Need advice on waterfowl dogs?

[Bauermn]

Hi guys
I hunt waterfowl right through the year( in accordance with species seasons etc.) we hunt mainly on pivots; alfalfa fields ; wheatfields etc. and over dams very seldom; because of hunting over land mainly; i have nevet bothered with a dog......that is untill now.....

The only thing missing in my waterfowl arsenal is a hunting/retriever dog!

So where do I start:
Which dog is best for this purpose? Lab?

Why is chocolate labs so saught after in waterfowler circles?
Is there any other dog breeds suitable?
Where can I get Training manuals?
Where do I start?

Please assist!

[Bowhunter]

If you're only looking for a retriever then yes, a lab is the way to go. If you'd like something a little more versatile then look at a German shorthaired pointer or German wirehaired pointer.

Books - check out Kalahari.com otherwise amazon.com. Also have a look at www.gundogforum.com for info.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bauermn]

Are there spaniels also suitable for the job?

[driepootx]

Spaniels are good retrievers but can be a handfull to control. The springer spaniel is the normal breed used for hunting and they are even more of a livewire than a GSP.

[Bauermn]

Will a springer retrieve geese like gyppos and spurries?

[driepootx]

If you read Kobus de Kock's articles in Magnum you will see that they can, but it is a batlle. They are small dogs in size.

[Bauermn]

Thanks for tge advice; i have a lot to learn regarding dogs for waterfowl, I must admit I have much love for spaniels!

Any recommended reading?

[StanlyC]

English pointers are also awesome dogs

[Springer]

English pointers are also awesome dogs

Not if you want a waterfowling dog they're not...