First-of-the-season training on wild birds

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.

Some cool puppies from 2019 litters

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.

Northwoods Stardust (RU-CH Erin’s Prometheus x Northwoods Carly Simon, whelped Feb. 7, 2019)

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)

Northwoods Cosmos (RU-CH Erin’s Prometheus x Northwoods Carly Simon, whelped Feb. 7, 2019)

Northwoods Super Nova (Northwoods Rob Roy x Northwoods Minerva, whelped Feb. 6, 2019)

Northwoods Atom (Northwoods Rob Roy x Northwoods Minerva, whelped Feb. 6, 2019)

Northwoods-bred pointer/setter duo wins Western Open Shooting Dog

2019 Western Open Shooting Dog Championship winners are (from left) Tim Schillereff and his wife Angela with pointer Tian Elhew Verbena, Bill Owen (in tan shirt) and his setter Northwoods Charles.

How extraordinary!

Whether it’s ever happened before or not doesn’t really matter. It’s extraordinary. Both the winner and runner up of the 2019 Western Open Shooting Dog Championship were bred by Betsy and me—and one was a pointer and the other a setter!

The trial, held in mid April in Reno, Nev., attracted 15 pointers and eight setters. The dogs were handled from horseback and run on native birds with additional liberated chukars.

Tian Elhew Verbena, owned by Tim and Angela Schillereff of Suave Island Kennels near Portland, Ore., and handled by Tim, was named champion. Runner-up champion was Northwoods Charles, owned and handled by Bill Owen of Santa Barbara, Cal.

Both dogs were whelped in 2013 and sold as eight-week-old puppies. Verbena is out of our first breeding of CH Elhew G Force to Northwoods Vixen. We chose another champion, CH Ridge Creek Cody, to pair with Northwoods Chardonnay. Both dogs have also won prestigious placements in other field trials.

Genetics play a part of course, but it also takes a lot of time, effort and expense to develop a dog into a top notch field trial competitor. Congratulation to Tim, Angela, Bill and their dogs!

“There’s no such thing as a good dog, only a good dog owner.”

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.

Winter highlights from northern Florida quail plantations

Isn’t this pretty? On left, Northwoods Normanie (RU-CH Northwoods Nirvana x Northwoods Carbon, 2017), owned by Paul Hauge, and Northwoods Sir Gordon (RU-CH Erin’s Prometheus x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2017), owned by Ben McKean, point separate coveys on an early morning hunt in January.

Betsy and I just returned from another winter spent in the piney woods of southwestern Georgia and northern Florida. The area is home to the decades-long tradition of bobwhite quail hunting on beautiful native habitat.

What a fabulous season we had! The quail were plentiful and the dogs were outstanding–both young dogs and veterans alike.

It’s interesting to look back through photos and videos to see how things change. Foliage varies from autumnal colors to bare branches to spring green. The birds change, too. Young fall birds are generally exactly where dogs point while wily spring survivors either run or sit so tight you can hardly get them to flush.

When we arrived in Georgia in November, our youngest dog, Northwoods Lyon, was five months old. He left at 11 months of age–so he had hunted quail for almost half his life!

Here are highlights from the past season. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did!

Northwoods Fen (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis, 2014), owned by Harrison O’Connor, points a covey in December.

On right, Northwoods Istanbul (CH Erin’s Hidden Shamrock x Northwoods Nickel, 2018) shares point on a January covey with plantation pointer Pinehaven Dixie.

What a sight! In front, Northwoods Dublin (CH Erin’s Hidden Shamrock x Northwoods Nickel, 2018), owned by Paul Hauge, points at the edge of a chopper trail. Three bracemates back:  a Sunny Hill Plantation pointer, Northwoods Paris (RU-CH Erin’s Prometheus x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2018) and Northwoods Istanbul (CH Erin’s Hidden Shamrock Northwoods Nickel, 2018).

In a blocked area, Northwoods Paris (RU-CH Erin’s Prometheus Northwoods Carly Simon, 2018) points a covey on a training run in March, after the season closed.

The piney woods are greening up when Northwoods Vienna (CH Erin’s Hidden Shamrock Northwoods Nickel, 2018) points late March birds.

Northwoods Lyon (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Minerva, 2018), owned by Bob Senkler, points a late spring single while two plantation pointers back.

Northwoods Geneva points an early January covey backed by Northwoods Istanbul (both by CH Erin’s Hidden Shamrock x Northwoods Nickel, 2018). Geneva has this covey stuck!

Northwoods Gucci (CH Erin’s Hidden Shamrock x Northwoods Chardonnay, 2015) backed by 13-month-old Northwoods Valencia (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Carbon, 2018) relocate on a mid-March covey. Valencia is almost steady to wing and shot on wild quail.

Two-year-old Northwoods Sir Gordon (RU-CH Erin’s Prometheus x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2016) has this late February covey pointed right!

In late February, Northwoods Rolls Royce (Blue Shaquille x Houston’s Belle’s Choice, 2013) worked this covey some distance before getting them to stick.

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