ORIGINAL: daleh
We all don't buy Parkers or L.C. Smiths
anyways it is not the gun nor the dog it is what theshooter or handler is capable of and how much time they can invest in the shooting or training. Birds and Time on the ground make Bird Dogs/ Targets and Shells Make a Shooter. any Setter is a better (Upland) Hunting Companion than anything else.
A Bird Dog is a Lifetime Investment and the Benefits are Priceless.
you are right..i had to think back at best beagles i had were dogs i hunted a LOT and there was lots of rabbits here in pa.40 years ago, now, hunting is awful here..
time in woods makes the dog, i believe also but if no game is there, it makes it hard..
i hunt my lab for grouse and its hardhunting here in pa..but he gives it his all and gets better all time ..
so as you said, lots of birds and time will make almost any dog a good hunting dog,both are hard to come by today on state hunting lands..