Im no expert but can get the job done in half an hour. Just a few skin nicks. Worst bit is cleaning out the intestines bless the little fella as it’s a smelly job. I always talk to the animal. I Dont do this lots but when I do I chat to them and explain my gratitude. The bits go to the dogs, some feather down goes out for birds to feather nests , legs and head are composted and the tail feathers are going to a friend ... maybe for a hat?

 

To those who say plucking is messy here are my tips :

I dunk in hot water occasionally and pluck little and fast in the direction the feather grows , holding the skin above with my other hand, then rolling the damp feathers on my hands until they come off, every few minutes.

This is the blessing I say whenever I consume anything that has lived : “Thank you (pheasant) for giving your life to nourish my body, may my body in turn nourish the earth through my good deeds , and feed the earth when I pass.”