Well, here's the book. Pulled it out this morning and finished it. I personally knew or met many of the people in this book. Guess that means Im getting old. Also has me hankering for another WV bred Ryman setter.

I'm with you John, I like close hunting Setters. Unless you hunt out West there's no need for a field trial dog that needs you to be a track star to keep up.
We breed Ryman-type Setters and have used DeCoverly too. They are about 1/2 hour from us. They are starting to breed larger dogs again. Not many breeders were doing the larger Ryman-type like we do and they shifted gears again. We have no litters planned as our breeder bitch has been retired. DeCoverly is a very good choice. We were just there a few weeks ago to kennel the dogs that we didn't take to SC. They had definitely two litters and maybe a third on the ground.

If you are near CT, BJ Cassio of Flymaster Kennels has Ryman-type Setter pups right now. I can get you his contact info if you are interested.

Thanks Mike, I live out west and hunt WA, OR, ID and MT. I ran field trial dogs in the past (Weimaraners)and my current setter is field bred (and geriatric). I want a dog to apply itself to the cover and seek likely objectives, not a plodder. I’m looking for middle ground as I age. I’m speaking with Lisa at October Setters later today. I appreciate your recommendations and advice.

No problem. I wish you luck in your search for a Setter.

Harold...you have impeccable taste in books. Very nice.

I love the bookends (I guess that’s what they are?)…

Just to throw this in, but I have had great luck with two Llewelin setters, brothers from different litters, from Jornada Setters in Anthony, NM. Both great bird dogs for here in NH where I hunt.

Thought I’d follow up after having spoken to Lisa at October Setters yesterday. I’m very confident that I’ll be happy with my decision to source my next field companion from Cliff and Lisa.

She was very generous with her time and we spoke for about an hour. She answered all of my questions and educated me about the breed, and their objectives as breeders.

Being used to smaller, field bred setters I harbored some apprehension about range. Those concerns were addressed to my satisfaction. Im not a young man anymore, and I think this will be a much better fit given my age and intention.

So now…. I wait.

Thank you all for your input and comments. It’s nice to see so many beautiful and adored Setters amongst the Parker clan.

I have always believed in breeder before breed. You do the research, check referrals, study other dogs from that breeder or even get to see a couple, and match to your hunting style and needs.

If you feel comfortable, then you made the right choice. Enjoy. It's always an exciting time.

Good advice