oregonhunter

If you want a good all around hunting dog, that is if you hunt some waterfowl as well, go with the lab. If strictly upland, GSP's are your answer.

Just my two cents.

Chad

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buckforme

Thanks guys!

Two Beards

I guess the question I gotta ask is, do you want to hunt with a point dog or a flush dog? I used to get in this debate,over which is better, with some friends of mine all the time... I think everyone has there own opinion, but to say you shouldn't use a lab for upland birds <img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle> don't believe it. My brothers and I have hunted pheasant & quail over 25 years with labs, and when you grow up on a farm in Iowa...you do a lot of bird hunting, actually you do a lot of hunting period, why else would I live here<img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>. We all have labs now,including my dad, and even though they are great pets...we have them because they are great bird dogs. Though Iowa is known for pheasant hunting, we prefer quail hunting and many years have taken over 100 of each...and let me tell you, it's tough to shoot a 100 quail in Iowa,unless they're the ones with bands on their legs<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>. For the mostpart, we've had better luck in the field with our females, as they seem to stay closer. Just so you know I've hunted over German Shorthair's(I have two friends that both have them) and they are wonderful hunting dogs and I would highly recommend them if you prefer a pointer.

Nothing will replace time in the field for your dog, but at least give her a try. We've always had our younger labs hunt with the older ones which has really helped their learning process in the field. Sorry about the long post,usually on a different board. Just wanted to make sure you know that there are some labs that make great upland bird dogs. Good Luck!


TB

Tim Clark

Labs are one of the best all around dogs there are. The only problem is they are a brush buster on land so you have to be ready. Adds to the excitment of the hunt when the birds blow out unexpected.

Dream to Hunt...Hunt to Dream

winchester remington

I have to agree with Tim Clark you can not go wrong with a LAB. My lab hunts every bird huntable!

Though I be wounded,
I am not slain,
I'll lay me down to bleed awhile
and then I'll rise and fight again!

uplandchessies

A Lab is a great dog for upland hunting, as is a shorthair or any other hunting breed. The difference is, with flushers, it is a more up-close and personal hunt. The dog has to be trained to stay within gun range. With a pointer, the hunter will cover far less acreage than someone who hunts over flushers. It's a personal choice. I hunt bobwhite quail in Kentucky (with Chessies) and we do as well as those, who hunt over pointers.

Edited by - uplandchessies on 03/13/2002 19:26:29

enginegrunt

NIce answer uplandchessies

I agree. A lab is a excellent choice for upland birds. If you train your lab to stay close then you will have plenty of shots at the Quail and doves. You will have to walk a lot more, but hey isn't that part of why we are out there. I have a Chocolate lab and she is excellent on finding the pheasents and Quail. She stays close and gives me time to react with a quick point. Also learn to tell the difference when the dog is just working or actually on a bird. That is the key. Each dog is different. Mine the head goes down she starts snorten and the tail start wagging vigorously.
Good luck and be safe

Sing

One point being missed is a Shoorthair retrevies just as well as a lab in the water, web feet you know. I hunted ducks and my GSP sat beside me the whole time but to get her to bring the ducks in I had to throw a rock at it and tell her to fetch. Lady was only 10 months old then.

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