New hunter - need advice

Looking for some advice from the experts here. I've decided to jump into pheasant hunting this year. I've been to a game farm a couple times and became hooked but I'd like to get more serious about the sport. I finally have a little more free time to spend doing it right. I took my 870 pump shotgun and golden retriever out to Rome pond on Sunday. Lots of hunters and cars. Didn't see any birds. Now I know why most of you avoid opening weekend. Went out yesterday and saw only one other hunter. After an hour in the deep grass, I flushed a rooster and actually dropped it. I'm definitely hooked. A few things are clear. I need some waterproof pants and boots. What are your favorites? My dog is really more of a pet than a serious hunter. I just don't think investing training in this dog is going to pay off. I'd like to get a started smaller flushing or pointer at some point. I really think a Brittany would be a good fit for our family. Where is a good place to find started or finished dogs in WI. Id like a new shotgun at some point as well. O/u or semi auto? Id like to keep it under $1000. I'll be doing some grouse hunting up north as well. So Id like a dog and gun good for both. Sorry lots of questions. Thanks!

If your looking for an O/U, take a look at the Franchi Instinct SL. I just picked one up a few weeks ago. I have been shooting my dad's 870 Wingermaster which is 40 some years old. Shot plenty of grouse with that. The old ones are better than the new ones. But the Franchi is the best O/U you will find under $1400 bucks. I looked at every gun in that price range. Almost bought a used Red Label, but I'm glad I waited. At only 5.5 pounds its a treat to carry in the field. I got mine in a 20g. Awesome gun! There is a reason its the 2012 shotgun of the year! Happy Hunting.

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to stick with my 870 Express at least for this season. It does just fine. Also, I think I'm going to put some training into my golden before I commit to another dog. She flushed another pheasant this week. She's got a ton of energy and doesn't wear out. She needs to be trained to quarter and stay close. Any good recommendations for dog trainers in Waukesha/Jefferson County? She's never had an electronic collar on her. Not sure how she'll respond. Do all trainers use E-collars? Any good training book or website recommendations?

http://www.timberlandranch.com/kennel.html this is where i got my brittany. he is out of northern wi. has very good dogs. pups or started dogs.

An 870 will do anything you need it to do but they aren't very classy IMHO. Before anyone rips on me I own 4 870's right now and have probably owned another 5 or 6 in years past so I know thye work great. For $1000 there isn't a new O/U made that is worth a darn that's less than $1000. Your 870 is a better made gun than any $1000 O/U. You can take a look at used O/u's and find some under your price but in my opinion the only ones to really look for are Brownings, Winchesters, and Berettas. Maybe a Ruger also although I've known a lot of people who have owned Red Labels and everyone of them has gotten rid of them for a Browning or Beretta for one reason or another.

If your looking at brittany's I'd contact the greater milwaukee brittany club. A lot of good guys and one of the few akc clubs that has a lot of training days and focuses on birdwork. You may be able to find a field trial washout etc. http://www.gmbcbrittanyclub.com/about_us.html If your going to get into grouse/woodcock hunting I'd keep an eye open for a used O/U as with some of the crap you'll be pushing through it's not going to stay in perfect shape anyway.

You should look at German Wire Hair Pointers.

As far as your dog, it is never to late to try and work wiht him/her. You might be amazed what some time and training can produce. The 870 is one of the best guns ever made. Like others have mentioned if you have screw in chokes, you have a gun for everything. Filson makes some great chaps for bird hunting. There are also a bunch of other options, take a look at the phesants forever website, they should have plenty of ideas for you.

For a started dog check here. http://gundogforum.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=120&sid=f7cbc45c37c98853e79d9b3f30187c83

Glad to see your are having fun.870 w/srew in chokes is a great gun. As for a dog,I would go with a German Shorthair....I think it is easier to find a quality Shorthair than a Brittany.Started dog will be expensive,A pup is a better choice.A lot of shorthair breeders around SE wis.Go to navhda.org or versatiledogs.com a lot of breeders on each site.

Great questions and sounds like you will enjoy the sport for a long time. I am a life long golden owner and have had some that hunt and some that do not. I have hunted over almost every breed and been around some great Brittany and pointing is a nice thing. Just make sure you investigate and get from solid hunting background. 870 with screw in chokes might be the best overall shotgun to own, so depending on finances, this is a very good gun especially if a wing master . If it is an express, I would upgrade. For what you are describing an o/u is a great set up and what I currently use. I have Beretta, Ruger and Franchi and like all three and Browningbis also excellent. For 1,000 you might look at Ruger red label or be patient and look used. Boots, you may want to evaluate, but gore tex field boots will be all you should need for both typesnofnbirdsmwith minimal insulation as you will be walking. Pants with a double front for brush should be firstmpriority and if you need waterproof spray them Good luck and safe hunting