Snipe

[banknote]

I hunt them around here, either while I'm jump shooting ducks or, like now, after the duck season. Sometimes they're thick, sometimes just a few around, as they seem to move around a lot. I pass on a lot of them when I'm jump shooting ducks because I don't want to blow potential duck shooting, plus anything bigger than 4s seems like wasted ammo, and sometimes they're just buzzing all around as I float down the river. Season's open until the 16th. I might go tromp around for some, now. I hunt a WMA, so have to use steel. #7's work, but I wish I had something more open than a mod choke in my 20 gauge.

Are you allowed to walk into the westside? If so, go check out seal #5 and #6. The snipe like that shallow piece of water for some reason.

Nope, just north unit. Sometimes they're in there, sometimes not. Not many right now.

[banknote]

Every time I see those pics, I wonder if I've missed out by passing on the Virginias. Rails being another little bird potroast and skillet favorite here, I still shoot the occasional mess of kings (freshwater clappers) and even some tiny Soras, but had an off-tasting Virginia (which aren't too common here, anyway) many years ago that's made me hold fire on those.

Might oughta try another I guess - unless you tell me they need marinated in something strong to be tasty...

First bird I ever wing shot was a Sora rail when I was 12. Took it home and boiled it. I'm sure I thought it was delicious, but I really don't remember how it tasted. That was back in Illinois and I don't think I've seen another one since.

[aunt betty]

Have shot snipe while chasing ditch parrots. They are tasty as hell. Would eat more if it were easier to kill them.

[waterfowlman]

Every time I see those pics, I wonder if I've missed out by passing on the Virginias. Rails being another little bird potroast and skillet favorite here, I still shoot the occasional mess of kings (freshwater clappers) and even some tiny Soras, but had an off-tasting Virginia (which aren't too common here, anyway) many years ago that's made me hold fire on those.

Might oughta try another I guess - unless you tell me they need marinated in something strong to be tasty...

Hey Rick
We only cut out and keep the breasts and legs on the Virginia Rails. Two men can clean 30 birds in 30 minutes that way. Cooked low and slow as a stew, I think they are delicious.