What a bird dog named Hartley has given a man named Nick

Northwoods Hartley (Northwoods Grits x Houston’s Belle’s Choice,, 2014), owned by Nick Larson.

“Owning my first bird dog forever changed the pursuit of upland birds for me. Hartley has inspired me to become a better hunter, a better shooter and a better dog trainer.”
~ Nick Larson, Project Upland

I recently read a wonderful magazine piece written by a client of ours, Nick Larson. He brought a unique perspective to owning a bird dog.

Jerry and I first met Nick Larson in the fall of 2013. He and his wife, Lacey MacLean, were living in the Twin Cities but had plans to move to Duluth, Minn. Even though Nick had never owned a bird dog, we thought he would be a perfect fit for one of our dogs. He was a passionate hunter and enthusiastic to learn. The couple was sharp, friendly, warm and clearly loved dogs.

Nick and Lacey gave us a deposit and about 10 months later, they picked up their eight-week-old puppy, a tri-color male setter out of Northwoods Grits x Houston’s Belle’s Choice. They named him Hartley after the Duluth city park near their new home.

Nick’s article, along with several stunning photos of Hartley, appears in the Fall 2019 issue of Project Upland, a new magazine which is part of a wider offering including podcast, film, newsletter and more. (projectupland.com).

Here are excerpts.

“When you have a bird dog and you love watching him or her work, the possibilities of exploring new covers, encountering new birds and making new friends are all exciting. Without the dog in my life, I’d likely still be walking the same old two-tracks chasing the same old birds in the same old covers. Instead, my eyes have opened and my breadth of experience broadened, thanks to my four-legged friend.”

“…the drive to go deeper and deeper while taking the passion further than I ever thought possible has resulted in countless connections while opening some very unique doors along the way.”

“My evolution as an upland bird hunter has been a direct result of Hartley’s development into an experienced bird dog. From the guns and gear to my own knowledge and skillset, everything looks different today than it did before Hartley, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

“Hartley has changed my hunting, my family and my life forever.”

Thoughts on dog breeding and the Elhew pointer

Bob Wehle, founder and breeder of Elhew Kennels, with his most famous pointer, CH Elhew Snakefoot.

It’s been almost a year since the bird dog world was shocked by an announcement in the America Field.

It is with great sadness — but with the unshakeable conviction that we are doing the right and necessary thing — that we announce our decision to close Elhew Kennels and retire the Elhew “brand.” The Elhew prefix will no longer be available…
~ Gatra Wehle and Martha Hayes

Gatra Wehle is the widow of Bob Wehle and Martha Hayes is the widow of Brian Hayes.

When Bob Wehle died in 2002, he passed ownership of Elhew Kennels and the Elhew prefix to Brian Hayes. Hayes became ill and brought in others in a cooperative arrangement. When he died in 2015, some things became clear to the two women. The letter continued:

… it has become increasingly difficult to do justice to the Elhew legacy.

Why is that?

Because when Wehle died, his line of Elhew pointers died, too.

Bob Wehle devoted his life to breeding his line of pointers. He knew how to train his own dogs and competed with them in top-flight field trial competition. He judged prestigious field trials and perhaps most crucial, he hunted his dogs on wild birds. Pointers bred by Wehle were coveted by serious bird hunters and yet could win trials, also. The look of his dogs was distinctive: when you saw an Elhew pointer, you just knew what it was.

But without Wehle, no one could possibly know which dogs he would breed to which dogs. Breeding dogs is not a science. You can’t plug the information about two dogs into an algorithm and have it produce an analysis of the best mating. It’s far more complicated. The breeding adage, “Breed the best to the best and hope for the best” is simplistic and vague. Someone has to determine which is the best. And then, which best to breed to which best?

The person making that determination is the breeder.

Based on experience, knowledge, gut and intellect, the breeder decides which combination will most likely produce what is sought. The key here is that the breeder’s exact thought processes can’t be passed on—to anyone or anything.

Genetics can change rapidly and without a vision, the direction is usually toward mediocrity, or worse. In one generation, you can have dogs that are quite different from their parents. In two or more generations down, the dissimilarities can be significant.

Sure, a breeder could pair two Elhew pointers and could produce similar dogs.

But no matter what, without Wehle making key decisions, the outcome is not dogs bred by Wehle and not Elhew pointers.

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