October Setters
 

Curious if anyone owns one of their dogs? Interested in firsthand knowledge/ experience of their dogs in the field.

I recently sent a puppy deposit and am on the end of a long list. I like what I’ve seen and read and intend to visit soon to see them in action.

My trusty buddy, Rusty, will be turning 14 in March and I’m just now almost able to keep up with him in the field, lol.

I can’t imagine not having a dog to train, hunt and fawn over. Hoping for something that still actively seeks objective and maintains contact while not ranging as far as the field trial setters that attracted me as a younger man. An older gentleman’s hunting companion, if you will.

Thanks for any input you can provide.

Thrive!

John I've heard nothing but great things. I am on a wait list, and I turned up the past two litters. First one was a pup that would have been ready while I was in Italy and no way to time it right as they wouldn't fly her. Second one last year was a litter that Lisa told me were very wide ranging hard running parents more suited for Western hunting and I'm an eastern grouse and woodcock dude. So hopefully soon another girls joins my Ryman out of DeCoverly. Raisin is now 6 years old. She's my avatar photo.

Thank you, Andy! It’s nice to have my instincts validated,

Raisin is adorable! !

I have heard good things about October Setters as well. I’ve talked to Lisa on the phone a few times and she’s very willing to take time and talk to you about their breeding program. I think this is evidence of a solid breeder. They seem very interested about educating the buyer rather than just making a sale. I definitely appreciate this.

My wife and I have had success since 1996 with DeCoverly. I am actually on the way home today from picking up the future. Here we go again! Blue Belton female. You can reach out to me if you have any questions regarding Rymans that I have had. Mine have been as you describe “maintaining contact, etc” I do think October setters is a very reputable choice.

We PGGA folks love our pictures so here’s one!

Rick

Beautiful Rick. I am not a fan of very large setters. 50 pounds is my max. I think they’ll last longer and run better but that’s just me. I know Decoverly is trying to go a little bit smaller lately because I’ve gotten too damn big. I’m in line for a 45 to 50 pound female from October setters. They’re only less than a dozen ryman breeders in the country. I do recommend getting their book and reading it written in part by Lisa.

Yeah. I think 40 to 50 pounds is about right but I love them all!

Looks like trouble to me, the fun kind!! Nice looking pup you've got there. Best of luck with her. I've posted some pics of my old man in my album if anyone is curious.

And thank you all for your comments

The book Andy is talking about is " THE REAL RYMAN SETTER", written by fellow West Virginian Walt Lesser and Lisa Weisse.., My first setter was from Walt's. kennel, a male I called Thicket. I have had several Ryman setters, but now all are field bred. Some of my Ryman setters were some of my biggest ranging dogs, none were " big" dogs, but around 50 lbs for the males, Betty, the dog in my avatar, was a small Ryman female, one of my most beloved setters.
My current three field bred setters , mom and two litter mates, all hunt differently, from big running to close working. Thicket, a Ryman would push the limit of my comfort zone. I guess what I'm trying to say is that despite breeding/bloodlines ya just never what you'll get. I am a setter guy and hopefully have a few more in my future.
Just pulled the book out of my bookcase, worth a re-read.

We have a new Parker member who joined last year at Pheasant fest. He owns Thorn Plum kennels and he’s good friends with Walt. I’ll see if Bob can chime into this thread.

I have also talked with Bob. Seems like another good breeder.