Piper (CH/RU-CH Northwoods Sir Gordon x Houston’s Nelly Bly, 2021) is owned by the Tom McPherson family of Pennsylvania.
Autumn is a hunter’s favorite season of the year. It’s also when Jerry and I hear from happy dog owners around the country. They head out with their dogs as often as they can—sometimes with friends and family and other times by themselves with just one dog. They hunt as long as they can—from early season when foliage is still lush until the snow falls.
Here are photos from some of those hunts. The locations vary from West Virginia and Pennsylvania, to the Lake States, Dakotas and mountains. The birds vary, too, including that most difficult of birds—the ruffed grouse—to woodcock, pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse, chukars, and to perhaps the prettiest of them all, the Hungarian partridge.
What’s especially gratifying is that no matter how old the dogs are and even if their eyebrows are turning gray, they still love to hunt. The ages of dogs in the photos range from six months to 12 years of age.
Many thanks to our dog owners for sharing the photographs. They are arranged in chronological order of the whelp date—from the eldest to the youngest.
Tana (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis, 2012) is owned by the Brad Gudenkauf family of Minnesota.
Valencia (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Carbon, 2017), on left, and Tasha (Blue Shaquille x Snyder’s Liz, 2012) are owned by Tim and Tia Esse of Minnesota.
Finn (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis, 2014) is owned by the Todd Wiedmann family of Minnesota.
Jenny (CH Shadow Oak Bo x Northwoods Carbon, 2016) is owned by John and Jeri Cleverdon of Michigan.
Rae (Sunny Hill Sam x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2016) is owned by the Gregg Knapp family of Wisconsin.
Luna (RU-CH Northwoods Nirvana x Northwoods Carbon, 2017), on left, and Pep (RU-CH Northwoods Atlas x Houston’s Nelly Bly, 2023) are owned by the Mike McCrary family of Michigan.
Oz (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Carbon, 2017) is owned by the Ryan Gould family of Minnesota.
Earl (Northwoods Rolls Royce x Northwoods Valencia, 2020) is owned by Craig and Karen Purse of Wisconsin.
Rickey (HOF CH True Confidence x Northwoods Comet, 2021) is owned by the Jake Beveridge family of Minnesota.
Boone (CH Rufus Del Fuego x Northwoods Valencia, 2021) is owned by the Brady Miele family of Minnesota.
Char (Northwoods Louis Vuitton x Houston’s Dancing Queen, 2022) is owned by Stu McIntosh of Wisconsin.
Brego (RU-CH Northwoods Atlas x Houston’s Nelly Bly, 2023) is owned by Amanda and Sam Ballengee of West Virginia.
Racer (CH Miller’s Upgraded Version x Northwoods Comet, 2024) is owned by Doug and Nicole White of Oregon.
Tally (May’s Pond Hank x Northwoods Stardust, 2024) is at Northwoods Bird Dogs for puppy training and accurately locates a pigeon on her first puppy point.
As are many of our clients, Joe Wech and his wife Deb are repeat puppy buyers. This summer, they picked up their second from us, a female setter out of May’s Pond Hank x Northwoods Stardust.
Tally is her name and she joins Georgia, the first setter they bought in 2015. Georgia is out of Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Carly Simon. In a bit of serendipity, their two setters are related. Stardust is Carly Simon’s daughter.
Joe is a pilot for American Airlines and commutes from his home in the Twin Cities to Texas. That commute gives him hours of quiet time to think.
In a recent email, Joe shared some of the musings from time in the air. Not only were his sentiments totally new to me, they were, all at once, insightful, profound and uncomplicated.
Here is a passage from Joe’s email.
“I think every child can learn so much if they are lucky enough to be around a dog. They make the child feel loved. They give the child something to be responsible for and care for, to not only think about themselves, but of someone else who needs them. So because of you, your puppies and your training, my family is better, and my kids and grandkids are better people.”
Note: A quick glance through the photos under “From field and home” on the right is all the proof one needs about the truth of Joe’s words.
Northwoods Jones (Northwoods Grits x Houston’s Nelly Bly, 2020)
Northwoods Jones is one of seven tricolor puppies whelped out of our 2020 breeding of proven sire Northwoods Grits to first-time-but-oh-so-worthy dam, Houston’s Nelly Bly.
Jones is a perfect male model for that litter as he has the handsome, blocky head and muzzle spots of his sire and the warm, expressive eyes of his dam. Most essential, from both parents he inherited prowess in the field—bird finding, confidence, style—and an ideal temperament for the home.
Jones is owned by Kali Parmley of Utah. Kali is the editor in chief of Gun Dog and Backcountry Hunter magazines. What a perfect fit for Jones.
Northwoods Queen Anne’s Lace (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Minerva, 2020) Photo by Eukanuba Sporting Dog
On a quintessential summer day last July, Zenas Hutcheson and his wife, Susanne, from Minnesota, chose a pretty, orange-and-white female puppy from the litter of mostly tricolors.
The puppy—call name Lacey—matured over the winter months into a strong, beautifully conformed dog. This spring, Zenas and Lacey attended a woodcock banding certification session at Pineridge Grouse Camp in Remer, Minn. A Eukanuba photo shoot was also taking place and Lacey was chosen to be photographed.
Even though Lacey is still young, Zenas reported that she did “very well on all but one test. Next spring she will be ready.”
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
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
Parting with puppies is always a bittersweet time for Jerry and me. Even if we’re keeping a puppy or two for development and future breeding possibilities, we usually have our favorites and want to keep them all.
But we do know that a large part of our business is breeding and selling puppies…and so we brace ourselves. And we do know that our puppy buyers will provide loving homes and ample opportunities to do what the puppies were bred to do. Too, there is just no greater satisfaction than seeing the pleasure, happiness and joy that is felt when families welcome the new puppies home.
Our heartfelt thanks to puppy buyers of our Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Carbon litter.
Charlie is a joy!
~ Jim, Pennylvania
Willow has adjusted to her new life wonderfully. She is a very happy, confident and inquisitive puppy. Again thanks so much.
~ Mike, Minnesota
Alder is a confident, active puppy. He’s adjusted nicely to his new home and fits in well with his new family. He has no problems with snow, as if he’s known it his whole life! It’s evident you and Jerry put a lot of time and heart into the early development of your puppies.
~ Cliff, Minnesota
He’s doing really well. Lot of personality!
~ Bryan, Montana
Bree is picking up everything on our walks, leaves, sticks, oyster shells, etc. The other item of note is that she is very calm and confident around new people, dogs, noises, etc. All in all we want to thank you both for this beautiful, friendly, puppy that wants to please.
~ Ed, South Carolina
Tark is doing well – fitting right in to the family. Thanks for everything.
~ Matt, Minnesota
Dixe Mae (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Bismuth, April 2017) is part of a Kowalski family trout fishing trip in Montana. She clearly loves goofing around in the stream.
This will be the final post of the season filled with puppy photos. Puppies from our last three litters—born within weeks of each other in April and May—are happily settled into their new homes.
As always, many thanks to our wonderful clients for staying in touch and sending photos…but most of all for giving the puppies loving homes and fabulous starts to their roles as bird dogs.
There could be two themes for this last puppy post. It seems our puppies thoroughly enjoy being in the water and also display an early proclivity to point.
Luna (Northwoods Nirvana x Northwoods Carbon, May 2017) is “a quick study” for the Conaway family in Maryland, already proficient at many commands. Pro Jeanette Tracy is also training her on pigeons.
Josey (Northwoods Nirvana x Northwoods Carbon, May 2017) found the perfect cooling-off spot on a terrace of the Clark family home in Georgia.
Finn (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Nickel, May 2017) displays good intensity pointing a bug in the backyard of the Edwards family home in Minnesota.
Puppy, mom, son and trout in a Montana stream. Doesn’t get any better than this!
