One of the joys of hunting wild turkey is being able to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals featuring your bounty. However improper storage can lead to dangerous foodborne illnesses. Follow these tips to keep your wild turkey fresh and safe to eat.
Overview of Proper Refrigeration
With proper refrigeration, wild turkey can stay fresh for:
- Whole uncooked turkey: 3-5 days
- Ground turkey: 1-2 days
- Cooked turkey: 3-4 days
The ideal temperature is 40°F or below. Monitor your refrigerator closely, as temperatures fluctuate.
Proper Packaging
Tightly wrap turkey in leakproof packaging or an airtight container. Exposure to air and excess moisture causes spoilage. For cooked turkey, allow the meat to fully cool before refrigerating. Separate the meat from the bone for quicker cooling.
Look for Signs of Spoilage
Check for changes in color, texture, and odor. Discard turkey with an off smell, slimy feel, or discoloration. When in doubt, throw it out!
Freezing for Extended Storage
Freezing is the best method for long-term storage. Frozen wild turkey lasts 6-12 months. Use heavy duty foil or freezer bags. Label packages with contents and date.
Thawing Safely
Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator over 12-18 hours. Cook within 1-2 days. You can also thaw in the microwave then cook immediately. Don’t refreeze thawed meat.
Proper Handling
Always wash hands and prep surfaces before and after handling raw turkey Prevent cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within 2 hours.
Tips for Maximizing Freshness
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Set refrigerator to 40°F or below. Monitor temperatures.
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Separate turkey into smaller pieces for faster cooling.
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Double wrap turkey in leakproof freezer bags. Remove excess air.
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Use oldest turkey first and write use-by dates on packaging.
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Rinse turkey cavities thoroughly during processing.
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Avoid washing raw turkey, which splashes bacteria.
What if Turkey Exceeds Recommended Storage Time?
If you are unsure how long turkey has been refrigerated, it is safest to discard it. The potential risks of foodborne illness are not worth the gamble. When dealing with perishable wild game, it is better to waste a little than risk your health.
Following proper refrigerator storage guidelines helps ensure your prized wild turkey stays fresh and delicious. With the right techniques, you can enjoy the feasts your successful hunts provide for days or even weeks after bringing home your birds. Stay vigilant against contamination and spoilage, and bon appétit!
Wild harvest: Part 1 – wild turkey
Michelle Jarvie, – April 17, 2014
Harvesting and preparing wild foods with food safety in mind.
April 21, 2014 marks the opening day of the spring wild turkey hunt in Michigan. Roughly 30,000 birds are harvested and presumably eaten annually. The majority of us have taken part in preparing a turkey from the store, but fewer of us have had the experience of preparing a wild turkey from the point of harvest to the dinner table. Many of the same food safety rules apply, but there are some other points to consider when handling wild game meat.
The first major difference is that wild turkeys must be field dressed. Field dressing is best done as soon as the bird is dead. Make sure to have a sharp knife, clean paper towels and a cooler with ice ready. Follow these tips for safe handling in the field:
- Remove the entrails and crop of the bird first, as grains in the crop may start to ferment.
- Wipe out the cavity with clean paper towel. Don’t use snow or surface water as it may contaminate the meat.
- Do not pile birds in a mass.
- After cleaning, put the birds on ice as soon as possible.
- If keeping the heart and liver, put in a plastic bag and store on ice.
After transporting your bird from the field to home, it requires additional processing before storage. Make sure to wash your hands and clean and sterilize utensils before further processing. After skinning or plucking your bird, it can either be stored whole or cut into smaller pieces for storage. Many seasoned hunters recommend processing turkeys into smaller parts, like breast and legs,as they are both easier to store and more versatile for cooking. Fresh turkeys can be stored safely in the fridge at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below for up to two days, or in the freezer at 0 degreeindefinitely. For freezing, it is recommended that the meat is packaged tightly in heavy duty aluminum foil or freezer-grade bags. Don’t forget to label the packaging with the date and type of meat so you can identify it later.
Cooking preparation is much the same for wild turkey as for store-bought. Thaw frozen meat in the refrigerator for 12-18 hours and cook within two days after thawing, or thaw the bird in the microwave and cook it immediately. Just as with cooking other poultry, Michigan State University Extension recommends meat be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Wild turkey can also be dried and made into jerky or canned for later use.
Many people who have tried wild turkey complain that it is tough and dry, and they often never cook it again. This is often the case when the bird is cooked whole, like a Thanksgiving turkey from the store. As stated above, cooking smaller, individual parts of the bird is often more successful as it is easier to retain moisture in the meat. Smaller portions can also be tenderized before cooking, either mechanically or with marinades, which will soften the meat.
For more information on preparing wild game visit Clemson University Extension, or contact your local MSU Extension office. Be sure to read Wild harvest: Part 2 – fish. Enjoy the bounty of the spring turkey hunt!
How long can you keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator before cooking?
FAQ
How long can a wild turkey stay in the refrigerator?
Storage tips: For immediate use, birds should be stored in the refrigerator at 40 °F or less and used within three days. For long-term storage, the whole cleaned carcass or individual parts may be frozen at 0 °F or lower.
Can I keep a fresh turkey in the fridge for a week?
An uncooked turkey can last in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If you need to store it for a longer period, it’s best to freeze it, where it can last for several months. Always make sure the turkey is stored in its original packaging or wrapped tightly to prevent contamination and maintain freshness.
How long can a turkey be refrigerated after butchering?
| Storage Times | ||
|---|---|---|
| Turkey Item | Refrigerator Storage | Freezer Storage |
| Fresh whole turkey | 1 to 2 days | 12 months |
| Fresh turkey parts | 1 to 2 days | 9 months |
| Ground turkey, giblets | 1 to 2 days | 3 to 4 months |
How long can wild meat stay in the fridge?
Game birds and ground meat can be kept refrigerated 1 to 2 days before cooking; game meat can be stored 3 to 5 days. After cooking, keep refrigerated up to 4 days.