Borrowed a buddy's girl for a weekend of fun...

GAbearclaw

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Now that the title got your attention...

A good buddy had family to attend to and recommended I take his GSP out to chase quail this past weekend when he couldn't. She worked her tail off and we ended up scratching out 9 for the weekend, of which the 6 below were taken in about 5 minutes right before I called it quits and headed to the barn.

I am thinking I will start the journey with a hunting dog in the next 12-18 months and this really highlighted why. She found a wounded bird in a bush that it took she and I 10 minutes to tear a part to find the quail in, as well as retrieved everything. I am considering a pudelpointer or a DD, but this little GSP is an upland freak!
 

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Very nice!!I bought a new pup last winter and had a blast the days I was able to take her pheasant hunting.She's a springer spaniel and has great instinct.I was looking at GSP as well,but good ones were on long waiting lists
Good luck with your future pup.They will keep you in good shape training and hunting
 
Very nice!! FWIW, if you are really interested in a pudelpointer starting calling now to get on a list. It can take awhile. Lots of breeders with good reputations in OR and ID. We brought Hank home the week before Christmas. If I don't mess up his training, I think he'll work out.
 
Good looking little fella! I am in California, but am willing to work with a breeder anywhere. I am kinda leaning towards the DD right now but hope to see some in person this spring and make a decision.
 
One thing to keep in mind is the climate you are hunting in. If you are going to be doing a lot of hunting in Arizona and California, I'm not sure a DD is the best choice for you. Are you going to be waterfowling also?

I have a GWP and he rocks in the cold weather. However, if it gets above 60-70 degrees, he's struggling in the heat. He'll go into anything, anywhere, anytime and does very well with quail. The hunting ability for a DD is not a concern, that shaggy coat is.

Also, different breeders will put forth dogs with different personalities, builds, strengths, and weaknesses. Make sure you choose from a breeder in order to fit your needs. Most breeders are very good about helping you make sure one of their pups is suited for you.

A GSP or PP would be an awesome dog for the desert, not so sure on the DD though. Have you considered a viszla?

If you've already thought all of this through, then disregard my comments and questions.

I love the picture of her in your chair.
 
Thanks JLS! I am still working my way through exactly what is the perfect breed for me, then I find the breeder.

I hunt waterfowl and quail, but more quail than anything as far as birds. I do hunt almost exclusively here in SoCal and the weather concerns are something I need to figure out. I also hunt small game.

Another "thing" I really want to have in a hunting dog is one I can train for backpack hunts for big game. Need a dog that can heel and not need constant reminders to do so. My buddy has an amazing lab that at 9 still has more hunt drive and motor than most I have ever seen as 2 year olds, but when we quail hunt and he takes both his GSP and lab and the lab needs constant reminders to heel.

Another concern is that the quail woods can range from 90's in the early season for quail and my big game hunts, as well as drop to the teens in the late season. Any input anyone can provide is greatly appreciated.

I also have kids, and want a critter that will be a great family member though all the versatile breeds seem to be great family members.
 
Is your waterfowl hunting in mild temps also?

I'd find a couple of DD breeders and ask them what they think. They'll be honest with you because they don't want their dogs going to environments they won't succeed in. I don't know much about PP and small game hunting. Again, these are great questions to ask the breeder directly.

My wirehair is a fantastic family dog.
 
I have an elhew English pointer and if I get another upland dog it will be a PP. Just for the simple fact of hair in the house. Hard to beat either breed IMO.
 
The only question I have.

How did the girl survive an overnight without her daddy.

My dogs would have been crazy!
 
The only question I have.

How did the girl survive an overnight without her daddy.

My dogs would have been crazy!

She was well taken care of! She got in the sleeping bag with me both nights as it was cold!

I hunt often with her daddy, so she knew me well and was just happy to be hunting! The temperament of this little gal is incredible. I couldn't believe how quick she adapted to my whistles. It was like we always hunt together!

After we got the 6 in the pic above I cleaned them while she snuggled on my sleeping bag in the back before heading to the barn. All in all I think we both had a good weekend while her daddy dealt with sick kids...
 

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