More Stocked Pheasants in NY

[Bob Jurewicz]

Ted,
There are tons of dog training books to help you. I'm not a trainer but have trained a good number of GSPs and even one Setter. I do a lot of yard play for retrieving training. A Knog Toy with a rope thru the center works well for distance throwing. I use only one or two commands -FETCH or FETCH IT UP. It is a game they love to play. Usually I wear out before they do.
Steady to wing and shot is a whole different ball game. You can't train and hunt at the same time. You will need a long (15' ) check cord, someone to hold it when the dog goes on point and a second person who does the flush. Pen raised birds are many times used. Don't let the dog catch the bird!!!!! They like it too much and it is a hard, bad habit, to break. I'm a hunter not a field trialer so I only work on the steady to flush.
In the field if the dog will pick up the dead bird but not bring it back I excitedly command FETCH or FETCH IT UP while running away from the dog with much animation . I don't know why but it works.
Not a great training lesson here but it could be a start for you.
Bob Jurewicz