I'm curious about what is recommended here... I'm in the same boat. Two years ago I had something all set up at a place called Ringneck River in southern Alberta. Then the guy cancelled with no explanation and doesn't appear to be in the business anymore, since my email requests were ignored this past year. So I went to Three Bars Ranch near Cranbrook this past fall (mid-October; about as late as they go). Nice people, nice ranch, good dogs. Shooting on day 1 was pretty easy. There was a heavy dew, so many birds had to be kicked out of the thick but simple cover (second growth alfalfa). When they did flush, they flew well... but it really was pretty easy. I think that's standard procedure for day 1: evaluate the client's ability and make sure there's some birds in the bag. Second day they set out the birds in more natural cover and it was a more enjoyable experience. No other shooters around while we were out, and looked like ~100 acres of huntable area? Nothing bad to say about the place, but it is more of a beginner's experience and served it's purpose well. Not terribly expensive either. But I'm more of a wild bird guy and the put & take (and occasional boot out of the grass) nature is not particularly appealing. I've been to other places in the US where birds were put out, but the whole area was teeming with 'escapees' that had become very wily. Just like wild bird hunting but at 10X natural bird density.
