jp, reason i see more other dogs here in pa pheasant hunting is because most dont want to raise/feed 2 dogs.a lot do grouse hunting.so they are trying to find dog that can do pheasant/grouse.
those dogs are SETTERS/GSP.those dogs will hunt longer. like 4/6 hrs.we all know how long lab lasts on hillside in early oct.about 2 hrs max.

as DOC E said,lab has to be in shape,i agree.their coats are just so heavy they overheat.others dont as much.

if owner just does 1 type of hunting like pheasants, i agree the LAB is one to have.but most dont hunt 1 bird .hills in pa are hot/buggy/dusty /rough hunting for dog.they have to be in shape and be type of dog to handle this.

lab is just not one in my opinion ,not their fault they were born with heavy bones and heavy coat not for this type of hunting.

labs handle it but no where near what i seen a SETTER/GSP can do .
can lab do it,well DOC E has proved that and just came in 3rd place in those navade tests.his is POINTING LAB .i think first place was EP,second was VISUALA,3rd was docs lab.

my only concern i have seen with toby hunting grouse or pheasants is he GETS TIRED SO QUICK, TONGUE COMES OUT.
i have been out with LEWELLIN SETTERS that hunted 4 days a week on grouse. hunted next day.

toby next day is wore out from just 2 or so hrs hunting.that same setter we hunted in afternoon.about 5 hrs hunting and used her again next day.toby MUST have day of rest .

take care sproul