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Our Hunting Dogs

"... one of the unique things about André's operation is his use of Irish Setters - exclusively - for his grouse and woodcock dogs. With apologies to the Irish Setter people - and at the risk of a bucket of hate mail - it's pretty unusual to find hunting Irish Setters in this day and age. In fact, I'd never hunted behind one prior to this trip, and to be honest, I was more than a little sceptical about what we were going to see in the way of dog work.

I was pleasantly surprised! André's dogs knew their job and did it well. The dogs were always in bell range and were all business; they hunted every minute they were on the ground, never pottering, always searching...."
Dave Meisner - Trip Report - The Pointing Dog Journal Vol V, No. 2, March 1997
  
 
We pride ourselves in our dogs and their field training! Our breeding practices and dedication to "train without punishment - good behavioral training methods and positive reinforcement" will develop each dog to his full potential. We believe in the practice of developing a strong, caring bond with each dog and have found, that in return, they will perform above and beyond our greatest expectations.

You will find that working over our dedicated Irish Setters can make your woodcock or grouse hunting trip a memorable one, "well worth writing home about"!
 
From time to time, depending on our breeding program, we will offer dogs for sale. If you are seriously interested in learning more about purchasing a quality hunting dog, then please contact us.  


Training exclusively on Grouse & Woodcock

 
Miramichi Inn offers from time to time, when space is available, PROFESSIONAL TRAINING & HELP for your dogs.
 
The training is done exclusively on wild birds. A full report with photos will be forwarded to you, each month, regarding the progress your dog has made. We train « without punishment, good behavioural training methods and positive reinforcement »
 
without the help of electric collars. An evaluation of your dog’s aptitude will be done after 3 weeks, and a projected program for each individual will be laid out, and presented to you, for approval.  

 
Our Irish Setters Puppies

We offer to a selected clientele, puppies issued from our fine Miramichi Breeding, a couple of times a year. Parents can be seen at work, after making an appointment with us. I have been breeding hunting Irish Setters for the last 30 years, and have through the years, imported some fine dogs from the U.K. to complement our own line. 

All puppies are well socialized, before their departure, already respond to a few basic commands, and come well to the whistle. Some will even point the wing at 5-8 weeks. Reservations, with deposits, have to be made in advance, as we rarely have puppies left from one litter or two yearly, and we always have a waiting list for the next litter.
  
Do not hesitate to contact us, for more information on the "Breeding Program". 


Next Litter

"The next 2 litters will take place this spring and summer and puppies will be ready for pick up or shipping in the early and late fall."

"Amber & Puppies"  


At 4 years old, Amber is a granddaughter of one of our foundation 's bitch, Megan who past away last October 2004, after leaving behind her a legacy of the finest and very few "old fashioned Irish Setters ", remaining in America and Canada. She is also the granddaughter of our 13 year old import from the British Isle, Rebel, who is one of the finest Grouse dogs I have ever seen. His mannerism around people or other dogs is outstanding! Rebel is a natural retriever and will hold point for 20-30 minutes or until you find him. Even if the bird has left the area where Rebel is pointing, he will remain standing and relaxed, at the very same spot, until you give him the release command.

"Rebel & Son, Mason"

He has sired 8 litters with our foundation bitches, and all of his pups will hunt if giving the chance. Any one that has had the opportunity to own a Grouse dog of this calibre will know what I'm talking about. Back in August of 1994, at the 66th annual Champion stake in Perthshire, United Kingdom, under scorching weather, Rebel's half sister was first in front of Pointers, English Setters, and his full brother Jonsmae Startime came in 4th place. This was accomplished in 80 degree weather, ideal for tourists, but not very good for dog work.


"A little information about Rusty"

Our newcomer to our breeding program, Rusty is a descendant from the well-known lines of Moanruad and Sheantullagh in the UK. From an excellent conformation to the stature and behaviour of the old fashioned Irish Setter, Rusty is a jewel in the household , kennels , likes traveling and loves all other dogs and everybody. In fact, there are times when he thinks he is a human being, and tries to act like one. He is very strong and well muscled and can last all day in those nasty "Coverts". He is a good babysitter, and will play with the puppies until they have had enough and fall asleep on him. He is very special and full of love towards all of our staff and guests staying at the lodge.

 

"Father's pride, Rusty & Sheeba"


I have been breeding Irish Setters since the late 60’s, and this one breeding will be one of a kind.  Take my word for it.  All puppies are guaranteed, although, I never had to replace one yet.
 

    
I’d rather have you pick up the puppies, but if impossible, will ship if we can get a direct route.  Price is $1,500.00 US at 49 days, and a deposit of $750.00 US is required to reserve one.  Shipping cost will be your responsibility, if needed.

For more information, please feel free to contact us, by phone, mail, or by E-mail  References available upon request.

Happy Hunting!


  
Our Irish Setters on
UPLAND SHOOTING GROUSE & WOODCOCK


Our woodcock hunting opens the 15th of September of each year while our  Grouse, Waterfowl and geese starts on October first. 

We have a good local population of woodcock, and by the first week of October we start getting our first flights.

We have very liberal limits on each species with eight woodcock, six grouse, five geese, as well as six ducks daily, and double that amount for total possession.

Our fine line of imported Irish Setters, from the British Isles, are used on upland birds, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy these old fashioned guys.

Your licences are available right here at the lodge, and start around $60.00 US for birds and go up to $125.00 US depending on package chosen.

For additional information regarding our Irish Setters, go to Our Hunting Dogs.



Seeing red

Let you get the notion the Miramichi Inn is nothing but a ballbreaker's paradise, let me set the record straight.

The Miramichi Inn, were I hunted for three days in October as a guest of lodge owner Andre Godin, is one of the premier hunting and fishing lodges in New Brunswick. With so much fantastic cover in the Miramichi River valley I bet it'd be difficult to find an upland outfitter who'd leave you birdless.


Why choose Godin's Miramichi Inn?

The dogs, for one. A kennel full of full-blooded Irish setters, a line hand-picked by Godin himself from dogs on Emerald Isle, boost the Miramichi Inn experience from tremendous to extraordinary.
 
   
 


"The hunt is on..."

For those days Cummings and I hunt with guide Gary Dunn, who looks like Clint Eastwood with softer features. We shoot over Rebel, Molly and Mason three of Godin's more experienced dogs.

All told, we flushed 66 woodcock and 44 grouse - that's 110 flushes in three days and one of those days was an absolute downpour.

We hunted along a small river during the rain, sending the dogs into the alders that shoulder for sunlight along the streambank. Every five minutes, like clockwork, the setters bells would fall still and Dunn would barge in and kick up a bird.

"Gary & Alex"



 
 
 

Miramichi Inn
1100 Halcomb Road,
P.O Box 331
Red Bank, New Brunswick Canada, E9E 2P3
Telephone: 506 836-7452   
Fax: 506 836-7805
E-mail: mirainn@nbnet.nb.ca
WebSite: www.miramichiinn.com


page revised May 17 2006