RE: Gutting techniques
I FD first as well. I start with my knife just below the ribs and cut down to the anus. I then use my bone saw and cut the pelvic bone and the rib cage. Then I pull and cut the guts out. I hang it by the neck on a rack we've made (looks like a tall swingset) and wash it out with a hose. Then I place a 2X4 block in the cavity to spread open the rib cage to get as much air flow as possible. We usually hang them (weather provided) for up to 3 days before processing.