Hail and Farewell: 2025
Chuck Bye and Northwoods Venus (CH Can’t Go Wrong x Cold Creek Pearl)
To continue our tradition, Betsy and I want to honor three men and 13 dogs who passed away this year. These men were not only friends but were—in their own ways—crucial to the success of our business.
And, about the dogs. We’re grateful to their owners for the lives they gave the dogs—whether as beloved companions lounging in a favorite spot, playing with the kids or bird hunting. The ages of the dogs ranged from a 15-year-old setter female to two puppies who died far too young.
We’ll never forget these dogs pictured below. The various breedings they represent are the heart and soul of Northwoods Bird Dogs.
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Chuck Bye (1944 – 2025)
Chuck owned New Wood grouse camp and was a passionate grouse hunter. He owned many Brittany spaniels but his favorite setter was Northwoods Venus.
Dr. Mark Nelson (1948 – 2025) 
Mark was a trusted veterinarian from Wisconsin and was responsible for all the Houston frozen semen puppies.
Bob Walthall (1947 – 2025) 
Bob managed the beautiful Sunny Hill Plantation outside Thomasville, Ga., and co-owned HOF CH Rock Acre Blackhawk and Blackhawk’s semen.
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Northwoods Camembert (Northwoods Blue Ox x Houston’s Belle’s Choice, 2010) with Ben Johnson, on left, and Ashley Heig on a guided hunt.
~ Bill and Gail Heig and Family, Minnesota
Northwoods Tesla (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis, 2011)
~ Tim and Monica Cunningham, Minnesota
Northwoods Led Zeppelin (Blue Shaquille x Houston’s Belle’s Choice, 2011)
~ David and Pam Bast, Kentucky
Northwoods Carly Simon (Blue Shaquille x Houston’s Belle’s Choice, 2011)
~ Jessica and Taggart Kramer, Wisconsin
Bess (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chardonnay, 2012)
~ Glen Gilson, Ohio
Northwoods Lucinda Belle (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis, 2012)
~ Ken Johnson, Alabama
Northwoods BMW (Houston’s Blackjack x Northwoods Chablis, 2013)
~ Mike and Gil Blomquist, Minnesota
Northwoods Fen (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis, 2015)
~ Harrison O’Connor, Montana
Rae (Sunny Hill Sam x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2016)
~ Gregg and Sherrie Knapp and Family, Wisconsin
Forrest (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Minerva, 2018)
~ Jimmy Blackburn, Montana
Northwoods Flirt (HOF CH True Confidence x Northwoods Comet, 2021)
~ Frank Ilijanic, Michigan
Northwoods Blue Beech (CH Woodville’s Yukon Cornelius x Northwoods Redbreast, 2024)
~ Walter Manley, Florida & Montana
Northwoods Jazzy May (Cold Creek Hank x Northwoods Stardust,2025)
~ Robby and Tim Lockler