Well, Otter the chocolate lab saw his first hen today. Had him out with the old girl and darned if she didn't put up a hen pheasant. He wasn't sure about the whole process, but since Nutt was excited, he thought there must be some merit in the game.

Popped off two shorts from quite a distance and he came running with tail in the O.K. position. Hope to try him on a couple of shots using the bumper next weekend.

Congrats, that's half the battle.
Got a new pup myself;
A little yellow lab. At 12 weeks now, she's retrieving the bumper laced with pheasant scent really well, and pointing [yes pointing] sparrows and the odd cardinal that is in the yard.

Here she is with my 5 year old male. He tolerates her at this point, but that's about it.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1600/682422/18176814/307326678.jpg

And a candid:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1600/682422/18176814/307326679.jpg

good luck with your Choco, and I have to admait I'm a bit envious of you for having an area with birds to walk so close.