers are still the dog when it comes to pheasants.

Tim Whitney
Stonebroke Kennels
Chinook, Montana

MA Jay · 09-07-2006, 06:42 AM

Being familiar with Iowa, I would probably suggest a pointing breed dog. Jimmy, I am with you 100% that Springers are just awesome all around bird dogs, but that area is often big and flat. A dog that could range wider than a close working flusher and mark birds could save you a lot of leather over the course of a season.

GSP's are really awesome hunters, as are Setters and Pointers. Any of those 3 would do you right if you did your homework on the breeding. Between the 3 there are some nice differentiators to help you pick between them to.