That has changed over the years. As a kid it was anything that presented an opportunity. As I grew older and taste buds refined and a young wife and then young kids added their taste buds to the mix, I found myself in a minority position. I ate it all and they wanted nothing to do with it. I started finding myself with far more birds (and big game) to eat than I could handle. I have not been one to give away game, always lived by if I shoot it I (or the family) eat it. These are the birds I have taken over the years: Ruffies, spruce grouse, blue grouse, sharptail grouse, sage grouse, huns, ptarmigan (rock and willow), ducks and geese. For the most part, upland birds were a by-product of hunting big game. As a kid, I always enjoyed working with Dad as a blocker or pusher when he would go for pheasant. The rooster became my favorite game bird. I have not had the opportunity to take dove, woodcock, chukar, quail or turkey - haven't even seen quail or woodcock.

Over the years, I gravitated more and more to the wily rooster, as these birds were palatable for others in the family and always made for a fun day afield (although they all make for that). So for me, wild pheasant are the favorite, especially an unexpected under your feet flush of a big old long tailed rooster.

No matter the bird, it's the time with friends and bird dogs that keep us looking forward to another season, even as the current one has or is soon to end.

Cheers,
Jack

My first rooster taken on the wing with Dad's Savage 755A (1965). Taxidermy by Dad.
http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/cpg1...02isolated.JPG

Different birds, different techniques, most with dogs, all with Parkers.

Bobwhite, hunted with my VH 16 gauge OFrame, my Frenchy Brittanys, and my shooting student / birdboy Joe Wood.



Mike

That would have to be Mr. Pa,tridge although I must admit I feel blessed when the good Lord allows me a woodcock or two.

I love the grouse, the old timers refer to them as "mountain pheasants", with a good dog, my preference is a brittany. I only get a chance to hunt woodcock on my treks to the UP, but that's hard to beat as well.

Pheasants followed by Mr Ruff Grouse

Without a doubt, quail for me. I've hunted 4 wild varieties and one other pen raised. The wild quail are da kin'. They seem to be the most challenging bird to shoot on the wing. At least the wild valley quail around here.

A few more thoughts on woodcock.


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Nice Dean, I know what Danny would vote for!

I have not hunted for years but my favorite was always Ruffed Grouse.