I let my dogs cover ground! That being said, I will never let one out of the box without a GPS on it anymore. Once you hunt with one on a dog you'll never go back either. It makes hunts SO MUCH more stress free. I know it's a lot of cash, but if you loose that pup just think about how heartbreaking it would be. Start using the training collar to reinforce things when you aren't in the field. Just start on low. You'll find with most setters it doesn't take much. Sorry, gota post setter pics.
My first Setter Grace at 13yo
Grace and Willow 13yo and 9months
Willow at 1 1/2 years
Willow died of kiddney failure at 4yo
Classy
Current model....Maggie at 2yo