Does anybody hunt ruffed grouse with their lab? I live in western NC, and I am looking into a bird dog. No one around here uses labs, but a pointing lab would be my first choice if it might work out.

My labs hunt everything bird wise that I do. They have been great on ruffed grouse as well as blues. It is hard to beat a lab for an all around bird dog.

I also hunt ruffed grouse with my PL,and woodcock,pheasant,and of couse waterfowl.Put the most days in on grouse,and he is better at holding up his end,then I am at doing my part. Where are you in western NC.? My dad is in Hot Springs. Paco

Paco, I am in Sylva not far from hot springs. Been here all my life. Grouse are getting scarce. Really hard to hunt them without a dog in the mountains here.

We hunt Grouse (Ruffs, Blues and Franklins) about 6 or 7 weekends every year.
We (wife and I) will average over 30 birds during that time frame.
Of those birds, Casey is responsible for 95% of them.


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Thanks for the info everyone. I am happy to hear that some of you are having good results on grouse with your labs. Looks like it is time to continue the research and find a good pup or young started dog. For those of you that have already pointed me toward some promising breedings, thank you too.

old post but i still like to read and reply.here in clinton county,pa i am only one i ever see hunting grouse with lab.usually its LEWELLIN SETTERS/GSP/BRITTANYS.
most have 2 dogs. lab for ducks and others for grouse.

me i like way lab hunts CLOSE.those other dogs range out 100 yds etc and cover territory. a lot like that because dog is COVERING  territory.i dont, i like dog that hunts 20 yds in front of me ,LOOKING for me,not me looking for him or her.
i was out with setter last year. had those beeper things on neck. carl said, SPROUL THE BEEPER IS GOING OFF, HURRY WE HAVE TO GET THERE QUICK.i tagged along and my tongue was hanging out not tobys tongue. i was wore out to get there.....
we missed grouse anyhow.
NO DOUBT THAT RANGING DOG WILL LOCATE MORE BIRDS.

BUT SPROUL LIKES FEELING OF THE HUNT AND WATCHING TOBY RANGE BACK/FORTH IN FRONT OF ME  always 20 yds looking for me to make sure he is in front of me all the time.

i never taught him a thing ,only what grouse is .labs seem to do this and i think its great.
when wind is blowing,rain,trees falling ,coyotes lab is dog i want with me.labs are in my opinion from 46 yrs hunting the best all around dog,not best hunter but will hunt anything good and are tough all weather dog and great family dog.
THATS MORE IMPORTANT than filling my vest with grouse or pheasants.i have seen many vests filled buy setters/gsp/brittanys.

take care sproul