Bring the shotgun up slowly and smoothly and take aim for the turkey's head or the eye. Body shots often results in a wounded bird. Be sure of your target. Tag your turkey and send in the report card with the correct management zone when you return home. It's important for the future management of the wild turkey.
Some people skin the bird, but it often leaves the bird with a loss of flavor and increases dryness.
The bird can be dry plucked by pulling a few feathers at a time. Sometimes cooling the bird will make it easier to dry pluck. Cutting the wings off at the first joint will help in plucking the turkey.