I have been there with a couple of my setters. The most important thing to remember is : Don't Panic. It may take a while for the light to come on. It is critical that you do the yard work consistently and make 100% sure they are rock solid on the basic commands (Here, Heal, Whoa etc.) Every time I take them out I take 5 or 10 minutes and go through the basic commands before I let them loose to hunt or run. Get them out of the truck, let them relieve themselves then start them off with heal and work through the commands. It helped me establish in their minds that even though they were out of the kennel or the yard, in an unfamiliar setting, I was still in charge. I found it helpful with these dogs to borrow a page from the flushing dogs and spend some time teaching them to quarter (run a zig-zag pattern in front of the hunter). It took a lot of work but it was worth it. Be patient and never lose your temper.

As far as introducing the pup to birds, the best routine I have seen is to buy some pen raised quail that are weak flyers (or clip the wings of strong flyers) and let the dog chase and catch a few. Don't try to get him to point, don't do anything that might create a negative association for the dog. IF he points, by sight or scent, handle him and praise him up. If he breaks and chases let him go. If he catches and kills the bird don't say a word. IF he brings it to you praise him like that was exactly what you expected. If he kills and buries it don't say a word. Treat it like it's the most normal thing in the world.

Colt 45 is correct, good breeding is only part of the equation, it's up to you to "spark his instincts" and keep it fun for him.

give him time brother. dogs take patience...and lots of it. my young coon dog isn't running by himself even though i would like him to....patience is key. Keep adding ONE variable at a time and put him in the field.

My dog needs to be in the woods, and yours needs to be worked the same in his field. Hold fast man, he'll get there.