How to Prep Upland Game Birds for Taxidermy (Including Pheasants) + Meal Kits: Are They Worth It?

Learn how to prep upland game birds for taxidermy including pheasants. Plus tired of the question "What’s for Dinner?" Meal kits: are they worth it? Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka ‘BEC’ and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News! Season 5, Episode 259 Why Proper Prep Matters: Upland Game Bird Taxidermy Basics The Do, The Do Not & Did You Know About Pheasants

• Upland birds taken early in the season do not make great mounts due to the fragile pin feathers. Best to mount pheasants harvested in November and December.

• Do not ring the neck of a possible pheasant to mount as it will stretch the neck.

• Cool the pheasant immediately.

• Wrap the feet and beak in wet paper towels. Double bag the pheasant before placing it in the freezer. This will keep the bird from drying out until received by a taxidermist.

• Do NOT place birds in panty hose. A panty hose causes a bird to quickly dry out during freezing making it difficult, to almost impossible, to mount by a taxidermist at a later date.

How Meal Kits Compare to DIY Cooking (Pros & Cons)

• Meal Kit Companies: Examples - Hello Fresh, Blue Apron, Home Chef too many to mention. I have personal experience with Hello Fresh, one of the oldest of the Meal Kit Companies out there.
• Are Meal Kit Companies actually “Good”, like taste good? YES - There are typically close to a 100 different recipes to choose from, and the meals typically take only 30 minutes.
• What’s included? Your proteins of choice plus delicious sides. Never liked Sweet Potatoes… Follow their easy recipes, and you might change your mind. I did!
• Are the ingredients Fresh? YES! They are packed in a box with ice and in packaging that keeps everything fresh, if there was ever a leak - No questions, money was returned with the option to send another meal.
• Cost? Is it really affordable? Depends on your spending habits. If you are someone that is tempted by “Impulse Buys” like… Ohhhh I need that, even though it’s not on “The Grocery List”... Then you are like me, and every trip that keeps me out of the store typically saves me money!

Costs typically range from $3 to $12 per serving, based on the service, meal plan

What is my favorite part about meal kits? 

1st - Learning new culinary skills! We are currently not subscribed to a Meal Kit company, however I greatly improved my skills in the kitchen thanks to them! For example, I typically strongly dislike Meatloaf… Sorry, I know it’s a comfort food for many. However - Thanks to here and there subscribing to a Meal Kit service… I now make an amazing Balsamic Rosemary Meatloaf… And if you’ve not had my Garlic Mashed potatoes.. You are missing out! YUM!

2nd - Taking a break from the nightly battle of “What’s for Supper.” They service actually helped me plan better when not using it as I realized that if I just take out some meat from the freezer on Sunday nights, than I have set us up for a successful week of “getting it all cooked” throughout the week as no one wants to throw away the most expensive part of any meal… The meat!

OUTDOORS FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS

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WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS

Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt & Rebecca ‘BEC’ Wanner are passionate news broadcasters who represent the working ranch world, rodeo, and the Western way of life. They are also staunch advocates for the outdoors and wildlife conservation. As outdoorsmen themselves, Tigger and BEC provide valuable insight and education to hunters, adventurers, ranchers, and anyone interested in agriculture and conservation.

With a shared love for the outdoors, Tigger & BEC are committed to bringing high-quality beef and wild game from the field to your table. They understand the importance of sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of your labor, and making memories in the great outdoors. Through their work, they aim to educate and inspire th