How to Clean a Duck
Once the hunt is over, a few steps are necessary to turn your duck into table fare. The following steps show you how to clean a duck. When you're done, you'll have two breasts from each bird to cook and eat however your choose.
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Instructions
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1
Place the duck on a table or other hard surface.
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2
Use one hand to hold the duck down and, with your other hand, grab hold of the skin covering the breast. Make sure you have a good grip, and grasp it tightly. Pull the skin until it begins to tear away from the breast.
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3
Continue peeling the skin away from the breasts. Once they are completely free of skin, the two breasts are visible, as is a bone running between them.
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4
Beginning at the top of the breast (closest to the duck's head), use your knife to cut along the breast bone. As you cut, pull the meat away from the bone. Keep your knife as close to the breast bone as possible and cut until you reach the bottom of the breast.
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5
The top of the breast still is connected to the wishbone (it connects the wing joint to the breast bone). Use your knife to cut the breast away from the wishbone.
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6
Cut away any connecting skin or tissue and lift the breast out of the duck.
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7
Clean the breast by removing any feathers or other objects that are on it.
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8
Run water over the breast to fully clean it. One breast is now ready for cooking.
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9
Repeat steps 4 to 8 to remove the second breast from the duck and prepare it for cooking.
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Tips & Warnings
It's harder to tear the skin of some ducks than other ducks. Make sure you have a strong grip on the skin and pull hard. You won't hurt anything.
Check local regulations for disposal of duck carcasses.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with local waterfowl hunting regulations. In many cases, the law requires hunters to leave a wing attached if they transport the meat.
