Early Season Mountain Quail

Hunted the Sierra National forest for mountain quail and after several days of slow hunting (I was also targeting Sooties), I dropped down in elevation and bagged my first mountain quail. Six actually. Singles were still calling but the dog was on his last legs (third day hunting) so we called it quits when he could do no more, but overall an awesome day.

I have been trying to get the elusive mountainous variety for some time now but no luck in San Diego… nice to get this one off the bucket list. Many thanks to Steve and others for the advice and inspiration.

Bonus question: any one see the ants in the crop contents? Anyone able to ID the seeds?

Double bonus: anyone have a recommendation on taxidermy? That bird on the left is a keeper!
 

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