Spaulding is a novice hunter who gets busted in the mountain wilderness by a U. S. Forest Ranger. He’s charged with eating a Bald Eagle! That’s about as un-American as anything I can think of -- eating our national bird.

The next day Spaulding is taken before a federal magistrate to face formal charges. The prisoner explains that he’s new at this "wilderness thing" and was lost for three days without food and very little water.

Spaulding goes on to explain that he’d tried eating leaves and moss from trees but that didn’t seem to help. Then he comes across this dead bird -- an American Bald Eagle.

On the verge of starvation, Spaulding starts a fire, makes a spit and roasts the bird over the fire. "I was just taking my first bite when the ranger walks into my camp, looks at the bird and the pile of eagle feathers, and arrests me."

The judge is very attentive as Spaulding describes his predicament. With a sympathetic response the judge says, "I see by the record that you’ve had no previous offenses. You appear to be a man of integrity. You have a family, a regular job and provide volunteer services in your community. With that all in mind, I’m inclined to give you a simple warning." The judge raps his gavel. "Charges dismissed!"

Spaulding is joyful at the judge’s pronouncement as the bailiff escorts him from the courtroom. But before the defendant actually leaves the courtroom, the judge calls out to Spaulding: "Young man! I’m curious about one thing and want to ask you -- how would you describe the taste of a Bald Eagle?"

Spaulding stops momentarily, considers the question, then says, "It’s hard to describe, your honor, but I’d say it tastes somewhere between a Spotted Owl and a Snail Darter."