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Hawkins Outfitters - Northern Michigan Fly Fishing and Wingshooting
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Northern Michigan Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing for Steelhead
smallmouth bass on the fly

Introducing our sister company – Northwoods Gundogs

gundog puppy training pointing
gundogs pointing birds

I’ve been working with gundogs all of my life.  Over the last 35+ years, I’ve picked up training techniques and studied many more.  In my experience, the foundation of gundog training is the relationship between dog and handler.  This is accomplished through obedience work.  Establishing yourself as a fair, but firm leader will get more from your gundog than anything else because the dog will want to work for you versus itself.

I work with my clients’ dogs in a steady method at the dog’s pace.  Too many trainers and handlers today rush young gundogs and then have to go back for many years and undo the holes in the learning chain that the dog missed due to not being mature and ready early on.

This is why, years ago, I began studying the Continental methods and learning from European trainers.  These trainers work with their dogs at a much less hurried pace.  I’ve imported dogs for England and Germany and trained them with success.

As professional gundog trainer I’ve worked with many different pointing, flushing and retrievers, from your traditional English Setter to versatile breeds such as Griffons and Pointing Labs.  Every one of those breeds has excelled in its training when it progressed at it’s own pace and had a solid, reliable relationship with it’s handler (aka pack leader).

As of 2021, we will have a brand new 2400 sq ft training facility on my licensed gamebird preserve.  We will be able to accommodate up to 21 gundogs for board and train programs.  For more information, please head on over to our website at www.northwoodsgundogs.com.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out at 231-486-0528 or chris@northwoodsgundogs.com.

Here’s to a solid foundation to build from!

Slow and Steady Wins the Race,

Chris
Hawkins Outfitters and Northwoods Gundogs

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Hawkins Outfitters Blog

  • Winter’s Effect on Grouse February 6, 2021
  • 2020 Upland and Waterfowl Seasons – Time to Book Your Trip! July 5, 2020
  • Grand Traverse Bay Fishing Report for 6.9.20 June 9, 2020
  • Spring Gundog Training – The Plan May 17, 2020
  • Product Review- Patagonia Macro Puff Hoody February 6, 2020

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