I slept in the front passenger side of my Suburban for a few nights in MT years ago. I lived to tell about it but I did rig up the back end for the following few years which was very comfy w 2 Golden Retrievers.
Both
The stuff that Carp from PF talked about was somewhat basic stuff but still a good listen.
The stuff I found interesting was how to read OnX maps better. What some of the colors and contrasts mean, etc
Also how to use different colored pins to drop on properties. Ive been doing that for a...
I wouldnt be driving 2000 miles to hunt 2 days. Thats just a fact. I dont have the luxury of taking days off like you do. I understand your thoughts though
6 guys and 1 dog is a really really big ask on wild birds.
6 guys on new public land it will be tough to knock down 18 roosters
I recommend an outfitter. If birds in vest isnt important then by all means, get some maps and give it a go
It really depends what your standards are. Almost every place in Mitchell takes dogs. Ive stayed at Kelly Inn and Ive stayed in the worst too. The prices have really gone up the past few years but go down every month of the season. Dec and Jan will be lower
Welcome to UPH. I think its hard to say he even needs to be converted to a bird dog if he hasnt been on pheasants. Lots of dogs chase other game in the absence of birds.
I went from 1 Golden to 2 and now a Golden and Springer. Went to 2 dogs after 1 got injured and put us on the bench for an extended period. I had good intentions of hunting 1 at a time to always have 1 fresh but that doesnt happen too often. Luckily mine stay well within range most of the time...