https://www.gundogmag.com/editorial/why-you-should-age-game-birds/462439

I've never hung pheasants, nor did any of the guides I've met in South Dakota. The problem IMHO is guaranteeing that the bird has no pellets in the abdomen ie gut shot and spilling intestinal contents into the abdomen. And if a dog has to chase a cripple, they almost always give the bird at least one bite.

I did once leave a quail in my hunting coat for a few weeks. I didn't try to cook it.

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