Unfortunately; this series of the Bird Hunter games does NOT live up to it's predecessors! The game has some real issues with both call and player/dog/game interfaces.
I found out that this game requires a person to "tweak" with the main programming, just to be see what you are hunting-as the "original" is far too dark(and it will not matter if you "tweak" with your system set-up or not-it is all in the interface of this game). Another main issue with it is; granted you can create your own types of weapons, cammo outfits, even design your own ideal hunting companion-the dog...however, here is where I found major short falls with this game:1) you can spend the next three 'real time' days sighting in your weapon, and when you finally go out into the field-it will NOT hit the broadside of a barn.
2) the calls in this game are no longer fully automated-you will have to read, take notes, and literally learn just how to correctly call your birds in-or end up scaring everything within 4 games minutes of you-off!
3) I discovered that if you "loose" your dog on one side of the map; discover a vehicle, WHAM! there is your dog again...??
4) Although the graphics are top notch-the animals both prey as well as other wildlife, do not exactly model the real life animals.
Even though this game does have a patch available, the patch did not improve a whole lot for the actual playability. Should you decide to get this game; make SURE to double check the requirements on Southlogic's web site or other hunting web sites online, for the latest requirements in order to run this game.
Personally speaking though; you would be better off spending your money on the next one that comes out or purchase Bird Hunter Wild Wings Edition.