I won't get in to the details of dog training, but I will say that without a doubt the smartest, most human in-tune dog I have ever seen was a lab/sheppard mix. Take that for what it is. I suspect that if the dog has an interest, he would at least be worth the effort of a walk around in the field. If you can keep him close I suspect he would flush birds for you, and certainly aid in finding down birds... perhaps he may not retrieve them... but the tail will tell you when he is standing over one!

Good luck.