I start by cutting off the wings and lower legs. It's important to leave the head attached.


There you have a whole skinned quail.

Next, you pull the leg over the back, and pull the legs off one at a time. It's best to pull from the front to the back.



Here you have a whole quail with the legs and thighs removed and in the pan.




You could see that I had the quail by the head with my right hand. Just pull the head and neck off and the intestines come with it.. You can see that I have the breast in one hand and the head with the backbone and guts in the other hand. Notice that my hands are still clean




I've done them every other way that's known, but this has always worked best for me. I can do them as fast as a helper can clip the wings and feet.

I will try that next time out. Thanks Bill

Go to the recipes forum and see what I do with them from here.

Edit: What the heck. Here you go.

I tried to pan fry quail for several years. The breast never came out right because they have three sides, and the bones prohibited the flour from properly coating. A friend and I had an 840 quail year, so I had more than I knew what to do with them. I taught myself to butterfly the quail. I've show this to lots of people since, and it's the only way they cook their quail anymore.

The first and most important step is to cut off the ball and socket joints like this;




Next you run your scissors under the rib cage on each side.



Then you clip off the sternum.




Pull the bones over the front of the quail breast, and it's a done deal.




You have a butterflied quail breast which will pan fry in less than 3 minutes on each side. Use your pan drippings for cream gravy. You don't have to use an egg wash if you bread them 30 minutes or so before you fry them. The breading will get gummy, and they'll come out crisp.

I've deep fried them for a field trial crowd, but I serve those with french fries and store bought breaded okra.

Nice!

I will try that...Thanks again

Debreasting similar to a dove. I will definitely try it.

wow I can't wait to have the chance to try your way of cleaning quail Bill. I suspect this will be my favorite. Just a few weeks ago I learnmed about cutting up the back and your way needs no cut. Thank you for your alway good and informative posts and willingness to mention me when correct.

Friend Walter

Thanks Bill! I've cleaned a good many but never like this. Next one I clean is on you. Your knowledge of all aspects of our sport and willingness to share it is highly appreciated!

you don't have to cut up the backbone before you pull the head/backbone out of the bird?

No. Just pop off both legs with a smooth move,and pull back on the head. There's a little slot where you can put your left index finger. Try it. It takes about 12 seconds. Look at the pictures again.

huh - I'll have to try it next weekend

Great tip.

So, has anyone tried it? Results?

I tried a couple birds and the heads would come off of the neck. So l just cut them up the back. Going back the last week. I'll try again

You have to take the legs off first. Get a grip on the head and neck. I can do them in seconds.

I have used your method twice and it worked very well. I have a gumbo recipe that I will use the quail cleaned using this method. There still is a need to use the method where the backbone is removed as it creates a cavity that can be stuffed. I do appreciate your sharing this method as I am always looking for a quick and easy way to clean birds.

Used your method this morning, we cleaned 22. We are going to try the same method this evening as well. Seems to work good.

We cleaned over 50 this weekend, while we were cleaning them we got to talking about who showed me this and when I said Bill Oxner he said no sheet, I was on a quail lease with him back in the 80's in Raymondville. He is the one that showed me how to clean them whole when you cut them up the back. It's a small world.

These make real good quail Marsala when done like this. Much better than chicken. Thanks!

Give Marty my regards.

This could be argued, but ie found that its not a good idea to eat quail on the same day that you shoot them, especially the same afternoon. I like to keep them in cold water at least overnight, and up to three days.

I tried your method yesterday and it worked great. Wish I had learned this years ago.

Thanks Bill. Used your method last weekend and cleaned 47 in no time at all.
All birds were cleaned and in the bag after each round in the field.
Just wish it wasn't so hot Saturday.