Fair enough. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I am sure we can agree a first time bird hunter not having a shotgun may be one of the "dumbest" things we heard of. We will just have to disagree on whether a first time bird hunter not having a dog along is the "dumbest" thing ever posted here.
As first time hunter, if given one option for an entire season to either: a) Hunt with a gun or b) hunt with a bird dog and starter pistol. The hunter that chooses b) bird dog will ultimately become a better hunter because they'll learn more about finding birds, good bird habitat,and bird behavior than the hunter who walks with a gun all season.
How many coveys of birds are on the ridge in front of you in this picture? Are they on the south slopes or the north slopes? On the tops or down in the draws? Are there quail, huns, or chukar? could there be a be a pheasant under one of those clumps of sage? I have no idea. The hunter with the gun could walk aimlessly for miles and not see a thing. The hunter with a dog, even a new puppy with good breeding will cover 10 times the ground in less time and if there are birds the dog will find them.
I spent the first 15 years of my hunting experience walking with a gun alone or hunting over friends dogs. I rarely shot and birds without the dogs but always found birds over a dog. Since having my own setter I hunt more, hunt better, and get more enjoyment out of the sport (hunting, training, reading about training, etc). Having a dog also got my son into hunting and will likely lead my girls into the sport as well.