Northwind English Setters Specializes in Cautiously Tracking Running Birds
Focused – Driven – Biddable a loyal hunting companion & family oriented Setter
The only North American Breeder that has been importing European Setters for over a decade
For over a decade, I’ve been the sole North American breeder dedicated to importing European Setters, driven by a singular focus: refining the breed for the unique demands of hunting running grouse. As a seasoned Professional Dog Trainer and Upland Grouse guide, I’ve honed my techniques to cultivate traits essential for working wild birds on the move.
Recognizing early on that static bird training posed limitations in the dynamic setting of running grouse, I sought out specific bloodlines tailored for this challenge. The key to success lies in fostering a seamless partnership between dog and hunter, where my setters adeptly navigate scent trails as the birds continually shift.
My approach diverges from conventional US dog training methods. In my serene hunting environment, characterized by hushed tones and simple commands, my setters are finely attuned to my cues, enabling us to move through the woods with the quiet grace of predators. When scent is detected, it’s a collaborative effort between dog and handler, relying on the innate genetic instincts of the setters to deftly track and relocate the elusive grouse.
For me, witnessing this harmonious collaboration unfold is not just a professional achievement but a testament to the beauty of nature and the deep bond between human and canine.
What is grouse hunting dog?
One hunters definition vs. another can be totally different based on their level of experience as a grouse hunter, their understanding of birds and cover and their ability to get the most out of their grouse dog. So let us define for you what features a Northwind’s grouse hunting dog possess.
Northwind’s Grouse Hunting Dogs Defined
- Our grouse dog is one that is capable of working less scent. Scent conditions are not always optimal when hunting.
- Our grouse dog scents from a distance and can trail a running bird
- They naturally quarter
- They understand hand signals as well as verbal commands
- Our grouse dog knows how to relocate and release without putting too much pressure on the bird
- These are dogs you do not have to talk to and rarely if ever have to use the e collar.
- Our working range is when the dog goes on point you don’t need run or use a GPS to locate the dog. They are working within gun range.
- Our grouse dog doesn’t just point; they are also allowed to work a running bird
- Our grouse dog can retrieve to hand, or locate dead birds
- Our grouse you say very little to in the woods and they shift when you shift
- Our grouse dog posses an “Off Switch”
- Our grouse dog is family dog that is well mannered in the house but turns it on in the grouse woods
All of the above represents just part of the training that goes into one of our grouse dogs. These dogs are highly socialized and can easily visit nursing homes, be with the elderly and young alike. These dogs want to be with you just as much as they want to hunt.
Intense, Focused, Loyal, and Cautious Hunters
Having guided hunters for grouse and woodcock for almost 20 years in the north woods of Wisconsin, I know what is needed in a grouse dog. Each guided hunt my reputation and dog training skills are scrutinized. If I don’t deliver a good experience, I won’t be hired again so my dogs need to be friendly and professional. Our breeding stock is from dogs that possess exceptional noses, are naturally cautious and have the ability to work a running bird. Theses dogs are biddable, easy to control and have a balance of drive mixed with a cautiousness around birds. Their drive locates the bird, then restraint sets in so the birds will not feel pressure of being pushed. All Northwind setters are trained to these standards.
These quality grouse dogs do not happen in a short period of time because they need experience working grouse. Our philosophy has always been that we train in the cover where the bird lives and we hunt. Training our setters in the same environment they hunt in allows us to enhance their natural ability and train for the conditions that the dog will likely experience. Next, we want our hunters to be as knowledgable as possible on dog handling and grouse hunting. So we work with our owners until they understand cover, how these birds react to pressure, and the cover they will seek when pressured. We also explain how the hunter should respond in different situations based on their dog’s personality.
Finally, we analysis the different personality traits of each dog. This allows us to match each dog with the best owner. You as an owner will be expected to give us a glimpse of who you are and how you hunt. It is important to us that Northwind dogs go the best home for them
Loving Companions, part of your family
It is important to us that Northwind dogs go where they will be a loved member of the family. Let’s face it hunting season doesn’t last all year, so the rest of the time they need to be part of your family life. These dogs love growing up with your children and spending time with people. They need loving attention. We not only work to raise excellent hunters but we also strive to raise a wonderful companion for the entire family. So our dogs are house broke, socialized and taught how to live in homes. We work through their “OFF-and-ON” switch so they know how to hunt full throttle in the woods, then return to the house to be a calm, family dog. A Northwind grouse dog is own you can be proud to own.
Customer account of what it is like to work with Northwind English Setters and be matched with their dogs
Once I decided that the best hunting habitat in my area was grouse/woodcock habitat I decided I needed a good dog that could help me have success with these birds. I did a lot of research before coming across Ann Jandernoa at Northwind English Setters. Ann is well known by grouse hunters through out the U.S. for her vast knowledge about grouse, their habitat and the type of training a dog needs to be successful in the grouse woods.
I talked with Ann numerous times and eventually asked if I could come up and watch her dogs work. Ann has been doing guided grouse hunts for years so I was very interested in how her dogs work and what may set them apart from other dogs. I was interested in a good pointing dog who would hunt WITH me. When I arrived it was a very rainy day and not conducive to good dog work, however, that didn’t stop Annie, her English Setter. That setter had numerous points, responded perfectly to Ann’s instruction and would have been a joy to hunt with. I was sold and only hoped to get a dog some where near that quality. When you get a dog from Ann you know it has been exposed to wild birds and has spent the majority of its training on grouse.
When I got my pup, Katie, she did a great job matching a pup to what my personality was like. She offered all the help I wanted in training Katie and now I have what may be the best dog I ever owned. Katie is now 2 1/2 years old and has been through two grouse seasons. I was blown away with how well she hunted her first year and she was even better last year. I continue to communicate with Ann about Katie’s training and she always takes the time to help. If you’re wondering about the quality of dog she produces, last year Katie and I got out about 25 times, hunted all WI public land and we were able to put up well over 300 grouse. Can’t wait for the upcoming fall and watch Katie as she’s just entering her prime.
-Chuck Holicky avid Wisconsin Grouse and Woodcock Hunter
Hunted again with our Setter Jessie. We put up over 20 birds and Jessie did not have one bump! He almost also scented the birds before the other dog we were hunting with.
One of the reasons that I chose to buy a setter from you, is that you are very concerned about all your dogs and want to make sure we have success.
Katie is a little over 2 years old now and she’s already one of the best dogs I ever owned. She’s very focused, loyal, intelligent and a wonderful hunting companion. She learns quickly, ranges well and seems to need few repetitions when learning new commands.
We got our first grouse and woodcock when she was 11 months old and we were successful on her first attempt at hunting wild pheasants as well.
Not only is she good in the wild she’s also great around the house. As I told you many times we are the perfect match.
Chuck Holicky & Katie
Why I picked Northwind Upland Setters my grouse dog
Once I decided that the best hunting habitat in my area was grouse/woodcock habitat I decided I needed a good dog that could help me have success with these birds. I did a lot of research before coming across Ann Jandernoa at Northwind Kennels. Ann is well known by grouse hunters through out the U.S. for her vast knowledge about grouse, their habitat and the type of training a dog needs to be successful in the grouse woods.
I talked with Ann numerous times and eventually asked if I could come up and watch her dogs work. Ann has been doing guided grouse hunts for years so I was very interested in how her dogs work and what may set them apart from other dogs. I was interested in a good pointing dog who would hunt WITH me.
When I arrived it was a very rainy day and not conducive to good dog work, however, that didn’t stop Annie, her English Setter. That setter had numerous points, responded perfectly to Ann’s instruction and would have been a joy to hunt with. I was sold and only hoped to get a dog some where near that quality.
When you get a dog from Ann you know it has been exposed to wild birds and has spent the majority of its training on grouse.
When I got my pup, Katie, she did a great job matching a pup to what my personality was like. She offered all the help I wanted in training Katie and now I have what may be the best dog I ever owned. Katie is now 2 1/2 years old and has been through two grouse seasons. I was blown away with how well she hunted her first year and she was even better last year. I continue to communicate with Ann about Katie’s training and she always takes the time to help.
If you’re wondering about the quality of dog she produces, last year Katie and I got out about 25 times, hunted all WI public land and we were able to put up well over 300 grouse. Can’t wait for the upcoming fall and watch Katie as she’s just entering her prime.
Chuck Holicky
Ann
Great to hear from you.I thought of stopping by this fall as I was up in Bayfield several weeks. Maybe next time I’ll will stop for Betty to say hi! Betty is a lazy cuddle cat in the house. Great dog. In the field one of the best still. She did great on grouse. We had our best season ever with 31 grouse. She is now working pheasant for physically challenged and my friends. She is doing all I ask and it is now both learning each other hunting styles. She has an amazing nose and is getting much better at tracking runners to not bump them. This is a work in process but happy. I’ll attach some pics of her hard work. Wish I could clone her and have 2 right now!!!!! Keep in touch
P.S. also attached my favorite pic of Betty my buddy took hunting. Sums her up
Chad