Trying Old Things-Pheasant Hunting

This post is not meant to offend anyone, I know we all have different views on what we eat.  I am an omnivore and enjoy plants and animals.  If you do not support eating meat you may want to skip this post.  

Just as the new year started I was asked to join a pheasant hunt.  I was nervous as it has been a while since I have gone hunting.  Matter of fact it has been quite a while since I even went to the range to shoot trap or targets.  One of the hunting group members suggested we meet at the range and shoot a few clays.  I was happy about this suggestion as I felt I needed a refresher.  While this practice helped with the steps of shooting I missed almost all of the clays, hitting just 3 of 23 shots.  I was assured I would be fine, the birds would be bigger.  Back home I started getting my gear ready, as I pulled out my pants, shirt, jacket and vest I found my last hunting license, it was dated 2010.  I thought back to those times, the first time I went pheasant hunting was with my hunting buddy, an old man that loved pheasant hunting.  We hunted state lands and he and his dog taught me the ropes.  I never even saw a pheasant during these trips.  I just loved walking the field and talking.  After the hunt we would grab breakfast and head home.  Unfortunately, my hunting buddy was injured in a scooter accident the following year and his injuries kept him from hunting.  Last year he passed away.  I felt this hunt would be a nice way to honor his memory while making new ones.  

This excursion would be at a private preserve, guaranteeing I would see birds.  We arrived before our start time to get our license paperwork completed then headed out to the field. There were 3 in our party and we had chosen to hunt pheasant and chukars.  This field was not as overgrown as what I was used to and the walk was much easier than in the past.  Our guide and dog were great.  The hunt was set up so you hunt half the birds, take a break then hunt the second half.  This gives the dog and you a break. It was warmer than usual on this January morning so the break was welcoming.  I only took one shot in the first half and missed.  The other two in our party were able to get all of the birds from this half. The pressure was on for me after the break.  The first bird that was flushed flew in a way that I had a shot, so I took it. I killed my first bird!  It was a male.  In this half of the hunt I also killed two females.  After we had our allotment we headed back to the trucks and back to the office.  The birds were cleaned and bagged to be taken home for future dinners.  

I prefer to have the whole bird to roast.  I use the roasting bags, add onion, carrots, and potatoes.  Season with garlic salt, pepper, parsley, and a little bit of butter.  Cook time depends on the size of the bird and how many you are cooking at once.  Since I was only cooking one, 90 minutes was long enough.  If you have not tried pheasant it is similar to chicken, but has a better flavor and lighter texture.  Pheasant is always a welcome meal in our house and I was fortunate to have a few leftover pieces for lunch the next day.  I enjoy pheasant hunting because I do not have to sit still and be quiet. I get to take a nice walk in the woods, talking with friends and enjoying nature.  It is a bonus if I can provide dinner for my family.  Have you ever eaten pheasant?  If so, how do you like it prepared?  Please tell me about it in the comments.