In a large saucepot, bring eight cups (1.92 liters) of water to a boil. Add in a half-cup of kosher or sea salt, two tablespoons of sugar, and a few bay leaves. Once the solution comes to a boil, remove it from the heat, cover the pot, and allow it to cool to room temperature. This much brine will be enough to soak two small pheasants, or one large one. The pheasant will be soaked in this brine solution, which will make the meat juicier. At the same time, the salt will help dry out the skin, and this will make for a crispier and more delicious skin. When the solution cools sufficiently, place the pheasant in the water. Cover the pot again and let the bird soak in the refrigerator for between four and eight hours. Since pheasant doesn't have as much fat as other meat, it can dry out quickly during the cooking process. Soaking it in liquid before cooking can add more moisture to the meat, and this will make for a more tender bird. For younger birds, soak the meat for about four hours. While soaking will make the meat juicier, it will also add extra saltiness, so don't soak it for longer than necessary. Since younger birds are more tender, they don't need to soak for as long as older birds. When you are ready to cook the bird, take it out of the brine. Place it on a wire rack and allow the excess moisture to drain off.

Summary:
Make a brine solution. Soak the pheasant. Remove the bird from the brine.