Northwoods dogs are cover dogs

Northwoods Minerva (RU-CH Erin’s Prometheus x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2017), in front, and Northwoods Aphrodite (RU-CH Three Leaf Shamrock x Southern Grace, 2018).

Recognize these tricolor setters?

That’s Northwoods Minerva and Northwoods Aphrodite on the cover of the newest catalog from Kevin’s, Fine Outdoor Gear and Apparel. The blurb on the inside page states: “Great wild bird dogs can handle both our beloved Bobwhites and the king of the north woods, the Ruffed Grouse.”

Chris Mathan shot the photograph last spring at Pinehaven Plantation in Monticello, Fla. Chris, of Chris Mathan Sporting Dogs, is an excellent outdoor photographer and graphic designer and also a long-time business associate and friend. She lives in Pavo, Ga., and is in high demand to photograph the myriad bird dog hunting and field trial gatherings in the area.

Kevin’s is an institution in this plantation-rich region of south Georgia/north Florida. Kevin Kelly and his wife, Kathleen, run a business that includes the catalog and stores in Thomasville and Tallahassee. The Thomasville location on Broad Street couldn’t be more charming. Complete with a high ceiling, squeaky wooden floor, gorgeous antique display cases and top-quality merchandise piled in every nook and cranny, the shop is always bustling.

Jerry and I own Minerva (RU-CH Erin’s Prometheus x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2017). She inherited wonderful traits from her sire and dam, including her spectacular posture on point. She is part of the grouse and quail guiding string and has whelped two fine litters.

Aphrodite (RU-CH Three Leaf Shamrock x Southern Grace, 2018; Shamrock is out of Northwoods Chardonnay by CH Erin’s Hidden Shamrock) now hunts quail for John Downing on Long Brow Plantation in Green Pond, S.C.