Wild Scottish Wood Pigeon

Our wild Scottish game is procured at private weekend estate hunts organized exclusively for D'Artagnan during hunting season.

The wild birds live on game preserves and great estates in the Scotland, where they forage on the moors and in the forests. Their diet of berries, heather and foraged tundra, along with constant exercise, gives their meat a distinctive flavor.

After the hunt, the birds are immediately processed in a facility supervised by European Economic Community Inspectors. The EEC inspection satisfies the USDA laws, so we are able to offer game birds despite the prohibition on selling hunted game in the United States. Packaged and sent by air to arrive at our warehouse within just two days of the hunt, this is the freshest possible game you will find (unless you hunt it yourself).

Our wild game birds are available in the fall and winter months only, and many game meat aficionados wait with increasing excitement for hunting season to begin. We do have to warn you to watch for shot when preparing and eating wild game birds.

Dressed weight is about 8 ounces; a whole pigeon makes a good single portion. The meat is dark and delicate, so overcooking will ruin it; be sure to serve it pink or rare. Wood pigeon can be pan roasted and flambéed for a simple and satisfying meal, and can stand up to strong flavors like prunes, figs, red wine, porcini mushrooms and juniper.

Often baked in meat pies or paired with the earthy flavors of root vegetables like celeriac or parsnip, wood pigeon is a versatile game meat. Lentils and other legumes served with a green salad make a good match, too.