Mark I have always had hunting dogs, Brittanys, spaniels, labs, and Chesapeake. but now I am 75 and can not keep up with them any more, so when abby passed I ended up getting a German Shepard just to be with me in the bush as I can not hear very good any more.
He is a great dog very easy to train compared to abby and very smart, he dose not hunt but he will fetch grouse for me.lol. if I could only get him to fetch ducks I would have it made. It is a pity that you don't live closer to me as I have a private lake to hunt on for ducks and geese and no dog to get them.
I have a canoe but have a hard time putting it in and out I just shoot the ducks that will land on the ground around the lake.But like you I just enjoy watching the ducks and geese I do not have to kill anything to enjoy myself anymore. Steve!