Go for it! Don't expect them to make a good retriever (very hard mouth), but their prey drive is great! I've been hunting mine for four years now and often out hunts my GWP. They make great hip dogs and do a damn good job tracking both wing and fur. For anyone thinking about hunting them in the snow, dog boots are a must! I use the same boots that sled dogs use to protect his feet and make sure they have a jacket for when the weather drops below freezing (darn short hair dogs)