Jim Burris

Founder and Chair

In 2020, Jim was hunting in North Dakota and was finding a lot of success hunting sharp-tailed grouse in some waterfowl production areas that were surrounded and transected with barbed wire fences. Many of the fences were in disrepair and no longer served their intended purpose. Navigating nine dogs through those fences for the week of hunting caused some anxiety as dogs receiving some minor lacerations. Jim thought there needs to be an organization whose sole focus was on the welfare of bird dogs. Then through the years of introducing hunters and their new bird dogs into the sport of upland hunting he realized that many new bird dog owners, particularly those in urban areas, struggled to find activities with direction and purpose
involving their dogs. The dogs lacked the physical and mental stimulation to keep them content and well mannered. Noticing these areas of need the Bird Dog Society was conceived.

Jim has served on various non-profit boards and professional committees throughout his career and is currently the director of a large biomedical research facility. He has over 18 years of experience working with state and government agencies, including NOAA Fisheries, National Institutes of Health, and Environmental Protection Agency.

Jim grew up grouse hunting in the mountains of West Virginia and got his first bird dog, an English Setter, in 2006. Currently, he has a water loving pudelpointer named Manu that he trains and takes on daily adventures. Being a fish biologist and avid angler, the “water loving” is a requirement for any of his dogs. Jim is often found searching the hills of WV for grouse and in the swamps of NC for woodcock, but will travel to all destinations in pursuit of the FLUSH!

Email Jim at jim@birddogsociety.org.