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 Riley from Hillcrest Kennel and we are totally happy with him. He is very smart and 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 second English Setter from Hillcrest Kennel. Excellent dogs bred for the 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.

Anna Ravagnani on December 21, 2014

We got a puppy from Jim Norman in September of 2012. I talked to Jim on the phone and explained, I wanted an athletic family dog to live with us at the ranch in WY and follow us on horseback rides and hikes. I had an English Setter as a child and I really wanted another one.
I think Jim was reluctant to sell such an exceptional hunting dog to non-hunters but, I told him we live in a ranch near Yellowstone and that the pup would have a wonderful life running around our property with all the lakes and ponds and creeks. So he shipped me James Bond.
He turned out to be an amazing dog. A natural that hunts, points and works all by himself as if he had been trained.
Many friends that had experience with “bird dogs” are impressed with him. He runs free, comes in and out of the house as he pleases during the day and is a great companion on hikes, rides and is always following us around the ranch.
I’ve had dogs all my life and this one is of exceptional intelligence, nose, temperament, devotion and we love him dearly.

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
St. Francis Mn

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.

Dave Furrer on January 23, 2014

Lexie did awesome in her first year in the field, especially for a 16 month old dog. From the day we brought her home from Hillcrest at 9 months old, she has been pointing. Pre-season, this typically involved song birds, rabbits, fallen leaves, and even grass hoppers. She has a very strong drive, locked up on solid points, retrieves, and responded well to the e-collar and whistle all season long. Her third time out she held a rock solid point for over two minutes while we searched for her in the 5 foot tall grass. She did not break point until I busted the brush up. My hunting partner, a long time GSP owner, was very impressed with her. She is also a joy around the house, playing very well with our lab mix and any visitors we have over. At night, her favorite spot is up on the couch with the family.

We are all really glad to have her in our lives.

Ben Beaman on January 16, 2014

This past November I purchased a male, tri-color, half mask pup from Jim and have been thrilled with him ever since. The pup is currently 17 weeks old and is an absolute joy to have around. He’s bold, curious, and extremely smart. He is already backing other dogs naturally and retrieves dummies to hand with no retrieving training whatsoever. I’ve done a small amount of wing and string training with him and he’s shown a strong desire to point, even a few times on scent alone! Not bad for 17 weeks. I’m looking forward to spring when the lovely Wyoming weather will no longer keep us from wild bird territory! Also he has quickly become an excellent house dog. House-braking was fast and easy, as was crate training and simple obedience. If you’re looking for a hunting buddy with tons of natural drive and instinct, a family companion, or both, you’ve found the right breeder!

Steve Jaskowiak on January 7, 2014

Jim and Zack do a great job.. Dog I received was as promised and advertised.
Great nose… solid points.. straight tail… head high.. natural honor… picture of beauty in my eyes. (Actually, in everybodys eyes !)
If you are looking for this high caliber of a hunting mate, look no further….
Contact Hillcrest Kennels.

Joe Daniel On July 17, 2013

I purchased a pup from Jim and Zack Norman last September. The pup is out of Master Mohawk Kate and Tekoa Mountain Jettsun. This combination has provided me with a very desirable pup. He has a good disposition and is easily trained. If I ever need another dog I would not hesitate to buy from Jim and Zack. They answered all of my questions on different phone calls and in person. They also provided pictures from birth and weekly until I picked up my pup.

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 with our selection. She has surprised us in many ways. She is incredibly smart, a great nose! She has amazing natural hunting 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.

Ann and Shade Murray on March 14, 2012

In the fall of 2011, we had to put three English Setters down, all siblings and 13 years old. We were heart-broken. We were unsure we could start over with a puppy at our age. However, a Christmas present from our son changed everything. We received Kate from Hillcrest Kennels. Kate is now 5 mos. old and we have taken her to our quail club twice to see how she would react in the field. She is a natural! Nose to the ground, fearless through thick Palmettos and so happy to be busting birds. She has unbelievable stamina and I believe would stay in the field all day if we let her. We even got a few hard points and a couple of short holds. She is a joyful dog with a great personality. Whoever said that a hunting dog could not be both a house pet and a hunting dog did not know what they were talking about. She is both. I believe she is the smartest dog we have ever had and am convinced that she will be a winner in the field.

Chris Hurst on February 26, 2012

Hi Jim, I am writing to you, to let you know the wonderful English Setter that we received from you..Mandi. I come from a duck and goose background and started grouse hunting up in the Upper Peninsula of Wisconsin. My Brother in Law had me hunting with his Llewellyn Setters in the mountains of North Carolina. I was amazed at his dogs performance and how these pointers worked. He had invited me to Go to the U.P. with him to get into some heavy grouse populations. The first year I went, I was amazed at the dog work and the wild hunting. Only thing missing for me, as a big bird hunter, was a setter. I had spoken to you about a English Setter that you had and after seeing her work, I was really interested in buying her. I wasn’t very familiar with hunting with an English Setter because of my flushing dogs background. Mandi, started with me on some warm up hunts before we took her North. This was some Quail and pheasant club work we put her on. To say the least, she performed absolutely flawless. Not only a great pointer but retrieved every bird that I shot.

Next trip was to The U.P. and the elusive Grouse. She was three when I took her up there. She was dead on, Woodcock!!! The Grouse, first year, were a little confusing for her. Every bird hunter that puts a newer dog in the field understand this. It takes time in the field… and birds, to get them where you want them to be. She is now 6, and steady as a rock on Grouse. Most people offer to buy her every time they see her hunt. She is truly an amazing dog. She not only points them but retrieves all of them as well. Its not always easy to kill a grouse, when you wing one …you definitely want to find them. I can’t tell you how many times she has disappeared for 15 minutes and come back with my bird. Along with her hunting she is a wonderful and loving pet. My wife and daughter absolutely spoil her and So do I. We want to thank you for a wonderful dog. There is so much more I can write about her but, It would keep me here for the next hour. Kudos to you and the Genes you have passed down to me and the pups we rear with Mandi. She will keep up a great hunting tradition for many years to Come.

Mark Thompson On February 8, 2012

I searched forever to find a well bred english setter pup. The pup that I got from Jim is awesome, She is such a natural on pointing, backing an other dog and retrieving. It is almost like she came pre-trained.

Jim Harrold on January 27, 2012

Our pup, Pete, was purchased at Hillcrest Kennel in May of 2011. Jim was great in answering my many questions, and I felt he wanted each of the pups to find a good home. Pete is now 7 mos old, and he hunted with us this past season. Pete showed a strong desire and a tremendous nose. Plus, he is very smart (quick learner). I can’t wait to see him work next season. My family just loves him, and he has a good temperament with all ages. I recommend Jim and Hillcrest Kennel if you are looking for a good dog and a respectable breeder.

Chelsea Martins on January 27, 2012

My husband and I spent countless hours searching for a second upland bird dog for our family. After falling in love with the English Setter, we were disappointed to learn that there were no breeders in Colorado or neighboring states, with puppies for sale. This meant that we were going to have to trust an out-of-state breeder, to not only deliver us an exceptional dog, but also deliver him safely. After speaking to a few different breeders, we finally came across Jim and Hillcrest Kennels. From the first time I spoke with Jim, I could hear the pride he had for his dogs in his voice. Not only was he proud of his dogs but his stories also let you know that he knew his dogs well and had personally taken time to work with them. One week later, we safely received our puppy, Skeeter. Skeeter, is from Becky X Nitro. We have only had him a few weeks but at 12 weeks old, he is already potty trained, kennel trained, will come when called and load in his kennel when given a command. I do not have to worry about him chewing on anything that does not belong to him and not once, has he been anything but gentle with my 2 year old son. I cannot wait to see what a dog with this level of intelligence and incredible demeanor will do in the field! Thank you Jim and Hillcrest Kennels.

Jim Rouse on December 27, 2011

Hi Jim, I know you haven’t heard from me in a long time, but I wanted to let you know that my English Setter Riggs and I are employed part time as guide and dog at the Richmond Hunt Club in Richmond, Il. Riggs will be 10 in 2012 as will his liter mate Maggie and still works a field as though he was 3.Last Saturday he pointed 31 different pheasants. I have to tell you I have had Labs, Brittany’s, GSP’S and French Brittany’s and none of them compare to Riggs. Greatest bird dog I have ever had. may be looking you up in a year or two, as Riggs will be getting to old to hunt. Thanks again for such a wonderful hunting dog and companion !!

Brian Nichols on January 6, 2011

When I was first looking to purchase a English setter pup I contacted different breeders on GunDogBreeders.com . From the first email I received from Jim at Hillcrest kennel I knew right away he is a man of high integrity. I was very impressed with Jim from our email and phone conversations. He asked me questions that no other breeder had asked. He has a genuine concern for his dogs the English Setter breed and placement of pups with the right home. After many emails and phone conversations I purchased a female pup out of Nitro X Kate born February 2010. From the time the litter was born until he shipped her to me in Alaska I received pictures and updates regularly. When she arrived she was happy, very healthy and wanting to play. My vet was very impressed with her health and condition after such a long flight of over 10 hours, including layovers. Roxy was fully house broken at 10 weeks is a natural retriever, and took to swimming with no coxing at all. She began pointing everything she smelled and moved the first time out the door. She is very gentle with my 2 year old grandson even trying to get in the crib to sleep with him. Even though the Grouse hunting was down this year she still found more birds than any of the labs I’ve had in the past, and I’ve had some very good ones. We took her on her first pheasant hunt over Christmas and she was very impressive. After she setteled down She just naturally pointed and handled running birds, would reposition and hold her points untill we got to her and she found 4 birds we would have lost without her. All I can say is a great big thank you to Jim at Hillcrest Kennels for one of the top three bird dogs I have ever had and she is only 11 months old. The bird hunting future is very bright for this family. If you have any other questions please fill free to contact me at akfire66@hotmail.com

Steve Choquette on August 17, 2010

I had been talking to Jim about his dogs for over two years and finally got a female pup out of the Nitro and Lucy breeding (April 2010). Originally wanted a Maggie dog , due to her MH and water retrieving skills but timing didn’t work out…Lucy is a littermate to Maggie so took the plunge. Kate is 4 months now and is every bit the dog I had hoped for. She is extremely bold and has been exposed to horses, atv’s, quail, chukkar, pigeon, and many other dog and loves them all. First week home she was picking up a bumper and carrying it around (and tv remotes, shoes, etc!). She is very smart, willing to please and loves the water. I have yet to teach her to swim, but she has been chest deep in the local creek and loves it. She is intensely birdy and after 4 sessions with quail and pigeons is now reliably stopping to point a scented bird. She runs big with the other dogs, but checks back frequently. I have no doubt that by the end of this season we’ll be shooting birds over her and will have entered our AKC tests. This is the 2nd dog i’ve trained , so I’m a beginner, and I have to say that Kate makes me look good…esp in front of those guys that run dogs with no tails..Jim is and was always willing to talk on the phone to discuss what I wanted. I couldn’t be happier with choosing Hillcrest Kennels or bringing Kate home with me.

Jeff Strilich on August 2, 2010

Our tri-colored setter, Luna purchased from Hillcrest Kennels is an amazing dog. She is the smartest dog I have ever trained. Super nose and a natural pointer, she picks up on commands quickly and repeats behavior almost robotically. Our dogs are also members of our family and Luna is fun and loving with our family and our older setter. Jim was awesome to work with and obviously breeds great dogs. We could not be happier with our girl.

Rob Kilbourne on July 21, 2010

I have a tri colored male from Nitro and Maggie whelped 7-27-09. I dont think Jim and Zach could have made a better pick. My pup Max has a perfect temperment for house life and is great with my 2 year old son. As far as hunting he has not seen a lot of birds. But great natural instincts and eagerness to please has made him a dream to train. At 10 months old Jim and Zach got to see him run his first trial, which was a NSTRA trial in Michigan. He ran back to back in the amateurs and took a 1st with 5 birds and 2nd with 3 birds. He is retrieving excellent, including water, is steady to wing and shot and I am looking forward to getting his senior hunt test this fall. I would like to thank Jim and Zach again for a great pup, and recommend anyone purchase a pup from them as I would buy another no questions asked.