The Search for a Good Gun Dog for Partridge

Walking in the woods of the White Mountains of norther New Hampshire in search of grouse or partridge as we call them, is a very frustrating business. Any day you kick up one or two of them is a great day and if you get a shot off, that’s fantastic. If you actually shoot one, its practically a miracle. There is little habitat in the southern Whites and you can trip over one before it will take flight.

So it makes sense to get a dog to help find them, before and after you shoot. There is much debate about what breed makes the best hunter. In addition, I like to try to keep the traditions of times gone past, so I decided to get an Engish Setter, Ryman type with a strong lineage of Rymans, of large body and square head, close hunting and affectionate pet. For coloring , after looking at lots of pictures, I wanted an Orange Belton.

There are a number of breeders in locations where there is good grouse hunting, Michigan, Pennsylvania, the mountains of Kentucky. There is even one in Vermont. Each breeder of Rymans love the breed and are proud of their dogs lineage and heritage.

A friend from work used to raise Rymans and was the first to tell me about them, he also suggested a breeder who is from Michigan but currently resides in Louisiana. After speaking to and meeting several breeders, I went with my friend’s initial recommendation, Danny Lawrence of Royal Sterlings kennel. Danny is a very patient and kind man who loves Ryman setters and is passionate about the breed.

As I write this, Royal Sterling’s Upland Ghillie has been with us for 2 weeks and is 9 weeks old. Gil is a handsome Orange Belton and is a very affectionate and good pup. He has caught on to his routine and gets along well with other older dog, Gus, a Great Dane. Gus takes him for a run every morning. At this point Gil can not carch him, but he will be able to soon enough.

This section of the blog will attempt to document our learning to become Partridge hunters.