Hanging Pheasant

[gunman]

Guys, I haven't been about here for a while but have a question about pheasants if anyone will know.

A guy at work today came in with a few pheasants shot by his uncle on Saturday. He gave me one but I'm not 100% sure how to deal with it. I read a bit on 'tinternet today about hanging it and have it in my shed now hanging for I reckon between 7-10 days.

I also read that you shouldn't hang a "damaged bird" (although as they've all been shot I can't see how the would be undamaged). I presume this is to stop the guts rotting and the meat going off. My bird has a bit of damage, although not around the cavity, this is around the tail area with a patch of skin missing and a couple of holes, possibly made by the collecting dog.

My question is, is this bird edible and should it be hung or cooked right away?

Thanks to anyone who can advise.

[aris]

What does it smell like? 7-10 days is a fairly long time, and it has been unseasonably warm. Personally, I would have eaten it right away - slowly braised in red wine and stock.

[YetiDave]

If it's been gut shot it needs dressing straight away, otherwise I've had pheasant hang for a week with no ill effects. It did start to smell a bit, but that's not necessarily a bad thing with game birds

[JBBQ]

The longer you hang it the more "gamey" taste comes through, same is true of cocks over hens IIRC so it also depends on your taste

[CyderPig]

Hi
I hang the birds for 2 days, then I take off the breasts and bone out the thighs, this saves all that plucking and drawing malarkey.
Then I place the thigh onto the breast, good dollup of butter, add some sausage meat(Italian or Tolouse) a little redcurrant jam and roll them up in bacon, glazing at the end more of the jam.

Cheers
Si