RE: wild vs.pen rised pheasents
Huge difference! Wild birds will be more savvy, flush wild more frequently, run more, fly harder, fly faster, harder to knock down, and funner to hunt. But there is also a difference in wild birds. Young birds (less than one year old) are less savvy and more likely to be killed by a hunter. An old rooster will be a greater challenge for dog and hunter.
Experience the difference for yourself and you will agree.