Field Dressing.....?
 

Do you have to field dress a turkey? (sorry for the dumb question...I' m new to this);)

RE: Field Dressing.....?
 

If your in a turkey contest, be sure to " NEVER" field dress your bird!! Most contests weigh birds with the guts in them!! I never field dress my bird. After skinning them, I filet the breast meat, and take the legs and thighs as well. I then throw away the carcess. If you intend to pluck the bird and roast it whole in the oven, or deep fry it in peanut oil, by all means filed dress the bird as soon as you can.;)

RE: Field Dressing.....?
 

Actually i believe they come fully clothed. If its cold I might put a sweater on it.
[&:]( Sorry) It always helps to cool the meat as soon as possible. Field dressing
does help especially if it will be a few hours before you can start cleaning it.:)

RE: Field Dressing.....?
 

You can safely shoot a bird and wait up to 4 hours before gutting it. I used to work in a chicken processing plant, so I know the time period quite well.

I like to get together some hot water (140 degrees), soak the bird in a 5 or 10 gallon bucket for up to 5 minutes (swish it around to get the water to the skin), then pluck it then gut it. Pull the bird out when the feathers can be easily pulled. If you get the water too hot or soak it too long, the bird will cook and the skin will come off. By removing the feathers first, you will avoid getting the dirt and grime into the cavity.

Cut the head off, being careful not to cut the food sac. Cut around the bung hole and make a slit to the breast plate, without cutting it, then reach in and clean the bird out. You will have to pull the esophogus and windpipe through the neck. Wash the entire bird - inside and out. Wrap the whole bird in plastic - even a plastic grocery sack - then in butcher paper. Some like to use foil because it conforms to the bird better. If you double wrap it, you can go years with it in the freezer.

Good luck and good eating!

RE: Field Dressing.....?
 

Tsadler, great instructions!! Thanks for mentioning that " 4 hour fact" as well!!;)

RE: Field Dressing.....?
 

Thanks Tsadler & everyone else:)

RE: Field Dressing.....?
 

It' s funny, but the first time I went turkey hunting, 5 of us got birds. I set to do what I know, and the rest, all experienced turkey men, watched in awe. They were amazed when I cleaned all 5 birds and had them in the freezer in an hour. Of course, I made them pull feathers. [:-] Not bad for a girl, uh?

RE: Field Dressing.....?
 

Thanks for info............................