Gun Dog Forum

My 2c: Ruffies are ruffies, and will act differently based on hunting pressure, habitat, time of day, time of season, weather, being hunted with/without dog, probably other stuff -- basing that on having hunted birds in the MW, NE and SE. Find the habitat, keep on 'em, you'll get your chances. BUT i...

Klondike, can you describe the cover you were hunting when this happened/s.

Cool! How old is he?

Gloves have always been a PITA for me. Have tried every pair of gloves (almost!) under the sun and so far these are the best. Caveat: Have not worn them yet in super, super cold. A bit pricey, but just like anything else, get what you $ for.... As with all things your mileage may vary.... Link to gl...

Mc, I am in western NJ, always damp, seems like never a low flea/tick year. Spring is bad, fall seems worse\, but it's year round except in the dead of winter. Thanks much all for the recommendations all. Will check them out. I remember researching the diatomaceous earth, something about it sounded ...

After fighting a few wars with fleas, found out many facts, one of which is that these bugs are super-attracted to white. We had a white cat that was a magnet for fleas (even w/ Frontline). So my wife is VERY reluctant to bring a Setter into the house even though she realizes that I will be empty fo...

As said already. 12ga/full will shred a woodie. 28ga will do, but maybe consider a 20ga in case you run into grouse. Shoot Cyl, shots will be close....

I can't get w/ the small forends and double triggers but they sure point quick....

+1 on patterning. Every gun/choke/shell combo can be different....

Nice pic!

Have used praire storm, works exactly as advertised. Patterns well and tight, even with Cyl choke/lack of choke. Also hit hard, so if not using an auto, beware! Always say to use whatever your gun likes best.... We found out a bit more about 'em here: http://www.seriousbirdhunting.com/2011/09/21/dee...

I got my 20ga English stock Citori used for about $1200 or so. Love the gun but don't use it anymore because the safety/barrel selector can get stuck in the in between position and the safety won't come off. Happened one too many times in the field and not just to me, though apparently does not happ...

Unfortunately your 12ga doesn't look like an option. 20ga would be better, would not use anything more than an IC choke, and no shot bigger than #8 -- and make sure you pattern the shells before you take them hunting....

Maine is the best we've found so far. PA not bad, NY tougher unless you have good intel, we have not given VT and NH a fair shake yet....

In MN saw a guy pull one of those little white fuzzy yipper dogs out of a truck, put it on the ground and walk in right after a grouse. And this was right after (same day) a guy at a gun store told me and a buddy he used to hunt grouse with dachshunds. We thought we were on candid camera....

Never hunted there. Your best bet is to call the local DNR person/biologist, and if there's any forestry depts or logging call those folks. Good luck!

Beat to heck 20ga Citori O/U (grouse) and 16ga Rizzini O/U (pheasants, grouse backup). Use them a lot, but always looking for that magic gun

SxSs seem to point quicker, which is why (+ tradition) some hunters like them, notably ruffie hunters. I just can't hang with the forend -- except for one I tried a/ a beavertail and luckily couldn't buy because it was $7K! Any shotgun in good hands will operate great, of course....

I 2nd that fit (and thus confidence) matter over all else. For ruffies, I shoot as open as possible, Cyl/IC. Need all the help I can get, Mod is too tight for me but my hunting bud does well with it (he's a better shot)!

Many thanks to all who have PMd with suggestions and advice. Based on how the thread has gone, not sure if it's dead...but if anyone has any more advice or recommendations about the breeds I've mentioned, I'm all ears. Getting a lot of Setter fans....

Thanks much all for the replies so far. Just to clarify, I was not talked out of a Setter -- just always wanted one, or thought I did, as a hardcore grouse guy. French Brit I came across by accident/recommendation. Re: real or imagined differences between Brits, my understanding is that the French B...

hello folks, new to the forum but a longtime reader ever since being told by friends that "this" is the place to learn about gun dogs. :D Can you please comment on my decision process here, and if you agree with it (or not) recommend a good breeder of dogs from grouse (ruffies) hunting stock. My fam...