I had hunted over two labs last season at a preserve. Both dogs, a mother son combo worked awesome togther. They both got birdy when the time came and the mom even pointed one time. You may want to look into a GSP, thats what I got because I too wanted a good upland bird hunter and a waterfowl picker upper. The GSP have webbed feet and very short hair which should be great for waterfowl. Our GSP is very birdy and nimble so she covers ground like there is no tomorrow. Just another option for ya, but the Labs I hunted over last year were great so you really cant go wrong either way!