I hunt over field bred springer spaniels, early season ruffed grouse in northern MN, then pheasants in MN and SD from opener to end of season. I like small springers - the 5 we've had have all been between 30-35 lbs.
We have 3 in the family now - Abby, Gypsy, and Zuni. Abby was an outstanding dog until she suddenly went blind a year ago at 8 years old. Gypsy is now 7 and a relative plodder for a field bred ESS. Zuni came to us last spring as a 6 month old started pup and is a real live wire, lots of fun, all I can handle at age 54. I'm glad there were lots of birds to find this year - she learned a lot and had a fine first season.
Mostly carry a 16 ga. Win. M-21 for pheasants, but sometimes a 12 ga. Win. M-23 European, and for grouse a 20 ga. BSS Sporter or 28 ga. Parker Repro.
