Northwind English Setters Characteristics
Our bloodlines natural aptitude along with our training techniques, have developed a line of Setters that grouse hunters dream of owning. Why? Grouse are a tough bird to hunt. They live in thick cover, have keen senses and are quick to run. So grouse hunters need pointers that have fantastic noses who can scent from a long distance and work cautiously. This is the type grouse hunting dog we raise and train.
Our breeding stock comes from incredible bloodlines that we have refined over time. They have exceptional noses, natural ability, drive, extreme caution and biddable personalities. Our setters have the calmness to work scent slowly; they creep and crawl as they are tracking grouse or woodcock. This bloodline is also breed to work running birds until the bird flushes or you verbally release them. Northwind English Setters are fantastic on grouse.
Other characteristics of our hunting dogs include how close working they are. Most typically they love water and have the ability to retrieve. By six months, these skills are already evident and they start becoming the perfect teammate for a hunter walking through dense forest. Northwind English Setters work at a close range alongside their hunter which allows them to “block” birds. This is an unique talent most pointers don’t process. Blocking is defined as the dog has scented the bird, likely even pointed it. The hunter walks into position addressing the point while getting ready for the shot. Then the grouse starts to move or run. In blocking the setter will move out and around the bird to position themselves between the bird and the hunter. This traps the bird between the two of you forcing the bird to flush so the hunter will get their shot.
These techniques successfully work because Northwind English Setters are excellent companions who want to please their owners. These setters want to work in close range with their hunters. The hunt happens on foot and unfolds between you and the dog. This is the only type of hunting style I cater to with my clients. If you are looking for a fast working grouse dog who runs ahead locking a point until you find them with your GPS collar, we are not the right fit for you. Not only is hunting approach important but also matching our hunter’s personalities and level of experience with the correct dog temperament is critical. Otherwise neither the hunter nor the dog are happy if the relationship isn’t natural. Our ultimate goal is to make your hunting experience the best you’ve ever had because when you are out hunting you are representing not only yourself but my kennel.
Take some time to consider the home life you can commit to for your hunting dog. Due to their gentle nature and their love of people, they do not prosper living in kennels. They do much better living in homes with your family. Family life gives them security and calmness which creates a better working environment for them. They learn better and show better restraint in their excitement at home and in the field. Their natural “on and off” switch makes them an excellent house dog who settles in faster to hunt if you have a loving relationship with them outside of hunting.
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