I live in New England and hunt waterfowl and upland, more upland than waterfowl. Upland consists of wild woodcock and grouse, and occasional trips to pheasant stocking sites. Ducks and Geese in in-land ponds and lakes with some smallish rivers as well. At the time I was in the market for a dog I was living in an apartment, and there was a need for a very friendly dog that could handle the activity of that but I didn't want to sacrifice hunting ability. I went Springer Spaniel, and have been very impressed. I knew she'd be great on upland but have been pleasantly surprised at her retrieving skills on ducks and geese. I wouldn't cast her into the ocean on a sea duck hunt, but for where I go she does very well.

Some times I miss the skills and style of a great pointing breed as I had always owned them before this "flusher", but she is sharp and is amazingly trainable, especially compared to some of the GSP's I have owned. The one thing aboutthe Springer is I have become a more active participant in the hunt in that you need to stay aware and always be watchig your dog. Unlike a pointer who locks up and then you walk up and take the shot over the dog a Flusher will surprise you. For example I was invited to a shoot this last weekend and we were hunting along an old stone wall. Up ahead it looked like a coyote or fox hole, and I could tell my Springer was getting birdy, well she sniffed that hole then dove down it disappearing completely. Next thing out shoots a rooster with my springer basicly spitting it into the air. I shoot and drop the bird and she retrieved to hand afterward. If it had been a pointing breed I would have been trying to poke that bird out with a stick!