I spent many years hunting grouse and woodcock with a springer. Hunting the uplands behind a flushing dog is very exciting. Five years ago I got a setter whenI retired my springer. He is good, but it's adifferent kind of hunting. I know I'll have a springer again in the future.

I would say that a springer, and a lab hunt the same way, but each specializes in a different area. I would say if you plan to do more upland hunting get a springer, but if you plan to do more waterfowling get a lab. A springer can retrieve from the water, but can't handle the cold as well as a lab, and a lab can hunt the uplands, but might be a bit harder to read, and a bit slower to cover ground. Either way, when the dog gets birdy, move into a clear space where you can swing the gun, and get ready.

I'm going to say something nice about the pointing breeds now. Depending on how you hunt the uplands, a pointing breed might actually be for you. With my springer, I would actually have to follow her and bird dog the cover because you never know when the bird will flush. Since I have gotten a setter I spend a lot more time walking gated logging roads, and skidders, while the dog works the cover. The only time I go into the cover is when he's on point. This allows me to cover a lot of ground.

Anyway, no matter what you decide, take the time to properly train, and let the dog develope, and you will have a great time.