We've put him on lots of birds lately, let him flush and chase (although he hasn't gone more than 10 feet), his field obedience is excellent so I haven't used the e-collar on him since the day after I brought him home from training 5 months ago (it was the only time he tested me) but he still wears it every single time he's on the ground, and he got it today!!!
It all just clicked! I didn't have to play tug-of-war with him to get him out of the crate, he didn't try to sneak back in once he was on the ground, and he was running...really running! Rimming fields, running hedge rows, thoroughly hunting every inch of the fields, and most importantly, having a great time! Tail up, head up, cheeks puffing looking for scent. I thought his trainer was going to cry!
He's really on a roll. He improves 10 fold each week! At this rate, he'll be running trials in the spring too!