Processing Turkeys

[1_pointer]

How do you guys process a turkey after a successful hunt?? I have talked to some who say they just filet out the breast and cut off the legs. That seems like a waste to me, but how bad is it to pluck a bird??

 

[Mountain Boomer]

1_pointer, An old gobblers legs are tough as boot leather! If you do want them, I recommend breasting him out and cutting the legs off. There is not enough meat on the back and wings to mess w/ skinning him. If you do want to skin him just pull the hide off, cut the head and arse out, and gut him. No need to pluck it unless you want too.

 

[Shadowrider]

1-pointer
Boomer is right. The legs are useless. After you pluck one and then skin him out and cut the meat off, you will find that you wind up with the breasts. May as well save the time and get the breasts first. SR