hey redsox, for the time of year that we hunt, it's usually cold enough to keep it outside safely for up to a week, if need be. what i would do however, since it will be your first time, is two things. 1) look in your area for local guides, there are plenty, and they can point you towards the local processors that they use for their clients. they depend upon repeat clients, so they won't steer you to someone they wouldn't use themselves. 2) go to predatoroutdoors.com , then their forum. these guys are from maine, hunt maine, and some live in your area. i took a couple of them out for turkey last spring in vt, good guys. they can most certainly help you out.
Pat
p.s. by the way, if you hit the website, check out the turkey'04 pics. you'll see me under "friends". that was the weekend the guys came over.