I say start with a pup to get max bonding, then you control what you get out of the dog. i hunt Brittanys but GSP are great all around dogs, very affectionate. How crowded are the WIHA on opening day in KS. we have some fav. spots, and i am worried it will be a zoo. This is my first opening day in KS. i generally hunt the 2nd weekend of thee season.