After unceremoniously decimating several avian and hopping creatures with my Quest, my dog and I realized that we had not yet partaken of the flesh of our kills. This would simply not do as we strive to be Bona Fide hunters.
So today my faithful 4legged companion Marley (Like Bob) sat patiently by my side in the garage waiting for the evening quail run that goes by my house. Sure enough, the quail families started making their way between my house and the neighbors, into the desert beyond. Now was the time.
I selected the biggest one about 30yds out, aimed for his chest as he faced me and dropped him quickly, rewarded by a nice Thwock on impact. (Marley was busy chasing ants at this point)
A few anxious minutes of watching smaller, less worthy quail mosey on by were rewarded by the arrival of Big Poppa Quail (BPQ in this part of town).
Needless to say, my excitement peaked and i smoothly manuevered the crosshairs to his head. POP-tunk and DOWN HE GOES! Looked like his head turned in to piece of iron and suddenly the earth was a super-magnet. Looking up satisfied from my scope, i notice movement!! BPQ stands back up! NO WAY I MISSED!?!?! I quickly load another Destroyer and pop BPQ centermass for an extended rest and walk over to investigate.
BPQ has a bloody chunk missing from his Plumed head! THats one tough (or stupid) bird!
Now for the fun part: I have never stripped a bird....ever. Im from the suburbs man!
I have had plenty people tell me how to do it, something about sticking my finger up its butt and ripping....errrr Ill wait till someone can show me.
SOooo I pluck the feathers from BPQ's CHest and make an incision straight down the middle. Seperated the bottom part of the breast from his butt and pulled it upwards, it got stuck up top and Im not going to lie, im kinda squemish about disassembling birds. Meanwhile my dog is now licking up quail blood..Shes intrigued and is watching me intensly.
Anywho. I cut the breast away from his [gizzard?] and wash it off really well in cold water. Seasoned it with lemon, pepper, some salt and a dash of garlic salt and fried it in olive oil.
The verdict: Very tasty, a bit tough however. Marley enjoyed this part immensely, probably more than I did LOL.
Now me and Marley are True OutDoorsmen! Haha
