Aging ducks?

[backcast]

I've been doing some reading into this. I'd like to know how you guys do it. How long, preparation, etc.
Here's a thread I found elsewhere.
http://www.duckhuntingchat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=106373

[D Duck]

Jimmy likes to hang his. I would have an issue in at least not venting them first - too many nasties can contaminate the cavity and potentially the entire bird. I like to brine mine to get the blood out, and aging does the exact opposite.

[backcast]

It seems like alot of guys like to pop the breast out and cover lightly in the fridge for 5-7 days. I don't think I'd leave the entire bird, entrails and all for that long.

[uncle D]

Like D Duck,

I'll soak mine a day or two, three or four if diver or cook fresh from the field if teal or other puddler.

The thing about Florida is that one day it will be cold and the next warm or hot. Unless you have a place to keep them cool (below)40-45, I wouldn't hang. Also, as some say, gut them first.

Duke

[maclavin]

I put them in the fridge breast up for around a week before cleaning. I think they taste much better after aging, especially divers. I have been known to eat teal on the same day they have been killed though.

P.S use the fridge in the garage.


Mike

[duckbone]

Hang them from the heads till they fall down then they are ready.

[backcast]

Hang them from the heads till they fall down then they are ready.

I do know they do this up north and in colder European areas, however down here I'm sure some kind of nasty parasite/bacteria, etc would get to it.
I actually have a very very old game hanger my family picked up in Germany. It's pretty cool. I'll try to take a picture and post it up.

[nosoypato]

I don't hang them here in Florida. Do the same as above, in the fridge 7-8 days, then gut(feed this to the dog) and pluck.

[vanckirby]

i wrap them whole and leave them in the fridge for a week. havent died or gotten sick yet. :icon_tong

[Randy Clark]

used to clean them when i remembered after putting them in the garage fridge, now days usually clean them the same day

[duckmanJR]

I put them in the fridge breast up for around a week before cleaning. I think they taste much better after aging, especially divers. I have been known to eat teal on the same day they have been killed though.

P.S use the fridge in the garage.


Mike

Me and you think alike....

I'll eat some teal fresh...but 90% of my birds get aged.