The first question many novice turkey hunters ask is: do I pluck it or should I skin it? The answer depends on what you plan to do with the meat. If you want to fry or grill individual pieces of the bird, skinning is the way to go; whereas, if you plan to cook the turkey whole, you'll need to pluck it to get the best results.

With a sharp knife, you can skin the bird, fillet the breasts and slice as much other meat from the carcass as you wish to harvest. Do this by first making a cut along one side of the breastbone, then working the skin over the breast halves, down the back and finally over the legs. Then, remove the meat - be aware of local regulations when doing this as some areas prohibit you from removing just the turkey's breast meat.

Experts recommend that the best way to pluck the bird is by dipping it in hot water first. Some recommend boiling water, others say any hot water will do. Plucking the bird will take more time than skinning it, but keeping the skin on will help preserve the flavor. Once it's plucked, make a small incision from the V of the breast to the tail vent, and carefully remove the innards.

The one accessory all turkey hunters need is a good vest. Think of it as the biggest multi-tool you'll ever own, a portable filing-cabinet or wearable luggage - in any case, ensuring you put the right accessories in the vest is one of the keys to successful turkey hunting.

First, choose the right vest. You'll need plenty of pockets, storage space and a removable game bag that's easy to wash. Vests with a built-in hunter orange panel are preferable, especially if you can conceal/reveal the panel at appropriate times.

Next, pack your vest with the gear you'll need in the field. Use custom-sized pockets for your calls and ammo. Pack your snacks, drinks, gloves, bug repellent, first-aid supplies, and other accessories into the vest's non-specific storage pockets. Consider taking a camera if you can fit a smaller digital or disposable camera into your vest. Another nicety a lot of turkey hunters opt for is a small, inflatable cushion to make sitting in the field for long periods a bit more bearable.