Pin feathers and down also can be removed by dipping the feathered bird in a mixture of paraffin and hot wax. After the wax hardens, feathers may be scraped off. Follow storage instructions for upland birds, above. Birds also can be thawed in the microwave. Follow microwave manufacturer's instructions.
Young birds have lighter legs, flexible breastbones and flexible beaks.
Older birds will have darker, hard-skinned legs, brittle breastbones and inflexible beaks, she noted. Game birds can be cooked like chicken. Dry cookery methods, such as frying or roasting, can be used for younger birds. Moist cookery methods, such as stewing or braising, are appropriate for older birds. To diminish the game taste, trim as much fat as possible before cooking.