Kudos to you for your efforts to take your friend hunting. Although he didn't take a bird, no doubt memories were made and chances are his life is richer for having friends like you.
I remember several years back after having chemo and radiation, my head was slick as an onion when my buddy made the effort to get me out for my first successful deer season. I will never forget what he did for me. He likely doesn't think it was much of a sacrifice, but it meant the world to me.