The term 'bird dogs, say' can be solved by the crossword solution 'hunters'. Hunters are people who pursue wild animals for food, recreation, or trade. They may use a variety of methods, such as firearms, bows and arrows, or even trained animals like bird dogs. Bird dogs are specially bred and trained to help hunters locate and flush out game birds. They are usually used in combination with other hunting techniques, such as falconry, to increase the chances of success.