Life is puppies!

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

Northwoods Sir Gordon wins Red Hills Invitational

Winners of the Red Hills Invitational (from left to right) are Trey Mills, Devon Harden and Jerry, who poses with first-place dog Northwoods Sir Gordon. In the back, Jason Loper, dog trainer at Osceola Plantation and host of the trial, stands with judges Ricky Furney and Gary Futch.

It’s probably safe to say that the highest density of bird dog trainers and handlers in the world are within 75 miles of Thomasville, Ga. Even more exclusive is the Red Hills region between Thomasville and Tallahassee, Fla., where more than 50 private wild quail plantations are located. Each plantation employs at least one professional dog trainer.

All take their bird dogs seriously. Down here, it’s not a hobby. It’s how they make a living.

The quail hunting season is long and usually frenetic for trainers. But one week after the season closes, they gather to compete at the Red Hills Invitational field trial. This is an old-fashioned, bird dog throw-down that’s not sanctioned by any governing body. It’s exclusive, too, in that each trainer can enter just one dog. From among their strings of dogs—numbering from 12 to 40 or more— they choose their best dog to compete. A generous purse is awarded to the winners, but most important is bragging rights.

Thirty-two trainers competed in the trial this year. The dogs are run from horseback and are required to be steady to wing and shot. Preference is for a dog to handle without a lot of scouting assistance, typically in the 100- to 200-yard range.

Osceola Plantation, a large plantation located southeast of Thomasville, hosts the trial every year. Their beautiful land, rich with wild bobwhites, is an ideal venue. There were many outstanding dogs competing in the stake, including the winners of the recent Plantation Owners trial, as well as past winners.

Spring bobwhite quail can be a challenge for a bird dog. These are not the same birds that sat for point in early December. They have been hunted hard all winter, not only by people on horseback but also by predators. The vegetation in spring is probably at its thinnest, making birds more nervous. Quail that have survived are canny and know every inch of their territory.

I rank the quality of the stake on the caliber of judges—and this one was stellar with Ricky Furney and Gary Futch. Ricky is a seasoned professional handler on the all age circuit. He has numerous championships to his credit including the National Championship. Ricky handled Hall-of-Fame CH Law’s High Noon for co-owner Gary. Gary, president of the Georgia Field Trial Association, is an experienced dog man who has judged many major stakes.

Northwoods Sir Gordon (RU-CH Erin’s Prometheus x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2017), owned by Ben McKean of Minnetrista, Minn.

From our kennel, I chose to run Northwoods Sir Gordon (RU-CH Erin’s Prometheus x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2017), owned by Ben McKean of Minnetrista, Minn. Gordy ran late on the first day under bluebird conditions with temperatures in the upper 50s. He pointed three coveys—all perfectly located—in his 30 minutes. For a little frosting on his performance, Gordy had a find just seconds after time was called to end the brace. His hunting effort was strong and all his finds were dead ahead on course.

With that fine showing, Gordy won first place.

Devon Harden, dog trainer at Norias Plantation, placed second. His pointer John had three coveys in the last brace of the first day. Third place went to Trey Mills from Mayhaw Plantation with his pointer Queen. She pointed two coveys during the second morning of the trial.

At 27 months of age, Gordy is an exceptional young dog. His instincts around game are among the best I’ve seen. As a puppy last winter, he found hundreds of birds and would hold point until I flushed. He is already one of the finest bird-finders we’ve ever bred.

Congratulations to Ben and Gordy!

Households with two (or sometimes more) Northwoods Bird Dogs

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

Northwoods Lyon: a special setter puppy

Eight-week-old Leo curls up for a nap in a tub filled with his puppy toys.

Among the dogs in our kennel, Betsy and I have every trait we’d ever want. The challenge for us as breeders is to get as many—if not all—of those characteristics into each pup.

Leo picks up a bobwhite quail and brings it back to hand at nine weeks of age.

We think we have one now with just about all of them. It is setter male Northwoods Lyon, call name Leo. He has the brains and the nose. He has the temperament and personality. He hunts with verve and determination. He goes to his birds with the right mix of boldness and caution. He is high-headed and straight-tailed on point. He’s naturally staunch to flush, backs, and retrieves to hand with a soft mouth. He handles from foot or horseback and finds as many wild birds as dogs twice his age.

And Leo is only nine months old.

By fall, four-month Leo handled in the woods, found and pointed many woodcock.

Leo was whelped on June 3, 2018, by Northwoods Minerva (RU-CH Erin’s Prometheus x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2016) bred to Northwoods Grits (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis, 2011). Carly and Grits represent our two best nicks.

Leo spent a weekend in the northern Minnesota woods at 19 weeks of age–hunting during the day and playing with girls in the evening.

Why do Betsy and I even own Leo? Serendipity. There were extra males in the litter and near the end of the picks, a cute orange-and-white one with a dark nose and eyes was left. We picked him.

Six-month-old Leo easily transitioned to the piney woods of northern Florida and found this covey.

Leo inherited almost every trait we’d want and showed us at this early age what he has. But, more than that, in a year when we lost two of our all-time favorite dogs—dogs that were also sires of those two nicks, Shaq (Blue Shaquille) and Oscar (Northwoods Blue Ox)—Leo assuaged our grief and loss.

Even though Leo is his own dog, he is the embodiment of Shaq and Oscar.

Leo beats two bracemates to this find at seven months of age.

In this video, Leo points a covey that was spread out and feeding. His relocation is bold and confident. He exactly locates two quail and points staunchly until flush.

Houston’s Belle’s Choice: January 2005 – December 2018

Houston’s Belle’s Choice (Gusty Blue x CH Houston’s Belle, 2005)

On the day after Christmas, Betsy and I received a heartbreaking message from Marc Austof that Jill had died. She lived happily and sprightly through Christmas but suddenly her health failed. Marc, his wife Melissa and their four children made the sad but merciful decision.

Marc Austof took Jill out for the first hunt of the 2016 season.

First hunt of the season. Man, I love this dog!
~ Marc Austof, September 2016

Jill was whelped January 16, 2005, in a co-breeding arrangement with Paul Hauge. Betsy and I were novices—it was only our seventh setter litter and the last at our home in Forest Lake, Minn. Parents were female Houston’s Belle, Paul’s soon-to-be multiple grouse champion, and Gusty Blue, owned by Bob Saari. I liked Gusty after watching him frequently at our prairie camp. He showed the gait, boldness and bird savvy we look for in a breeding dog. Besides, Gusty reminded us of his grandsire, our grouse champion Blue Smoke.

We sold most of the puppies but Paul chose two. One was a black-and-white female and the other was an evenly masked tricolor female that Paul named, suitably, Houston’s Belle’s Choice.

JILL AS A YOUNG DOG
Paul was interested in campaigning Jill on the grouse field trial circuit and so we tailored her development. She spent her first summer at our North Dakota prairie camp where I worked her on sharp-tailed grouse and pheasants. Paul then hunted her in Wisconsin and North Dakota and, in early winter, I took her south for training on our quail lease near Childress, Tex.

Jill was a beautiful dog, lofty in motion and with a strong, ground-eating gait. Luckily, she wanted to please and always handled. Jill was a natural at finding birds and was bold and confident on her game. She was steady-to-wing-and-shot as a fall derby and naturally backed. In short, she was a talented prospect for field trials.

JILL IN COMPETITION
As a puppy and derby, Jill was recognized in the most prestigious grouse trials in the country. In spring 2006, she placed fourth in the Grand National Grouse Puppy Classic held in Marienville, Penn., and second in the Minnesota Grouse Dog Association Open Puppy Stake. She was named one of three reserve dogs at the Grand National Grouse Futurity held in Marienville that fall.

As a derby, Jill won first in a quail shooting dog stake. After her derby season, Jill was campaigned sparingly.

During a training session in April 2012, the veteran Jill worked and pinned a grouse deep in an ash swamp.

JILL AS AN ADULT
Jill matured into an exceptional adult in all ways important to a bird dog and companion. She was long-legged, big-strided and weighed a solid 42 lbs. She was a focused bird finder and adept at pinning running grouse. Her range could vary from close to big but she was always in search of birds. In addition to ruffed grouse, woodcock and sharptails, she traveled with Betsy and me wherever we went in winter—whether Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee or Georgia—and she handled each situation, location and bird with ease.

Jill inherited long ears from her sire Gusty which she often passed on to her progeny. We always found the trait endearing but a friend always kidded us: “Jill can put a set of ears on her pups!”

Besides her calm and affectionate disposition, Jill had another distinct trait. When she was especially enjoying being stroked, she made a purring sound that seemed to be coming from her adenoids.

Bob Senkler owned both Jill and her grandson Grits. Those two veterans were a good brace in the grouse woods.

Bob Senkler, a serious, passionate grouse and woodcock hunter, became her owner in 2010. Bob commented: “Jill gave me some of the best grouse hunts I ever had.” That is very high praise from someone like Bob who has had more “once-in-a-lifetime grouse dogs” than anyone I know.

JILL AS A PRODUCER
Betsy and I bred Jill five times—three to Blue Shaquille and one each to Northwoods Blue Ox and Northwoods Grits. Puppies were sent all over the country. All were hunted and many were also campaigned. Jill’s production record from the American Field Stud Dog Book shows 12 winners with a total of 29 wins.

The pairing with Shaq was one of our best nicks and produced outstanding bird dogs. Three females—Chardonnay, Chablis and Carly Simon—became proven dams on their own and formed the foundation of our sixth generation of setters.

Jill was bred five times–three of those were by Blue Shaquille, our best-ever grouse dog. This litter of six in 2013 includes some famous dogs: Royce (Bob Senkler), Duke (Tom Dosen-Windorski), Creek (Randy Ott) and Mac (Dale Robinson). I built this shelf above the whelping nest so Jill could get some respite from her puppies.

In addition, Chardonnay (owned by Betsy and me) won the 2011 MN/WI Cover Dog Derby of the Year award while Chablis (Bob Senkler), Northwoods Lager (Jim Bires), Northwoods Troy McClure (Dale Robinson), Northwoods Creek (Randy Ott) Northwoods Rolls Royce (Bob Senkler) and Carly Simon (owned by Betsy and me) all earned placements on grouse and woodcock.

Her litter by Northwood Blue Ox produced stellar grouse dogs whether used in competition, guiding or hunting. Northwoods Highclass Kate (Barry Frieler) won the 2012 MN/WI Cover Dog Derby of the Year award and Northwoods Parmigiano (Paul Hauge) won woods derby placements and horseback stakes. professional grouse guides: Northwoods Camembert (Bill Heig) and Northwoods Brie (Scott Berry) are keys to professional guiding operations. Northwoods Ahniwake Grace (Sam Gary Jr.) has been one of our best Georgia quail dogs and Northwoods Roquefort (Grant Murray) is hunted hard on grouse every fall.

Jill’s last litter by Northwoods Grits produced grouse derby winner Northwoods Lady Got Rocks (Joe Byers). Northwoods Hartley (Nick Larson) gets many hours in the woods and Northwoods Elmer (Luke Olson) is part of the passionate New Wood grouse camp.

Finally, as a testament to her ability to pass on her excellent qualities, all setters in our kennel have her name in their pedigrees, down now to the seventh generation of great grandsons and daughters.

Marc Austof’s son proudly shows off his woodcock while hugging Jill, his hunting partner.

JILL IN RETIREMENT
Since 2014, Jill lived a pampered and privileged life with Austof family of Traverse City, Mich. There she quickly became the queen of the house, slept in her favorite chair and played with the four Austof children.

Marc is a serious grouse and woodcock hunter, though, and every autumn Marc and Jill headed to the woods where both benefited. Marc capitalized on her extensive hunting experience and Jill had ample opportunities, right up to the end. She pointed grouse, woodcock and pheasant within a couple months of her passing.

Great grouse dog, field trial winner, producer, companion. Jill had it all. RIP, sweet Jill.

Thanks for all those precious hunts, memories and everything you taught me. It has been an honor and privilege to carry a gun behind you. You will be missed.
~ Marc Austof, December 2018

Cool video of covey rise on a quail plantation

Northwoods Rob Roy (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis, 2012)

Our good friend and client Chris Bye recently completed a whirlwind, monumental effort for the future of bird dogs. He made a very quick, round trip, solo drive from his home in Wisconsin to Georgia for the express purpose to breed his Northwoods Rob Roy to our Northwoods Minerva.

But while in this Red Hills region of venerable quail plantations, Chris and I took some time to train dogs from horseback on Pinehaven Plantation in north Florida. Chris captured this classic covey rise in slow motion during a workout with pointer Northwoods Audi and setter Northwoods Hercules.

Thanks, Chris! Enjoy the video!

Autumn 2018: happy hunters and their bird dogs

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

Grouse hunting at Bowen Lodge featured in Duluth newspaper

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.

http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/sports/outdoors/4517086-pointing-dog-enthusiasts-take-ruffed-grouse-hunting-next-level

In a sidebar, “West Nile testing may bring answers about grouse,” Myers focused on research to combat the grouse population decline.

http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/sports/outdoors/4517108-west-nile-testing-may-bring-answers-about-grouse

Late summer training on sharptails

Northwoods Sir Gordon (RU-CH Erin’s Prometheus x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2016)

The month of August and into early September has always signified that it’s time to start training on wild birds. The foundation has been laid and reinforced during summer sessions and the dogs have been conditioned so they’re all in great shape.

It’s with pleasure that I get up early, load eight dogs into the trailer and arrive at the sharp-tailed grouse training grounds by sunrise.

In addition to taking photographs, I’ve captured some of the training runs on video. I always run the dogs in braces—usually pairing an older dog with a derby. For young dogs, I often run in groups of three or more.

The first video features our own Northwoods Carly Simon (Blue Shaquille x Houston’s Belle’s Choice, 2011) and her 19-month-old son Northwoods Sir Gordon (RU-CH Erin’s Prometheus x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2016), owned by Ben McKean.

Northwoods Aphrodite (RU-CH Erin’s Three Leaf Shamrock x Southern Grace, 2016)

The next two videos star Northwoods Rolls Royce (Blue Shaquille x Houston’s Belle’s Choice, 2013), owned by Bob Senkler, and 20-month-old Northwoods Aphrodite (RU-CH Erin’s Three Leaf Shamrock x Southern Grace, 2017), owned by Betsy and me.

Guided grouse hunting at Bowen Lodge featured in tv show

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).