I've hunted both ,the wild I agree are more savy and a great challenge for both dog and hunter. I disagree though that wild birds are "tougher". The native bird that doesn't hold for a dog or flushes wild give the illusion of being tougher as to the combination of in more cases than not , a longer range shot and dubious shotgunning skills. Shooting over dogs I find most shots in the 25-30 yard range with the ocassional shot streching to 40-45 yards.