There is a honest artical in the Jan/Feb 02 issue of Shooting Sportsman magazine. The title is "T'aint Fair", and it's the truth abut grouse dogs. The author through years of experience makes the case that there are very very few dogs that make it easier to put birds in the bag. He goes on to state that the person who "hunts" without a dog has a much better chance to actually bag a bird.

I agree. In the last thirteen years I have harvested approximately 150 grouse and I do not own a bird dog. I must also note that I have encountered many of the "beeping wonders" with their very vocal owners in good coverts and ya know how many birds I've seen in their bags? None. Zip. Nada. I'm sure after many tears of frustrating training there are a very few good old slower dogs out there that know how to handle today's grouse, but I think I'll stick with getting limits without Rover.

CN