From Field to Feast

By Christy Caplan

game bird is a type of bird that is hunted for sport but mainly for food. These birds are typically wild and include species such as pheasants, quail and grouse. Game birds are often prized for their meat and are a popular choice for hunting enthusiasts. Many of them have beautiful colors and outstanding ornamental characteristics. If you choose to raise or breed game birds for a game preserve( or as a pet but this isn’ t as common), they will need extra protection during the winter season.

Growing Demand for Pheasants to Stock Game Preserves

Avid hunters know it’ s hard to beat the taste of game birds. Some people prefer light-colored partridge meat, ruffed grouse and quail. Others like the dark meat of sharp-tailed grouse and woodcock. Wild birds have less fat, more flavor and recipes that are delicious.

There is a large variety of wild game birds that can be raised. Game pheasants, for example, are suited for game preserves. Most can survive outside in the winter, even in the northern states.

Game Pheasants

The most common is the English Ring-necked Pheasant. The tail is long and variegated with various shades of brown and copper. Wild pheasants can be found across the northern American states. In the kitchen they resemble chicken.

Quail

Native quail include the Californian Quail, Gambel’ s Quail and the Messina Quail. They are easily tamed in captivity. There are seven species of quail and six live in the U. S. All quail can be used interchangeably in the kitchen and are mild, white meat birds.

Grouse The Black Grouse and the Capercailzie are mainly used in game reserves. Grouse are North American’ s native“ chicken” and Ruffed grouse are creatures of the deciduous forest.

Essential Considerations for Raising Game Birds

If you decide to raise wild game birds, many thrive best when their natural tendencies are catered to, including habitat management. Many pheasants prefer to sleep in the

Meat Color

Sage grouse: Breast, dark and thighs are very dark.

Ring-necked pheasant: Breast, white and thighs are dark.

Ruffed grouse: Breast, very white and thighs are medium dark.

Mountain quail: Breast, white and thighs are dark.

open rather than in houses. If both open and protected roosts are available, your birds will select the place best suited for them. These birds can survive winter weather with no issues.

A game birdhouse or enclosure would have proper drainage and light and sandy loam soil. There should be access to sunshine and shade, and the pen size should depend on the number of birds. Plenty of perches should be available, and the top of the run should be covered with wire netting. These birds require protection from the cold weather and a dry spot for them to run in and roost in lousy weather. The floor may be covered with dead branches, pine needles or straw.

Feeding Strategies in the Winter

Pheasants are light eaters to begin with, so even though it’ s winter, you don’ t want to overfeed the birds— wild birds like an abundance of cabbage, lettuce, clover and any type of vegetable. Indian corn is a great addition to their diet in the winter months but feed in small quantities. Also, feed plenty of grains, insects, cornmeal, wheat bran and finely chopped beef.

Harvesting Techniques in Winter

Raising and caring for wild game birds is a foundational step that directly influences the quality of meat when it becomes time for harvesting. Attentive husbandry ensures that these birds lead healthy lives, benefiting from nutritious feed and ample space to roam, which enhances their natural flavors. By cultivating an environment that mirrors their natural habitats, you not only promote the well-being of the birds but also set the stage for superior culinary experiences.

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