Turkey Check-In

[UMLarcher]

Hi All,

This is my first serious turkey season in Vermont. VT considers turkeys to be big game, so they have to be checked in at a reporting station. My station is only about 20 minutes from where I hunt. I'm planning on just cutting out the breast meat, so I don't want to bother gutting the bird if I don't have to. Do you think I can get away with waiting until after it's checked in, or will it spoil if I don't gut it right away?

Thanks,
Matt

[Kopper1013]

You'll be fine

[Kopper1013]

I should say that is if you don't go ramming a broad head through stomach and guts then you start a contamination issue but as long as you don't open the bird It will stay somewhat contained

[Caughtandhobble]

You will be OK my friend... DON'T throw the wing feathers away  

[J. Holden]

Just a tip I heard years ago regarding any game bird.  If you're able transport the bird on its back, breast up. The thought being is that if the guts leak gravity will help keep the breast meat clean.  I'd also place the bird on an ice bag or two in a cooler.  But that's me.  I maybe a little over zealous when it comes to meat care.

-Jeremy  

[Buckeye1977]

Do it all the time and have never had a problem as long as you keep it out of the direct sunlight as much as possible!

[Shadowhnter]

You have zero worries....

[Whip]

No problem.  Just take care of it as soon as you can.

But you are going to miss out on some fantastic meat.   For years I did just as you intend and took only the breast meat.  Then I discovered the magic of pressure cookers. The meat talks right of the bone and with just a little time to pull out the bones you are left with the sweetest meat you'll ever taste.   I've been told that all day in a crock put will do the same thing but haven't tried that yet myself.

[Birdbow]

If VT is like NH regs, the bird is required to be checked whole but can be gutted.

Agree with the others that you should be fine.

Don't forget the legs - boil them down, separate the meat and save the broth. Makes delicious soup!

[Ray Hammond]

I would not throw any meat away off that bird.  My wife takes all the other stuff besides the breast meat and puts in a pressure cooker- then transfers the meat she just peels off the bone to a regular pot she has been cooking carrot shavings, a little onion, celery, and spices, then adds the 'liquor' from the pressure cooker to that as well...and makes the best turkey soup on the planet...with some cooked rice added at the last minute.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

When in WI, we used to take it in as well.  Not sure what their current policy is.

we would gut the bird and hang it in the shade.  Then take it to the registration station which was about 30 minutes away.  never an issue.  I will say, we always took it in the same day, it was a great excuse to go get ice cream.

It should be fine!

Good luck!

Bisch

[maineac]

You will be fine.

[UMLarcher]

Thanks guys! This site is such a great resource.

[Greg Szalewski]

crock pot for the legs and thighs. best meat on the bird.

[neuse]

Ray,

That sounds like some good soup.