Our Mission:
Life in the Uplands was created to support the upland hunting community by connecting hunters with reputable bird dog breeders, experienced trainers, and trusted resources.
Our mission is simple: promote quality bird dogs, responsible breeding, and ethical training while preserving the traditions that make upland hunting unique.
Finding the right dog, breeder, or trainer should be built on trust, transparency, and shared values. Life in the Uplands exists to help make those connections easier.
Our Standards:
The upland community depends on trust and reputation. For that reason, Life in the Uplands promotes individuals, and companies that reflect the following principles:
-Responsible Breeding
Quality bird dogs begin with thoughtful breeding. Breeders should prioritize the health, temperament, and natural hunting ability of their dogs while working to preserve the characteristics that make upland breeds exceptional.
-Ethical Training
Training should develop a dog’s natural ability while maintaining respect for the animal. Skilled trainers focus on producing confident, reliable hunting partners through proven methods and responsible practices.
-Honesty and Transparence
Breeders and trainers should represent their dogs, services, and experience honestly. Clear communication helps ensure hunters can make informed decisions when selecting a dog or training program.
-Commitment to the Upland Tradition
Upland hunting is built on respect – for the land, the wildlife, the dogs, and other hunters that all make the hunt possible. Those who share these values help ensure its future for the net generation of hunters.
Breeder Standards
- Breed w/ purpose (trying to improve their lines to produce better bird dogs)
- Produce dogs for hunting
- Perform appropriate health testing for their breed
- Be knowledgeable about their bloodlines
- Raise puppies in clean humane conditions
- Be selective about buyers
- Be willing to take dogs back if placement fails
Preference is given to breeders who:
- Hunt behind their own dogs or run trials
- Have quality references
Trainer Standards
- Ethical Training methods
- Be willing to allow clients to stop by
- Clear communication with clients
Upland Hunting Gear
- We recommend products that:
- Solve real problems
- Are proven in the field
- Are highly recommended by hunters who have bought them and tested them
- We do not recommend gear simply because it’s popular or expensive
- The gear we recommend either we have tested it out, or have taken opinions from other hunters that have
Final Line
- This site exists to protect newcomers, respect experienced handlers, and keep upland dogs doing what they were bred to do. If a recommendation ever fails to meet that goal, we want to hear about it.
** If you are a breeder or trainer and you would like to be listed by Life in the Uplands, please fill out the application below.**