Just how far north are you anyway??? A wolf is the only animal that has made the hair on the back of my neck stand up and make my heart to pitter patter. Never felt that way about a bear, not even at close range. Of course, I've only encountered black bears, not griz nor polar bears. Something very primeval about seeing a wolf in the wild. I felt very alive during that encounter.
I like my birds skinned. One thing I can tell you for sure is they do not taste like chicken. Much much better and better for you.
For woodcock I may or may not marinate in buttermilk, typically smear the breast cavity with butter, wrap in a strip of bacon, season to taste place on a piece of toast and broil for 5 minutes. I like this simple recipe. Some of the finest eating this side of a ruffed grouse.
Ruffed grouse are not the "dumb" birds I've read about in the far north. These are seasoned hunting veterans that are both wiley and escape artists. Prepared much like I would chicken or pheasant. Never put in a casserole. May make a whole bird or just breast them out, depending. Roasted, broiled or grilled...delectable.
Of course any game bird deserves an excellent wine. Perhaps a St Emilion...
Sooo, big game? bird? varmit? any? all? what is it that you have a hunting passion for???
