I have never used anything bigger than a 20 gauge and no load larger than 7.5's. I have hurredly shot a few too close and made dog food of them, but that was not usually the case. As to shooting one while bird hunting, I will not do it if I have my dog in the field with me. I will not let them chase them. My lab is not bad for chasing a rabbit scent, but he was when he was a pup. As to cooking, I normally just salt and pepper with a pinch of garlic powder and an equal pinch of onion powder if the real things are not available, flour bread it and fry it in good hot canola oil.
