supercub: A well trained springer is a vacuum cleaner for grouse providing you can control the distance he hunts in front of you. The book referred to by the previous poster is a very good authority. Proper training of a springer takes a considerable amount of time, patience and effort but is worth the time when you finally take him afield. In some data collected once by an interested biologist (comparing bags of blue grouse taken by owners with different dog breeds) he gave high points to the pointing breeds on opening day before the covies were broken up and chased into thicker cover. After that it was springers all the way for finding the singles and pairs. With only one opening weekend and a lot of season ahead of that you will be well satisfied with the breed. They are also great for pheasants in heavy cover. Full control by whistle is a must. You've got a lot of fun in front of you.
best.
