Your Grouse Dog?

[MikeSmith31]

I was just curious as to what kind of dogs that everyone hunts ruff's with. As for me, I hunt with Llewellin Setters and Brittanys. Anyone like to share us what kind of dogs that you hunt with, bloodlines(grouse ridge etc...), and why you prefer them.

Mike Smith

[grouseguy]

I have been an english setter guy since I was a boy in the 60's and following my Dad and his setters with my BB gun. I now have a pair of english setter grouse dogs (a 9 year old male and 3 year old female) along with 4 six month old pups (3 are littermates out of my dogs and one is a pick-of-the-litter stud fee puppy out of my male). I have been working with the pups and plan to start them on wild birds next month during a two week trip to northern Wisconsin. My plan is to keep the two pups that I like best as a replacement for my old dog who is nearing retirement.

The dogs bloodlines are full of all-age field trial champions throughout the 4th and 5th generations, but the three recent generations are Appalachain foot-hunting grouse dogs that were owned by myself or hunting buddies. Personally, I've had a lot of luck and enjoyment out of this line of dogs and plan to continue with it.

[Birdman]

My old dog was a ghost train dog I've got two 7year olds from him a male and a female, one two year old out of trickie dick that is looking good. All have a little humor and I like humor.

[grousegunner]

I'm a llewellin man myself, got one 19 mos. old & one 18 mos.old. any setter that can play the game with ol Mr. ruff is a good setter.(watch out for those pointer people)

[MULESKINNER]

My grouse dog is the one that will be born this december.
I still can't find any Llewellins until december and as of now I'm just a poser with no dogs.
I have only had Llewellins in the past.
Wanted: One fully broke Llewellin setter of champion pedigree in exchange for some good huntin' lies [:D]
L A T E R . . .

[uplandchessies]

My all-around bird dogs are Chesapeake Bay retrievers. They have hunted ruffs in Kentucky and Michigan and handle them quite well. They are experienced dogs that are in the field more than 160 days a year and have hunted just about every species of bird available. In five days we are headed to Montana, where we will hunt sage grouse, Huns and Sharptails, then hit South Dakota for dove, snipe, sharptails and prairie chickens. When we return home, we head to Michigan for ruffs and woodcock.

My female has trial experience, with having two legs of her jr title and a 7th place finish at the Iowa State Pheasant Championship, thus qualifying us for the 2001 Nationals. We didn't go since she was pregnant with my pup (the only one she had). Both dogs are AKC, UKC registered

[GSP]

Going to hit the grouse woods this year hard and heavy.
Running German Shorthairs.
Linage, Rawhide, White Smoke, Welhelm & Rommel.
I know these are household names to the long tail, shaggy coats folks out there.[:D]

[Birdman]

Upland it's been a while, good luck out west and what part of Michigan at you hunting.

[Birdman]

Mule did you get my reply about the dog. If not get in touch I've got one.

[MULESKINNER]

Got it Birdman.
I'm working way too much. Don't get to read let alone post much lately.
I don't even have time to see my pregnant wife right now (babys due Dec 6th).
I appreciate all the help in looking for a dog and hope to get a chance to go take a look, but I'm absolutely swamped with work. 85+ hours for the past 2 weeks.
I've never hunted with a Gordon before. Are they good "foot" hunting dogs?
L A T E R . . .

[Birdman]

The ones I've seen are slower than an english setter and work good in the grouse woods. I'm not sure he still has him but if you like I'll give him a call. I've been bussy also. If you can make it up this season, just give me a date.

[Birdman]

Boys I've been tied up and haven't had time to get out this year, but had made plans for this week end, but realized this morning that muzzle loading season opens tomorrow. Ant that a pisser.