Without a doubt, they are much faster and uses the wind and ground to find the birds. Also on rainy days they can still carry threw rather quickly. For as far as antler hunting most bird hunters do not care alot for hunting antlers with thier dogs. Perhaps that is why? I am not saying Labs do not have good noses though as some are also used as drug dogs. The same holds true for some setters as well though. Overall again the best dog is the one you own and enjoy the most.