Page 17 of Basic Hunting by Kentucky's Western Waterland

hunter may be in the area and an unsafe hunting situation could develop in addition as stated earlier turkeys have extremely good eyesight if you are moving the odds are good that the turkey will see you before you see the turkey rather than trying to stalk a turkey that you see out of range make a mental note and be prepared for future hunts cleaning when a turkey is taken with a head/neck shot they typically fall immediately but may thrash their wings this can damage feathers for your mount you will want to get to the bird quickly to preserve the feathers or to prevent a stunned/wounded bird from escaping if the bird is still alive be careful to avoid its feet as toms can cause painful wounds with their spurs place your foot firmly on the head and neck and hold the bird still this will dispatch the bird that is still alive and minimize feather damage on one that is thrashing field dressing your turkey is much like cleaning a chicken split the skin on the belly between the tip of the breast and the tail reach under the breast and bring out the internal organs don t forget to save the heart liver and gizzard for the turkey dinner all these parts are cleaned for cooking just like the counterparts for a chicken if the turkey has been shot in the head and neck as preferred the organs should have little damage if the intestines have been punctured wipe any residue out of the body cavity if you intend to save the pelt or any part for a trophy mount you will want to have paper towels to absorb blood from the feathers washing the blood off is not recommended as the feathers absorb the water the decision to skin or pluck your turkey depends on your plans for a trophy and cooking if you plan to use the skin and feathers for a trophy talk to a taxidermist for advice before you hunt he or she can advise you on the best methods of removing skin and feather parts you want to preserve as your mount if you want to use the turkey as a traditional roast turkey you may want to pluck the feathers and save the skin on the bird this will keep the meat moist during cooking the recipes that follow can be used whether the bird has been skinned or plucked any bird that will be frozen whole should be completely wrapped preferably in an air-tight bag if you intend to use the breast separately as fried turkey all parts may be cut similar to cutting up a chicken to minimize freezer burn any parts that are frozen should be used within 3 ­ 4 months basic hunting 11 what s for dinner

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