About Northwoods Bird Dogs

	Northwoods Bird Dogs was founded in 2002 by husband-and-wife team Jerry Kolter and Betsy Danielson when Jerry turned his passion for hunting and bird dogs into his profession. They named their business for the country that is home to their favorite upland bird — the ruffed grouse — and their spiritual home, the aspen/maple/white pine/balsam fir forests of the lake states…the Northwoods. Jerry began hunting ruffed grouse, woodcock and pheasants over English setters in 1975. Since then, he has pursued upland birds in every state and province from Texas to Manitoba with several breeds of pointing dogs. He has also guided wild quail hunts in Texas, as well as grouse and woodcock hunts in northern Minnesota.



	That they have bred most of their dogs has been key to Jerry and Betsy’s enjoyment and success in field trials. They are proud to be producing the fourth generation of Northwoods English setters. Puppies sold to fellow field trial competitors around the country have also won several prestigious stakes. Northwoods dogs acquired by dedicated hunters have developed into outstanding wild bird dogs. Kennels throughout the country carry the fine genetic qualities from Northwoods Bird Dogs. Additionally, English setters and pointers from Northwoods have been featured in many magazines, newspapers and books, including: Pointing Dog Journal, Gun Dog Magazine, Upland Almanac and The American Field.



In 1987, Jerry entered his first wild bird field trial with Spring Garden Tollway, a talented yet headstrong English setter. In the ensuing 15 years, he became one of the most successful amateur trainers and handlers in the country, learning from many nationally prominent trainers, breeders and handlers – including Roger Buddin of Big Country Kennel in Texas, Sherry Ray Ebert and Rick Smith. Jerry won more than 100 field trial placements in ruffed grouse and woodcock trials, seven regional Dog of the Year awards and several championships. He bred, trained and handled Ch. Blue Streak, the 2002 winner of the Michael Seminatore English Setter Cover Dog Award and the William Harnden Foster Award. By education and profession, Betsy is a horticulturist, landscape designer and writer with 33 years of experience. She founded Dazzle Gardens in 2005 and there she maintains her passion for plants and writing (www.dazzlegardens.com). Betsy has always had dogs in her life and is totally enamored by both pointing dogs and Labrador retrievers. She manages all aspects of Northwoods Bird Dogs and taks special interest in the breeding, whelping and care of the puppies.

Jerry sums up their success this way: “Betsy and I have bred, raised, trained, handled and won with our dogs at the highest level of field trial competition and we guide ruffed grouse and woodcock hunts for the most discriminating upland bird hunters. We know the qualities necessary for the dog to be outstanding in both endeavours.”