Odessa Kennels, German Shorthaired Pointers, Hunting, Gundogs, Showdogs, Breeders.

In NZ we are fortunate to still have access to huge areas of land in
which we can hunt. In many cases hunting involves the use of dogs,
and many different breeds of dogs are used for very specific types
and conditions of hunting.

There are dogs bred purely to "Point", to "Set", to "Flush", to Retrieve
and so on. The GSP is a multi talented dog and falls into a class of
specialists often referred to collectively as "Versatile Hunting Dogs".
They are not only Hunters, but will Point and will Retrieve on both land
or water, hence the title Versatile Hunting Dogs (an American Title) and
H.P.R. (an English Title).

As with any versatile person or animal some dogs will excel in one
discipline, and I have often found this the case with my dogs. Luke is
a perfect Maimai (hunting hide) dog, (quiet but ever attentive), where
as Jess is far happier and quieter on Upland game such as pheasants.
Shorthairs are also just as much at home when hunting Fur as Feather
and will very effectively "Point" deer.

As recreational hunting has increased in popularity, it is common to
hear hunters complain, "I saw plenty of sign, but no animals". This is
where the GSP is in its element, and is regarded as without equal,
when called upon to track wounded game. The GSP has both stamina
and agility to be able to keep pace with the sent of a wounded deer,
which is running on pure adrenalin, before it drops. Many hunters have
begrudgingly been forced to abandon the search for a wounded
animal as they have been unable to keep up and lost the trail.
This ability for finding other hunters lost game is just as strong on water.

On several occasions I have had a limit of birds without having fired a
shot, as Luke has found birds other hunters have given up on as lost.
The Waikato has many thousands of acres of "Wetland" and large
pockets of peat. On these peat lakes it is common to have banks
conveniently washed out, ideal cover for wounded water foul, but no
sanctuary from a GSP nose.

The Waikato has thousands of acres that are planted each year in
Maize, ideal habitat for both mallards and pheasants. GSP's thrive on
this type of hunting whether cut or standing maize, as they cover the
trails of their quarry. Shorthairs, working blocks of standing maize, with
enough guns to cover the potential escape routes, is a real buzz, and
poetry in motion.