plucking a turkey.

[HunterStrait]

Gonna go up turkey hunting next weekend to hopefully fill my tag, i got a free tag to go this year.
I'm leaving the day after thanksgiving and returning possibly Sunday afternoon or Saturday at noon, depending on when the bird is shot.

I'm planning on plucking my turkey, but im confused on how soon i should pluck it. based on what i know, its a lot harder to pluck when the bird is cold (probably going to bring the whole bird back home). Overall, i just need some recommendations on how is should dress it.

[lokidog]

It is easier to pluck when fresh, but not hard when cold.  The wings can be a hassle and cleaning the crop out without really opening the bird up can be challenging.

Good luck on your hunt.

[JKEEN33]

I tried plucking one of my first birds. Complete pain in the rear. I skin, breast, remove the legs and thighs for soup meat and call that pretty much good.

I don't cook the wild birds like a store bird. They have a lot of connective tissue. I cleaned all of that out and dice and use in any way I would use cut chicken.

[scree]

I prefer to pluck them after being chilled. The skin doesn't rip as easily. The biggest thing is to not take too many feathers out at once. Depending on the part of the bird this varies.

[lokidog]

I prefer to pluck them after being chilled. The skin doesn't rip as easily. The biggest thing is to not take too many feathers out at once. Depending on the part of the bird this varies.

Yeah, I forgot about the skin ripping thing.  I have just been skinning the last few years.

[HUNTaHOLIC5]

We've always heated water in a big pot and dump the bird in, then the feathers come out pretty easy.

[wadu1]

Get some Nitrile gloves they help in picking, grip better. 

[HunterStrait]

Thanks for the tips guys.

[Widgeondeke]

x2 on the dipping in boiling water. Only hold in water for 15 seconds.
I've used an electric plucker in the past after boiling. The kind with rubber "fingers", so I can see where the nitrile gloves would be beneficial.   

[UrbanTrapper]

Hunterstrait, you are thinking just like I was.  Here's a possible next step, The Butterball Digital Electric XL Turkey Fryer.  I figure they will go on sale again soon and we could probably pick one up for less than $100.  http://www.walmart.com/ip/Butterball-Digital-Electric-XL-Turkey-Fryer-Stainless-Steel-23011114/27584594