I'm a similar sort of person, and earlier this year I had my first animal collision after nearly 10 years of driving. Again it was a phesent, flew out from the side. I hit the brake and started moving to the right (having checked the mirror), but realised it wasn't working so released the brake and swerved left but it hit the front right of the car. Really shook me up, but I know there was nothing more I could have done. I've also avoided many animals in the past, which on the whole makes me feel better. Also, it was in the back of my mind that it was bred to be shot anyway, and I did end up saying a few choice words relelating to the sort of people involved in the breeding and shooting of pheasents, especially in locations near busy dual carriageways.