Silver Lake Preserve is pleased to provide exceptional bird dogs for your quail hunt. Raised and trained on the ranch, these amazing dogs are expert pointers and retrievers and will enhance your quail hunting experience.
At 12 years old, Gwen, our seasoned English Pointer, continues to set the bar for what a truly exceptional hunting dog looks like. Simply put, she is as solid as they come.
Gwen is a dream to run. She asks nothing of us, yet gives everything every time she steps into the field. There’s never a question of effort or focus—she is always going to do her best and, more often than not, put on a show doing it. Watching her work is a reminder of what years of experience, instinct, and heart can produce in a finished dog.
A good portion of developing young dogs comes from working them alongside proven veterans, and Gwen is always first on the list. When starting a pup in the field, there’s a different level of trust that comes with turning her loose. When Gwen goes on point—locked up, steady, and striking—you can be certain there are birds there. That reliability is invaluable in building confidence in young dogs.
What truly sets her apart, though, is her patience. It’s as if she understands the assignment. Gwen will stand, steady and composed, allowing time and space to work with a pup, never rushing the moment. That kind of composure can’t be taught easily—it’s earned, and she carries it naturally.
She’s just as important to our guides as she is to our dogs in training. On busy days or with challenging groups, Gwen is the dog you reach for. She brings a sense of calm and certainty to any situation—one less variable to worry about. In fact, she’s often fought over by the guides, and for good reason. Gwen has a way of making even a novice guide look like a seasoned pro, simply because she does everything exactly the way it should be done.
Gwen isn’t just a great dog—she’s a cornerstone of our program. Whether she’s helping shape the next generation of hunting dogs or ensuring a smooth day in the field, she represents the standard we strive for every day.
Once a young and wild pup, Hank is now the oldest four-legged member of our team — turning 15 years old this season. That’s quite a milestone, and truly remarkable in our industry where few hunting dogs stay in the field that long.
Hank has always been a solid pointer, steady and eager to work. We take great pride in him and his lineage — dogs like Hank are the ones we cherish most, the ones who give their hearts and souls to every hunt.
Not only does Hank point, but he’s also an excellent retriever, bringing back downed birds with precision — just another star in his hat. His legacy continues, too: a brand-new litter of his was born on October 9, 2025, and we have several dogs within his lineage that hunt alongside us.
Though age has slowed him down a bit, Hank’s spirit remains as strong as ever. Every morning, his tail is wagging, eager for the chance to join the day’s hunt. As long as he’s happy and willing, we’ll keep him doing what he loves most.
Over the years, many of our guests have had the pleasure of hunting with Hank — and we’re sure they’ll agree, he’s one of a kind.
When you visit Silver Lake Preserve, you’re hunting the same land the Lykes family has hunted for generations. Every detail—from our knowledgeable guides to the coveys in the field—reflects our commitment to giving you an experience you won’t forget.