Hillcrest Kennel - Illinois English Setter Breeders

English Setter

Stud Services

Jim Norman
71 Cherry Dr.
Tuscola, Illinois 61953

Breeding quality gun dogs for over 5 years.

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I can't say enough positive things about the Setter I got from Jim at Hillcrest Kennels. She's an Orange/White with absolutely fabulous ticking. But there's more to a gun dog than looks, a lot more... and this dog has it.

At less than six months she was naturally pointing anything that she discovered would fly. By nine months her tail is at a beautiful 12 o'clock position and front paw comes up picture perfect. Without any formal training, I've watched her hold a point for 15 minutes in the back yard... ON A 9 MONTH OLD WITH NO TRAINING.

She naturally retrieves to hand and this past weekend, with her first real introduction to water, was water retrieving the dummy from as far as I could throw it.

She has a loving gentle nature but with an aggressive, energetic hunting sense when out in the woods or open field. All the basic commands were literally learned within an hour. I've never had a dog learn this quick and I've had my fair share of dogs.

I drove over 500 miles to pick this pup up from Jim and Hillcrest. After having her for almost a year now, I would have easily driven twice that (even at today's gas prices!)

Thanks Jim!! A fantastic animal.

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We have a female pup from an August 2007 litter out of Maggie by Nitro. She is awesome. Excellent temperament, a pleasure in the house as well as in the field. Obvious desire and talent on grouse. We will be testing her this fall. Thanks Jim.

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Received from Hill Crest Kennel a male tri-color setter - Boone at 6 weeks old back in 09/10/06. From the very beginning he retrieved and has a great nose.

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Neutron recently turned 6 months and has been on live birds for almost 2 months now. I was very pleased with his progression thru basic commands and yard work at such a young age. I wish I could attribute his progress to my training skills but its obvious he has a great deal of inherent ability. He has a gentle disposition when not in training and is certainly a welcome addition to the family. I would recommend Jim and Hillcrest Kennels to anyone looking for their next or first setter.

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We purchased Sadie from Hillcrest Kennel at the end of Aug '07, at 6 wks of age. We wanted a dog that would be great in the field, as well as a lovable pet in the house. What we got was all that we hoped for and more. She truly is a joy. She shows great hunting skills even at her young age of 4 months. We highly recommend Hillcrest Kennel and look forward to purchasing another pup in the coming year. Working with Jim has been a pleasant experience, his communication over the year since we had sent in our deposit was exceptional. Thanks again Hillcrest.

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I recently purchased a seven week old male English Setter " Ike " from Jim Norman at Hillcrest Kennels.I previously purchased two other pups from Jim that are excellent gundogs as I am confident young " Ike " will be also. Hillcrest English Setters have the right temperment, are easily trained, and look good in the field.Jim's integrity and dedication have made getting an English Setter from Hillcrest Kennels the right choice.

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In meeting Jim I didn't only find a gentleman knowledgable and professional, I found a friend. He helped so much in getting my female bred, he as been in touch quite often to check on the progess and health of the pups. These pups out of Nirto look to be the real deal. I thank you Jim for all your help and dedication to the English Setter breed.

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An experience with Hillcrest Kennels has been nothing short of a joy! My setter Cody was showing tons of potential from the day I picked him up. Hillcrest Kennel is genuinely dedicated to the preservation of the quality gundog, that is the English Setter. The kennel and I are still in contact even after a year, checking on the progress my puppy has made. Whether or not you want a field trial ranging dog, or a close working dog for the foot hunter, Hillcrest Kennels can match you and your next hunting partner.

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