Maximize Your Turkey Yield

Maximize Your Turkey Yield

Author: Sportsmen's Empire March 14, 2024 Duration: 57:11

On this episode of Huntavore, Nick takes his expertise to Wild Turkey. Coming from the domestic poultry world, Nick breaks down getting the most yield through some systematic steps. Nick stays in the processing lane, not getting too distracted by recipes quite yet, he lays out gutting, aging, plucking, and processing the bird. Not just into a whole finished bird, but into several broken down variations; spatchcocked, halved, parts and pieces, and even a 50/50 white meat dark meat ground turkey. Lots of Talkin Turkey on this episode of Huntavore. In this conversation, Nick Otto discusses various topics related to springtime foraging and hunting, including fiddleheads, nettle shoots, morels, wild hogs, and turkey hunting. He emphasizes the importance of utilizing the whole turkey and provides eight steps for maximizing the usage of the bird. These steps include shooting the bird, gutting or evisceration, aging the bird, plucking the feathers, removing the crop, hanging and drying, plucking the wings and legs, and removing the tail feathers. Nick discusses the importance of taking care around wound areas and provides tips for plucking the bird. He then covers spatchcocking the bird, parting out the turkey, and using the half bird. Finally, he emphasizes the versatility and deliciousness of ground turkey.

Hank Shaw’s Article on Aging Birds: https://honest-food.net/on-hanging-pheasants-2/

Marinated Turkey Tenderloin Recipe: https://sportsmensempire.com/blog/recipe-marinated-wild-

turkey-tenderloins

Show Partners:

Tappecue Meat Probes

Instagram: @tappecue

Website: https://bit.ly/2NIr0Xj

Coupon Code 10% off: HUNT10

Umai Dry

Instagram: @umaidry

Website: bit.ly/3WhfnnX

Sign up for the newsletter for 10% off


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


There’s a particular satisfaction that comes from a meal you’ve pursued and prepared entirely yourself, a process that begins long before the kitchen. The Huntavore digs into that entire journey, from the field to the plate. Each conversation revolves around the practical realities of harvesting wild game, the careful art of butchering, and the countless ways to transform that protein into memorable food. You’ll hear from hunters, chefs, and everyday people who find a deeper connection to what they eat through this hands-on approach. This isn’t about trophies or boasting; it’s a grounded look at the skills, ethics, and simple joys involved in sourcing your own meat. The discussions are straightforward and relatable, focusing on technique, conservation, and a genuine respect for the natural world. Tune in for honest talk about failures and successes, favorite recipes for venison or waterfowl, and the quiet fulfillment found in this age-old practice. This podcast is for anyone curious about the full story behind wild game on the table, whether you’re an experienced hunter or just beginning to consider where your food originates. It’s a celebration of self-reliance, flavor, and the tangible results of time spent in the wilderness.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Huntavore
Podcast Episodes
So you want to process your own animal? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:13
On this episode of Huntavore, Things are down to the wire on opening day for whitetails. Weapons are checked, packs are loaded, and preparations for butchering that animal have been arranged, right? If DIY hunts are your…
What’s in your Kill Kit? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:22
On this Episode of Huntavore, September is here and the final push to season opener for whitetails is here upon us. Nick walks through his archery equipment and how he checks the condition of very vital gear. Later he br…
Emperor’s Table Series: Nate Rozeveld [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:04
On this episode of Huntavore, Nick is joined by fellow Michigander and new Host on MichiganWild Podcast, Nate Rozeveld. Nate is a family man who lives and breathes the outdoors. Nate has conditioned his life around seaso…
From Field to Plate; Jeremiah Doughty [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:38
On this episode of Huntavore, Nick sits down with Jeremiah Doughty, the man behind From Field to Plate. Jeremiah and Nick have very similar views on wildgame and life even though they are on opposite sides of the country…
Rob Chippone; Sous Vided Fish is Disrespectful [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:44
On this episode of Huntavore, Nick has been placed on injured reserve for a few days due to a procedure. While he's icing up, Rob Chippone joins the show to share some tricks or moves when frying fish and cooking whole p…
Harvest Preservation & Wild Hogs w/ Jesse Griffiths [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:05
On this episode of Huntavore, Nick is joined by Jesse Griffiths; Author, Restaurant owner, and champion of local eating. This episode jumps right into seasonal food preparation, and of course we pick the brain of the aut…
Carnitas on a Tailgate & Surprise Freezer Defrost [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:41
On this episode of Huntavore, we join Nick after a series of events, both awesome and not so awesome. First, he was humbled by an article entitled Roast What You Kill, and is reflecting on his thoughts. Second, in prepar…
Kairos Artisan Blends; David Rabe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:35
On this Episode of Huntavore, Nick is joined again by David Rabe, a California native who takes everything to the next level. His recreation is extreme, his hunts are for the biggest and the best, and his harvested wild…
BBQ Chat with Cowboy Kev & Mikey K [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:14
On this episode of Huntavore, Nick is joined by a couple of BBQ pitmasters, Cowboy Kev and Mikey K. Both of these guys live for the live fire pit and the low and slow lifestyle. You can find these guys at the pit or on t…
Huntavore’s Hog Summary [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:27
On this episode of Huntavore, Nick has had some time to ponder about his hog hunting trip, and gotten some pork cooked, so it is time to wrap up the saga on Oklahoma Wild Pigs. Laying out a bit of the process he went thr…