About Us.
German Shorthaired Pointer Breeder & Versatile Dog Trainer
Grouse Point Kennels was founded in 1997 with a deep appreciation for hardworking, intelligent, and reliable hunting dogs. What began as an extension of McMillan’s Troutfitters grew into a focused German Shorthaired Pointer breeding and training program built around performance, health, temperament, and proven field ability.
Our Beginning.
Built From Field Experience, Proven Dogs, and a Love for the Outdoors
Grouse Point Kennels began with a single dog whose field ability helped shape the future of the kennel.
The kennel began with the purchase of Eleven Hills Reno Belle from Loren “Pete” Brenneman of Wellman, Iowa. Belle was the last remaining pup from a litter out of Pete’s Autumn’s RB Toad and DVM James Rieser’s VC Shooting Starr’s Son Of A Gun MH.
By the time Belle reached 1 ½ years of age, she had received training and experience on both game farm birds and wild birds. She quickly developed into a very good bird dog, showing the drive, intelligence, and natural hunting ability that would help shape the direction of Grouse Point Kennels.
Eleven Hills Reno Belle
The original dog that helped establish the kennel’s focus on natural ability, training, and field performance.
Field-Proven Foundation
Early experience on game farm birds and wild birds helped define the kennel’s practical hunting standard.
From the River to the Field.
From Trout Guiding to Grouse and Woodcock Hunting
The idea for Grouse Point Kennels grew naturally from time spent outdoors with clients. Several regular fishing clients had seen Belle work birds at a local game farm and began asking about grouse and woodcock hunting trips. They wanted to see how she would perform on wild ruffed grouse.
In the fall of 1998, we put together combination hunting and fishing packages to test the feasibility of offering “cast and blast” trips in the Brule River State Forest. The response was excellent. Those who participated enjoyed memorable days in the field, and many have continued returning to hunt with us year after year.
That early success confirmed what we already believed: a well-bred, well-trained German Shorthaired Pointer can be an exceptional partner in the field.
Kennel History.
Building the Kennel
With the success of the hunting trips, Grouse Point Kennels began expanding the program with additional dogs, structured testing, and a selective breeding philosophy.
1997
Grouse Point Kennels Begins
Grouse Point Kennels was founded as an extension of McMillan’s Troutfitters with the purchase of Eleven Hills Reno Belle.
1998
Cast and Blast Trips
Combination hunting and fishing trips were tested in the Brule River State Forest, creating a strong response from returning clients.
1999
Hansel and Gretel Join
Hansel and Gretel were purchased from Sandhills Kennels. Both qualified for a prize in NAVHDA Natural Ability testing.
Proven Dogs.
Proven Dogs and Strong Bloodlines
Grouse Point Kennels has worked with dogs from proven lines and respected hunting backgrounds.