We have a great time and usually see a ton of birds, even though a lot are on private properties that I won't hunt because they charge from $150 a person per day on up to shoot three lousy roosters! We had a harder time this year because we got there so late compared to normal years. Usually we go the second or third week before others have pounded the area, which they really did this year as word gets around about the area being so good. This year I couldn't get there until the end of my 11 week trip because of big game hunts in WY, AZ, and NM that came first. I attached a picture of my DD, a two day limit of birds two of us got last year (it was so cold I waited to clean them all the second night and to get a good picture of a bunch of birds). This year we didn't kill many more than that in five days of hunting because of the late hunt. Next year I hope to get out there the second week like we usually do, but I'll get out there again no matter what dates we have to pick.

Any dog with heart will always be your best dog. After running for three - four hours, I have to stop hunting and pull my dog away (she's only six years old). Later in the season, where I hunt, everything is under water. Its like hunting in cattails. Bird hunters have to compete with duck hunters as there are several duck blinds in the area. One big marsh. The dogs have to hop above the tall grass & water. The water can come up to waist high in some places to mid calf in others.

My dog will pull up lame if hunting about four hours - favoring her hind leg. Everyone usually quits after two hours. Anything more is hard on their dogs. Even with aspirin and glucosamine, it still takes the rest of day to recover. She'll will run herself to the ground if I let her.

Topgun, that's a good looking dog & bunch of birds.

Thanks Mite! Most people that see Hercules (Herc for short) really like his markings and great temperment. He's my best buddy!

KT29: really beautifull picture (and dog)

I've seen some "what the heck is that dogs" do excellent in the field. However most, inevitably, have some type of gun dog in them. I've never really seen any springers in the field though.

what you need is to invite me out to hunt with you.:s4:toby is 9 now and black lab too.
i just got a SMALL MUSTERLANDER pup hopefully in july from out your way,well close to your state,mn.

Strictly pheasant I would say Spinger or Lab. A good field type in either would do the job wonderfully.

Breeding and training will determine which is better, not the breed itself.

i agrre on lab/springer.SPRINGERS are pheasant hunting machines