Testimonials

Joan Rizkallah on December 23, 2015
Jim and his staff at Hillcrest kennels made a breeding possible with my English Setter female. After studying blood lines I knew that Nitro would be the perfect compliment to my Tekoa line female. Jim and Hillcrest kennels staff were incredibly professional and made the experience easy. We had a short window and Jim was able to accommodate our time frame. The paperwork was ready and the breeding took the first time. We have 9 happy healthy puppies that are all destine to be the best hunting and family dogs. We will defiantly use Hillcrest Kennels again. Thank you for the fantastic experience!

 
Shawn Stahl on November 24, 2015
Jim Norman produces some of the finest and top quality English Setters I have owned. I have been hunting with setters for over 30 years an Hillcrest Kennels has produced one of the best I have owned. The temperment and breeding that are in these dogs make them not only great dogs in the field but also great family dogs as well. Jim and his staff definitely produce high quality hunting dogs. If you are looking for a great hunting companion or a family companion, I highly recommend Hillcrest Kennels. Thanks Jim for making all my hunting trips satisfying and enjoyable.
 

Chad Lowry on Oct 08, 2015
I am on my second pup from Jim at Hillcrest Kennels. The first pup was a success from the start, with natural abilities. Currently I have a beautiful orange and white pup born May 1, 2015. He is fetching and well on his way being whoa broke. Jim is dedicated to his setters, and will be with you every step of the way, from day one. He will check in periodically to check the progress of your pup, because he honestly is wanting to breed the best of the best. I had no problem at all going with another setter from Hillcrest. His pups have a desire to please, and can be hunted in a variety of situations. Myself, I am strictly a foot hunter, and these dogs do wonderful. If you desire to do field competitions, Jim’s dogs will do that as well, check out his success doing that format. Bottom line is Jim wants to continue to improve on the breed, that is the English Setter.
 

Jon Robinson on Oct 04, 2015
We recently got a great English Setter puppy from Hillcrest Kennel and we are totally happy with him. He is very smart and very interested in birds, so we think he will be a fine hunting dog but he is a lot more than that. He is a great house dog to live with. For his age he is calm indoors, even though he is constantly looking for birds outdoors. He is also a dog we are proud of when we take him places. He is charming, sociable, and well-mannered with people he meets. Everyone just adores him. Wherever he goes, he gets an instant fan club. He is also a sturdy, good-looking pup that will mature into an exceptionally handsome dog. He has been totally healthy with no issues of any kind. Jim was completely honest about Riley and wanted to make sure we were getting exactly the kind of pup we wanted. He knows his dogs very well and cares a lot about them. He is a very knowledgeable, smart dog man, the kind of guy you could talk to all day about dogs and learn a lot. Absolutely the highest recommendation for Jim and his Setters.

Ann Murray on Sep 30, 2015
This is our 2nd English Setter from Hillcrest Kennel. Excellent dogs bred to hunt. Natural instincts and wonderful temperament. Great hunting dogs and great pets.

Frank Rusch on Sep 29, 2015
Our, dog, Kalani Laki Wahine (Laki) is incredible. Only 5 months old and she is well on her way to becoming a well-trained, kind and fun companion and work dog. We recommend working with Hillcrest if given the chance. Jim Norman is a top-rate breeder!

Sandra Harsted on Sep 27, 2015
Our dog Turbo is not only gorgeous but also a natural in the field! We are very pleased with the dog & would highly recommend Hillcrest Kennel.

Paul Bowden February 23, 2014
Liberty and I just finished the Minnesota Pheasant season in knee deep snow. She sure has come around this season. I’m very happy with her devlopment. She’s is smart as a whip, and incredibly driven, we had a great year.

Mike Schuster on February 20, 2014
We picked up our 2nd pup from Jim at Hillcrest Kennels. Jim once again did not disappoint us. He was able to fit us with a new pup that fit our family needs and characteristics with just a few questions! We named this one Lucy and a very intelligent well mannered dog she is. I’ve been around English setters all my life and once again I’m impressed with the easiness to train. Everyone of my friends that have met her tell me how beautiful and great listening pup she is. She has become an exceptional family dog and can’t wait to get her in the field this spring when the weather breaks here in Mn. Thanks Again Jim for another great Dog from Kate and Nitro!
Mike Schuster

Stephen Rafe on February 1, 2014
Jim Norman is one of the very few professional trainers whose work I endorse and recommend. His breeding program is thorough and complete in every detail one might want in a bird dog including conformation, temperament, desire, and intelligence. His training approach proves that positive, science-based methods are highly effective in producing biddable dogs that hunt and compete at the highest levels with gusto!

Stephen Rafe
Birddogger for more than 30 years, Author of “Training Your Dog for Birdwork,” “About Dogs” Editor for Quail Unlimited magazine for 20 years, frequent contributing writer for “Pointing Dog Journal,” “Retriever Journal,” “Just Labs” magazine and numerous others. His system for curing gunshy dogs has been called the world’s most successful method.

Laura Schuster on March 14, 2012
We picked up a puppy last summer from Jim and Jack Norman of Hillcrest Kennels and have been very pleased. She has surprised us in many ways. She is incredibly smart, a great nose! She has amazing natural instincts, very mild and loving temperment, and has been a great family dog to our young children. Nitro & Kate produce a great line of dogs.