Paul, you are bringing back memories - but I don't want to hijack your thread. I just want to share one.
When I was still living in ND, Damien and I went dove hunting - his first time. I was actually able to hit the broad side of the barn in those days and scored a double on the first pass. Damien ran out to retrieve them...
He got to the first bird, picked it up and instantly spit it out. As I came up to him, he was still spitting...
He gave me a look questioning why we were doing this. But as I retrieved the bird, he ran to the other and I followed him... he was standing with his paw on the bird. Looking at me to say "Nope, no way am I putting THAT in my mouth." Never an issue with any other bird or even rabbits - just doves.
For years we hunted doves - he never picked one up again, but always found them and stood with his paw on the bird until I came to get it. Miss that dog.