Northwoods Sir Gordon (RU-CH Erin’s Prometheus x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2016), owned by Ben McKean, Minnesota.
To everything – turn, turn, turn There is a season – turn, turn, turn And a time to every purpose, under heaven ~Written by Pete Seger
Training at Northwoods Bird Dogs falls into distinct seasons. June and July are pigeon months when Jerry and Jeff Hintz, our friend, neighbor and training helper, work with young dogs. Using pigeons in bird bags and in electronically controlled release traps, they control and tailor training situations to match the individual needs of each dog.
Late July and early August heralds a transition to bobwhite quail. Jerry buys them as young birds, divides them into groups and places them in four, strategically spaced Johnny houses. He then develops the birds into wild-acting coveys which are perfect for training puppies.
Northwoods Rolls Royce (Blue Shaquille x Houston’s Belle’s Choice, 2013), on left, and Northwoods Lyon (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Minerva, 2018), both owned by Bob Senkler, Florida.
The final focus is on wild birds. And for Jerry, that is the lure, too. There simply is no substitute for training on wild birds. Even though the work is more laborious and more strenuous, time devoted to wild bird training is crucial.
Northwoods Minerva (RU-CH Erin’s Prometheus x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2016), on left, and Northwoods Valencia (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Carbon, 2017).
Before the grand finale of work on ruffed grouse and woodcock, Jerry heads to western Wisconsin where unique grounds offer sharp-tailed grouse. He arises early to load the dog trailer with veterans and young dogs alike and gets to his first spot before the sun clears the horizon.
There’s almost always heavy dew. There can be fog and it usually warms up quickly. But the landscape is beautiful, the sunrises are breathtaking and the wild bird work is extremely gratifying.
Northwoods Rolls Royce (Blue Shaquille x Houston’s Belle’s Choice, 2013), owned by Bob Senkler, Florida.
Northwoods Istanbul (CH Erin’s Hidden Shamrock x Northwoods Nickel, 2018), on left, and Northwoods Sir Gordon (RU-CH Erin’s Prometheus x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2016), owned by Ben McKean, Minnesota.
Northwoods Big Bang (Northwoods Rob Roy x Northwoods Minerva, whelped Feb. 6, 2019)
Hands down, my favorite job responsibility at Northwoods Bird Dogs is the whelping and raising of puppies. Jerry’s favorite is their development.
Besides obvious distinctions such as color and gender, it’s hard to tell much difference in personality, conformation, mature size, instinct or talent when our puppies are younger than about 12 weeks of age. By about four months though, when Jerry begins their formal training in earnest, we begin to notice individual traits.
Puppies from our four Big Bang* (explained below) litters are now five and seven months of age and Jerry and I are really excited. They represent the very best of our setter lines and our single outstanding pointer line.
Our 2019 puppies are:
Northwoods Cosmic Ray (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Nickel, whelped Dec. 4, 2018) Northwoods Comet (CH Rock Acre Blackhawk x Northwoods Vixen, Dec. 18, 2018) Northwoods Atom, Northwoods Big Bang, Northwoods Super Nova (Northwoods Rob Roy x Northwoods Minerva, whelped Feb. 6, 2019) Northwoods Cosmos, Northwoods Stardust (RU-CH Erin’s Prometheus x Northwoods Carly Simon, whelped Feb. 7, 2019)
* Almost as much fun as whelping and developing all these puppies is naming them. The thing began, innocently enough, with our first pointer CH Dance Smartly. Her call name was Dancer—and it perfectly suited her. She was strong and graceful, poised and confident. Dancer’s first litter by CH Brooks Elhew Ranger in 1997 produced a handsome liver-and-white male that Jerry and I named Dasher, continuing the reindeer theme. Next came Prancer, Vixen, Blitzen and, our newest, Comet.
Northwoods Comet (CH Rock Acre Blackhawk x Northwoods Vixen, Dec. 18, 2018)
Comet, fortunately for us, coincides with this year’s naming theme. Due to our joint fascination with astrophysics and the hit tv show, we decided on Big Bang for 2019.
Our first setter theme was in 2004 when we honored NBA Los Angeles Lakers players Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. (We had rooted for The Lakers for many years, although latter teams could never touch the alchemy and power of the Magic Johnson/James Worthy/Kareen Abdul-Jabbar era.) Other good years include Beer and Wine, Luxury Designers, Gods and Goddesses, Cheese, Cocktails, Geology and elements of the Periodic Table.
Northwoods Cosmic Ray (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Nickel, whelped Dec. 4, 2018)
Flint (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis, 2015) is owned by Ben Kurtz of Colorado. They are the epitome of Wes Siler’s “good dog” and “good dog owner.”
Minnesota neighbor and good friend Jeff Hintz frequently emails links to various dog-related pieces he’s discovered on the Internet. Some are strictly about bird dogs; others concern canine medical issues such as a recent in-depth article about Lyme’s disease. He also sends comics which are good for anything from a smile to a guffaw.
Not too long ago, Jeff shared a post that Jerry and I thought worthy of passing on. “There’s No Such Thing as a Good Dog,” subtitled “Only a good dog owner,” was written by Wes Siler and first published on April 25, 2017, in Outside magazine. We think the message is excellent for both new puppy buyers and seasoned dog owners. https://getpocket.com/explore/item/there-s-no-such-thing-as-a-good-dog
As a young puppy, Ben exposed Flint to camping in the mountains.
On socialization: “A big reason Wiley is calm around other dogs, kids, loud motorcycles, gunfire, parties, and you name it is because I put a lot of effort into exposing him to those things during the critical first few weeks after he came home. And because I continue to allow him to explore those circumstances on his own terms.”
Ben exposed Flint to all sorts of situations, including loud airplanes, different people and new places.
In addition to the socialization his dog receives, Siler believes a good dog should be “well-trained” and “exhausted.” It’s also clear that he loves his dog with “unwavering devotion.” He notes: “Wiley is as important a part of my life as my job, family, or friends.”
Flint was brought along on fishing trips, too.
While Jerry and I agree with Siler on almost everything, there is one contentious issue. In a concluding paragraph, Siley writes: “What makes him a good dog in people’s minds isn’t the product of some genetic lottery—it’s not luck.”
After being around hundreds of dogs in all kinds of different situations, we know that genetics do matter. If nothing else, good breeding makes everything about owning a dog easier.
Photos above of Flint (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis, 2015), owned by Ben Kurtz of Colorado. Ben and Flint clearly epitomize Siler’s themes through exposure, training and exercise whether hunting, camping, fishing or traveling.
The family has decided to call our little black-masked, cigar smoking boy, Northwoods Fitzgerald or “Fitz”. Very excited. Thanks again. ~ Ted, Wisconsin
Our final two litters for 2019 were whelped within 24 hours of each other in early February and recently reached eight weeks of age–time for them to go to their new homes. One group of six headed north to Minnesota and Wisconsin; one female journeyed to Montana where she joined a Northwoods-bred setter; another female headed to Oklahoma where she, too, joined a Northwoods dog–this one a pointer male; and the last puppy flew out to California.
She’s adorable and quite the firecracker. I can already tell we are going to have a blast with her. Thanks again. ~ Lindsey, Minnesota
One litter was a three-time repeat breeding for Jerry and me. We first paired one of our favorite dams, Northwoods Carly Simon, to RU-EH Erin’s Prometheus (owned by John Mathys of Green Bay, Wisc.) in 2016. Our female pick of that litter, Northwoods Minerva, was the dam of the other litter. We chose Northwoods Rob Roy (owned by Chris Bye and Roberta Scherf of Roberts, Wisc.) as the sire, who, not coincidentally, is a full brother to Northwoods Grits, our sire choice for Minerva’s first litter last year.
Jerry and I had such fun raising the 16 puppies…but more gratifying is seeing such happy faces and big smiles of the new puppy owners.
Picture of your two pups….Vida and Alzada (Ridge Creek Cody x Northwoods Chardonnay, 2013). I couldn’t be happier. She is such a loving little girl and so bright. Thank you for all you put into her first weeks of life – it is so worth it for the new owners! ~ Tom and Carol, Montana
Ashley and I just picked up our good boy, Jackson! He is so pretty and we are already in love! ~ Jens, Minnesota
The first day with Nick (CH Elhew G Force x Northwoods Vixen, 2016), Kate honored him while he was pointing deer. She’s a great fit! Keep the production line going!! Thanks. ~ Larry and Linda, Oklahoma
Sig visited the bank where everyone wanted to meet him. As you mentioned, he is unflappable. ~ Chris, Wisconsin
Just wanted to thank you and Jerry again for the dog. He has settled in nicely. Without a doubt the most mellow pup I have ever had. He gets after it when it is play time or he is exploring the property but it so easy to get him to switch it off. Can’t believe he is doing it all at such a young age. Happy owner. ~ Ryan, California
Madison (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Nickel, 2018), on left, and Kate (Northwoods Blue Ox x Houston’s Belle’s Choice, 2010).
“Who’d have thought!?” that young Madison would dare challenge Kate’s spot on the dog bed.
~ Barry, Minnesota
It’s so satisfying when Jerry and I sell a puppy to a brand new client when, clearly, the fit is perfect. We vicariously experience the joys, successes and failures of those first few years of dog and hunter. Equally gratifying is when the hunter returns to us when it’s time to add a dog to the household.
Lately, we’ve received photos and reports from families around the country where homes are shared with two (or sometimes more) dogs from our kennel.
Position and/or possession on the bed seems to be a big deal.
Revo (CH Rock Acre Blackhawk x Northwoods Vixen, 2018), in front, and Timber (CH Elhew G Force x Northwoods Prancer, 2014).
“Revo is always wagging his tail and loves to run up and say “hi” to whomever enters the room. He has quickly formed a bond with our entire family, including Timber.”
~ Keith, Minnesota
Dixie (CH Shadow Oak Bo x Northwoods Carbon, 2016), on left, and Della (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Nickel, 2018).
“Dixie is doing a great job with Della and seems very happy to have a friend in the house! They wrestle a lot and Della is tough and tenacious while Dixie is patient and gentle with her!”
~ Isabel, Colorado
“Jax (CH Rock Acre Blackhawk x Northwoods Vixen, 2018) has so many of the same personality traits as Jade (CH Rock Acre Blackhawk x Northwoods Vixen, 2015). He always looks me in the eyes, makes the same squeaks and vocal yawns and they both prefer the same toys. He has chosen her part of the couch as his when she doesn’t occupy it. He also loves to retrieve, always carrying a toy around. Give him a toy at the pet store and he will carry it the entire time.”
~ Frank, Michigan
Rip (Blue Chief x Blue Blossom, 2008), on left, and Luna (RU-CH Northwoods Nirvana x Northwoods Carbon, 2017).
“Ha! Yes. Luna always scams the bed from him!”
~ Mike, Michigan
Axe (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Minerva, 2018), on top, and Cali (CH Rock Acre Blackhawk x Northwoods Vixen, 2018).
“Cali has settled in well with our crew. Still doesn’t like the cold and snow but who can blame her! Cali and Axe are good buds, lots of play time and she’s feisty!”
~ Cortney, Minnesota
Joy (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Minerva, 2018), hunting with Steve Wilds, Minnesota
Whether the dogs Jerry and I sell are puppies or older dogs, setters or pointers, they are family pets for most of the year. Come autumn, though, and owners head to woods and fields with their dogs, sometimes traveling a thousand miles or more, in pursuit of ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, woodcock, pheasants and Hungarian partridge.
Judging by big smiles and tired dogs, all couldn’t be happier!
Murphy (CH Elhew G Force x Northwoods Vixen, 2016), hunting with Tony Follen, Montana
Ellie (Northwoods Grits x CH I’m Blue Gert, 2014), hunting with Tom Beauchamp, Michigan
Cooper (CH Rock Acre Blackhawk x Northwoods Vixen, 2015), hunting with Jeff Hintz, Wisconsin
Oz (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Carbon, 2017), on left, dog Simon in the middle and Biscuit (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis. 2011), on right, hunting with Ryan Gould (on right) and a friend, South Dakota
Eddy (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Carbon, 2017), hunting with Charlie Schulz, Montana
Hunters, guides and dogs at Bowen Lodge, located on the shores of Lake Winnibigoshish in northern Minnesota.
Bowen Lodge, located about 40 miles northwest of Grand Rapids, Minn., was featured in a Duluth News Tribune story last week by outdoor writer John Myers. The piece was titled “Pointing dog enthusiasts take ruffed grouse hunting to the next level.”
Bill and Gail Heig, owners of Bowen Lodge, transform their resort into a premier grouse hunting and guiding operation each autumn so it was entirely natural that Myers spent a couple days with their guides and clients.
What is more unusual is that Myers understood and clearly articulated the unique experience of hunting grouse and woodcock over pointing dogs.
“And so goes upland bird hunting in the traditional pointing dog style, where only birds flushed from under a solid point are considered fair game. If there’s no shot, so be it. The dog work, the pointer’s steadiness and style, are honored as much as any bird in the game pocket of the Orvis hunting coat.
“Every point is a memory, every grouse a trophy. It’s about carrying ancient side-by-side double barrels considered functional works of art. It’s about the camaraderie of Scotch in front of a fireplace after the hunt and the laughter over who missed what and why.
“It’s the process, not the success, that matters most to these guys.”
Jerry and I have known Bill and Gail for about 23 years. We have a deep friendship based on shared interests and a business relationship formed through grouse guiding and pointing dogs. Bill has owned many setters and pointers out of our kennel.
Consequently, many hunters have bought our dogs after watching Jerry and Bill guide over them.
Featured in the story are hunters Ken Taylor and Jim DePolo of Pennsylvania; guides Cubby Skelly, Jens Heig and Bill Heig; and setter male Tyler (Blue Shaquille x Houston’s Belle’s Choice, 2011), pointer female Gee (CH Elhew G Force x Northwoods Vixen, 2013) and pointer female Macey.
Against a background of golden maples and basswoods, hunters, guides and dogs are a colorful group.
How to describe the camaraderie and hunting experiences that bring guests, guides and dogs back to a northern Minnesota lodge for 10, 20, 30 years?
Bill Heig, who with his wife Gail own Bowen Lodge on the shores of Lake Winnibigoshish, explains it this way:
“Sportsmen and women from all over the country gather at Bowen Lodge to spend their days in some of the nation’s finest ruffed grouse and woodcock covers. The evenings around the stone fireplace are filled with testimonials of the day’s adventures, topped off with Gail’s world-famous table.”
As for the dogs and guns, Bill says:
“A dog must be at the top of its game to be considered a true ‘grouse dog.’ To bag a pointed bird over a stylish bird dog with a lovely, lightweight, well-balanced gun really adds icing to the cake.”
Even better than reading about a guided grouse hunt, though, is to see one. Kurt Walbeck of Outdoor Bound TV, a Midwest-based hunting and fishing show, visited Bowen Lodge for several days last fall. He just released “Bowen Lodge Minnesota Grouse and Woodcock Hunting.”
Filming in woods so thick with aspens and other woody plants that it’s almost impossible to see dogs or birds can be problematic. So, too, it can be difficult to capture the special ambiance and close connection between guides, hunters and dogs.
But Kurt nailed it all. He catches Bill giving his safety lecture before a hunt. He films spectacular dog work and exciting, screech-to-a-halt points. He captures the beauty of the woods in autumn. Perhaps most importantly, Kurt gets the relaxed friendships, the ribbing, the laughter and the wonderful evenings in the lodge for dinner and story-telling.
Brian Simmons, Dick Taylor and Jon Hirtle are featured hunters. Guides include Bill and Jens Heig, Cubby Skelly, Mike Powers, Tony Follen and Jerry. Stars of the film, or “pro athletes” as Brian describes them, are the dogs—Bobbi and Gee (owned by Bill, bred by Jerry and me), and Oscar, Carly and Vixen (bred and owned by Jerry and me).
Northwoods Grits (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis, 2011)
It’s one thing to breed dogs that are outstanding both in the field and in the hunting cabin at night. It’s quite another when that dog passes on those traits to a preponderance of its offspring, no matter the pairing.
So no wonder Jerry and I are extremely proud of Northwoods Grits, a seven-year-old tricolor setter male out of Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis, owned by our long-time client Bob Senkler.
Cade (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Nickel, 2017), owned by Jim Malecha, Minnesota
Over the past five years, Grits has sired several litters and given us time to evaluate the results. We’ve used different dams—from stellar Houston’s Belle’s Choice (2014) and grouse champion I’m Blue Gert (2014) to our own Carly Simon (2015), Nickel (2017), Bismuth (2017), Carbon (2017) and Minerva (2018).
Oslo (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Carbon, 2017), owned by Ryan Gould, Minnesota
A majority of his puppies inherit his calm, confident personality and yet also have the fire and extreme drive to find birds in the field. They do this naturally, easily and with a minimum of training. An intense desire to please is evident as is a natural inclination to point, back and retrieve.
The accompanying photos are young dogs from litters sired by Grits in 2017 litters. Similarities in posture, carriage and composure are evident as well as, in some dogs, lots of spots.
Quinny (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Bismuth, 2017), owned by Karyn Dietz, Wisconsin
Jet (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Nickel, 2017), owned by Greg Johnson, Wisconsin
Edinburgh (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Carbon, 2017), owned by Charlie Schulz, Wisconsin
Titan (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Nickel, 2017), owned by Paul Matson, Michigan
Dixie Mae (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Bismuth, 2017), owned by Mitch Kowalski, Montana
JTH Scion (CH Rock Acre Blackhawk x Northwoods Vixen, 2015)
I’m thinking of taking up duck hunting with pointers. ~ Jeff
Our friend/neighbor/training helper, Jeff Hintz, is a passionate bird hunter. He divides his time between the grouse woods of east central Minnesota and southern Arizona desert quail country.
CH JTH Izzie (CH Westfall’s Black Ice x Northwoods Prancer, 2011)
Jeff has always been partial to pointers and has owned many in the past, sometimes four at a time. Now he has two—female Izzie and male Scion, call name Cooper. I’m not sure there’s a more in-tune, man-and-his-dogs group than these three.
On hot summer afternoons, Jeff loads Izzie and Cooper into his pickup and drives to a local lake. With Jeff’s training, both pointers rival some of the best Labradors I’ve known.
I threw the dummy and the three young mallards just stayed put! Cooper forgot about the dummy and, when released, went for the real retrieve. ~ Jeff
