Georgia Hunting Plantation Blog

Quail Hunting in Georgia is an old family tradition passed on through generations. It is an excellent way for amateurs to learn how to hunt and perfect for the more seasoned veterans to hone their hunting skills. Beyond the thrill of the hunt, there is also an important part to quail hunting: preparing and cooking Quail. This article looks at how you can prepare quail and the best way to cook it for that perfect meal.

What kind of meat is quail?

People often compare quail to other poultry, such as chicken. The comparison is valid, as, like chicken, quail is also white meat. Quail meat resembles chicken, though it has more flavor and is also more tender. In comparison to chicken, Quail meat contains more vitamins and other nutrients. Due to its small size, quail is much faster to cook, and its cooking time often averages 15 minutes. These factors make quail a perfect bird to cook while remaining easier than chicken and taking less time.

How to prepare your quail

You need to remove the feathers and clean the bird first. You can use kitchen or game shears to remove both wings, cut both legs at the knees, and remove the head as close to the body as you can. The next step is to grab the skin at the top of the breast and pull it and the feathers. You can pull the skin over the legs and remove it from the back of the bird. Afterward, remove the tail, and just like the head, you will want to make your cut as close to the lower body as you can. 

Next, you can make a small cut at the base of the breast. You can bend the breast bone upward towards the creature’s neck, which will separate the skin that covers and hides the intestines. After that, remove the intestines, the lungs, and the heart of your quail. All that is left to do is wash your creature, and it will be ready for cooking or even for storing for a later date.

Spatchcocking and deboning quail

Quail hunting in Georgia comes with learning some new words such as ‘spatchcocking’. This strange-sounding word consists of sniping the quail’s backbones and pressing the bird flat. It will make it easier for grilling the bird, also facilitating pan-roasting and broiling. A flatter bird is simply easier to cook on a flat surface with direct contact with heat.

A more challenging approach is to debone the quail, which will require a good chef’s knife. You can trim the wingtips and the neck. Next, you should remove the wishbone and find the shoulder joints to disconnect them. Separating the flesh from the breastbone will allow you to fold the creature over itself, essentially turning it inside out. It will then be easier to dislocate its thigh joints, rib cage, breastbone, and thigh bones.

Do not overcook your quail!

Due to its smaller size, it is easy to overcook quail, especially when you are used to cooking larger poultry. As previously mentioned, 15 minutes should be ample to get your meat correctly cooked. Overcooking Quail will result in the meat becoming tough and dry. Cook it just right, and you will get something soft, tender, and juicer, a perfect complement to your quail hunting in Georgia expedition.

Quail cooking using your oven

Quail hunting in Georgia wouldn’t feel complete without a hot quail meal, and using your oven will be a simple and easy way to cook your prey. To start, you will want to pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (around 175 degrees Celsius). While the oven is heating, you can heat a pan with olive oil, season, and sear your quail for 4 minutes per side. Make sure to brown the quail on both sides. You can then place the quail in the oven and roast it for 15 minutes, maybe less. Keep your quail moist by covering it with olive oil or even using the cooking juices.

Quail cooking on the grill

Using the grill will require pre-heating it at a higher temperature, around 400 degrees Fahrenheit (about 200 degrees Celsius). You can coat your quail with olive oil, season it, then place it in the grill with the breast facing downwards. Leave your quail to cook for around 6 minutes, then flip it and cook for another 6 minutes. Once the meat is slightly firm and the juices run clear, your quail should be ready to eat!

Quail hunting in Georgia with a great meal!

Having a great eating experience is in our mind as important as having a great hunt. Quail hunting in Georgia is always best followed by a great meal. It gives more purpose to your hunting experience, and it’s just outright tasty. You can make many recipes, but today we focused on the essentials, covering preparation and important basic info about cooking your quail. If you want more information and wish to experience the best of hunting and Georgia cooking, contact us today to book your hunt. We will ensure that you have an excellent time hunting and that you will make the most of your freshly obtained quail.