I think a indoor dog makes a better companion, and hunting companion.
With crate training I like the plastic crates, gives them more of the den atmisphere. You could use the wire ones, just put towels over it to make it like a den.
My dogs stay mostly inside the house. They both have there own crate. The 1 yr old stays in the crate at night and the 8 yr old has free run of the house. (Not allowed on furniture) she still likes to stay in her crate and the door is removed so she can get in and out of it as she pleases.
They both stay in the kennel while i am at work.