Gordon Setters

[Alfred Houde]

Garry's summary is very accurate. I would add that mine is very affectionate and vocal. She has no problem climbing into my lap for attention. She also howls like a coonhound when it's chow time, or senses that she is going on a training or hunting activity.

This fall will be her first real hunting season. Last year as a pup I kept the trips short. She got some points, but also bumped some birds. I saw her as the proverbial First Round Draft Pick. Lots of talent and potential, but not ready to start.

Now that I'm retired I hope to hunt with her in Maine and Upstate New York for grouse and woodcock, provided the COVID restrictions don't prevent that, and then home here in Virginia for woodcock.

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by Alfred Houde

Garry's summary is very accurate. I would add that mine is very affectionate and vocal. She has no problem climbing into my lap for attention. She also howls like a coonhound when it's chow time, or senses that she is going on a training or hunting activity.

This fall will be her first real hunting season. Last year as a pup I kept the trips short. She got some points, but also bumped some birds. I saw her as the proverbial First Round Draft Pick. Lots of talent and potential, but not ready to start.

Now that I'm retired I hope to hunt with her in Maine and Upstate New York for grouse and woodcock, provided the COVID restrictions don't prevent that, and then home here in Virginia for woodcock.

Alfred, It's exciting to have a "new" bird dog. It sounds like you'll have fun with your girl this coming season. I hope you'll post pictures from the upcoming season.

Just curious where you are in the Old Dominion. I grew up in York County among the Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg communities. I also lived in Mechanicsville and Richmond (while at college). I just read the latest Virginia Wildlife magazine and was encouraged with the piece about quail hunting. I hope you find woodcock in good numbers in your home coverts.

Remember...pictures of your Gordon when the time comes(!)

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by Alfred Houde

Garry's summary is very accurate. I would add that mine is very affectionate and vocal. She has no problem climbing into my lap for attention. She also howls like a coonhound when it's chow time, or senses that she is going on a training or hunting activity.

This fall will be her first real hunting season. Last year as a pup I kept the trips short. She got some points, but also bumped some birds. I saw her as the proverbial First Round Draft Pick. Lots of talent and potential, but not ready to start.

Now that I'm retired I hope to hunt with her in Maine and Upstate New York for grouse and woodcock, provided the COVID restrictions don't prevent that, and then home here in Virginia for woodcock.

Alfred, Elaine and I were thinking back on our Gordons and, because of your nice post, which of our Gordons were real "talkers." We've had our share, one in particular that Elaine thinks she could have taught to say some rudimentary words if she'd worked at it more. Alder, one of our current Gordons, is a real talker also, and let's me know when she wants something. It's a pleasure when they talk to you, isn't it?!

I don't envy you trying to find places to hunt near you in Northern VA. But, I do hope you find woodcock as they head south. I can still remember as a kid flushing woodcock on my way to my bow stand in York County, VA. One of the members of the (poor man's) hunt club that my father belonged to had a setter and would hunt them every now and then. I was enthralled then...and still am.

[6pt-Sika]

To the best of my knowledge I’ve never met a setter I didn’t like be it Gordon , Irish , Red or English