How to field dress a turkey?

[autoxr84]

I am new to the turkey hunting scene, so I am just curious if anyone could point me in the right direction as to how to properly field dress a turkey.  And what would be the best method for cooking it?  I have heard it cannot be prepared the same as a "Thanksgiving" turkey.  Is that true?  Thanks!!!

[hobbes]

Unless its awful hot outside and you can't get the bid home and pocessed in a reasonable amount of time, you don't need to "field dess". 

A wild tukey can be pepared anyway you like with extra precaution because of how dry it can be.  I don't care to pluck them, so I simply fillet the each side of the breast out.  Some guys will keep the legs and thighs for making soup or other meals.  I cut the breasts into chunks, soak in buttermilk half the day, and roll in seasoned flour before deep or pan frying in a half inch of oil.

If you want to bake the bird your in for a dry bird, but the best way I could think of would be to pluck the entire bird leaving the skin on and packing a bucket of seasoned butter under the skin or injecting the bird.  If I wanted the whole bird, I'd pluck, inject, and deep fry.  Just make sure you deep fry in the yard away from any structure.  (Just look up turkey deep fry fires).

[hobbes]

Good grief the "r" is now going out on this keyboad.

[Dan Mallia]

I usually dress mine once I get home.  I hunt primarily public and don't want folks knowing a turkey died anywhere near the areas I hunt 

I cut mine up, usually cut all the breast meat out and the legs as well.  There are some KILLER recipes guys have posted up, I'd give one of them a try for sure.  I've done turkey nuggets, deep fried, bbq'd, etc.

I have baked a couple, just make sure you use one of those turkey bags to keep em somewhat moist.

[redarrow]

Good grief the "r" is now going out on this keyboad.

HUHHHHH. Had me cornfused for a bit til i seen dess.

[ericjames]

I usually dress mine once I get home.  I hunt primarily public and don't want folks knowing a turkey died anywhere near the areas I hunt 

I cut mine up, usually cut all the breast meat out and the legs as well.  There are some KILLER recipes guys have posted up, I'd give one of them a try for sure.  I've done turkey nuggets, deep fried, bbq'd, etc.

I have baked a couple, just make sure you use one of those turkey bags to keep em somewhat moist.

And pick up most of the feathers lol

[CASH]

Stick your hand up it's butt, grab a handful and pull.

[PANYHunter]

Stick your hand up it's butt, grab a handful and pull.

This always works.  If you don't like getting messy check out the gutwrench.  It might work?  I usually fillet out the breast when i get home as well. If i am way back i will do it in the woods and carry back the meat back in a plastic bag.

[OldMarine]

Stick your hand up it's butt, grab a handful and pull.

So That's how you do it !