Good points IAMBOB. I'm also a VERY new hunter. Went hunting for the first time three weeks ago. Tx dove opening day.

I too have never gutted or cleaned ANYTHING!! I went to the gun store today to find a book on how to do clean game... and how to cook it... I'm used to the microwave generation and it didn't matter how many feathers I pulled off the bird I still couldn't find the directions. heheh... Fortunately, I was with another hunter who got tired of my inefficient method of 'cleaning' the bird... grabbed it from me.... and promptly ripped the breast out and threw it back to me.

This weekend however, it's going to be significantly different. It's only going to be me and my 11 yo son. [He's never cleaned and gutted anything either.] So it looks like it's going to be a trial by fire for BOTH of us. I can't back down from the gutting because I don't want him to think I can't.... he won't back down from the gutting because he doesn't want me to think he won't... <img src=icon_smile_8ball.gif border=0 align=middle>

I think I can manage based on what that book said on how to clean it without destroying the carcass too badly. But WHEN do you clean it? Right after you shoot it? If not right then - what do you carry it around in? And what do you do with the meat? How long will it last before it spoils? How can you tell??








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Houston, TX