The former Arkansas governor drew comparisons between his pheasant-hunting expedition in rural Osceola and his late-surging campaign, The Des Moines Register reported.

"If you wait long enough, you'll get your kill," he said. "Our campaign: they didn't think we were even in the game -- if you just stay out here, keep your gun ready, it might turn out OK."

He shot one pheasant while hunting with fellow campaign workers, the Iowa newspaper said.

Meanwhile, Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama told potential voters in Mason City, Iowa, he sees other candidates appropriating his message of hope and change.

"Everybody now is talking about change. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then we're doing pretty good," the U.S. senator from Illinois said.