Springers are fine in most duck hunting conditions. I put a neoprene vest on mine last year in Eastern Oregon, and she broke ice to fetch ducks. I get some weird looks, but she is always eager to go. I also have a lab that takes care of the dangerous stuff, but the Springer is capable of doing alot of the retrieving duties. Its nice when I am hunting with a buddy. I can send my lab with them, and I keep my springer for my retriever. She weighs 33lbs, and has even picked up a few 16-18lb. Canada geese. Its kinda funny to watch her back legs come up off the ground when she picks them up.