I agree with you about the memories - and traditions do matter
In the part of NY where I grew up hunting with my Dad and still want to hunt with the ghosts of setters long gone the story is different. Grouse are mostly a memory.
but it's sad to have a young dog in the woods not gaining experience. Last year I began to make the very long drive to the north country just for that reason. We found some birds. this year I may add trips back to some old haunts in north central PA and farther afield in the Finger Lakes - just don't calculate the cost per pound of the birds
I can reminisce, Tweed cannot