How to Field Dress a Turtle

Snapping turtles are edible, and field dressing them, or cleaning them, is easier than you would imagine, according to the Missouri Department of Conversation. While getting around the shell can be a little tricky, once you kill the turtle, you will be able to easily remove the carapace and get to the meat on the inside. When killing any animal, try to do it as humanely as possible. Once you clean the turtle, you can cook the meat in a stew or in a soup with some onions, tomatoes, garlic and potatoes.

Things You'll Need

  • Bucket
  • Stick
  • Knife
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the turtle in a bucket of clean water before killing it. Change the water every few days as the turtle empties its digestive system. The wait usually takes one to two weeks. Proceed when the water remains clear.

    • 2

      Poke the stick near the turtle's head. When the turtle bites the stick, slowly draw his head out. Use the knife to slice off the turtle's head. Hang the turtle upside down and allow it to bleed out. Allow it to hang overnight.

    • 3

      Cut off the turtle's feet once it has bled out. Cut away the skin around the shell and peel away. Cut through the soft places on the belly where the shell connects and remove the shell.

    • 4

      Remove the turtle's innards and the yellow fat around the meat. Break off the legs and neck by twisting and breaking them off with your hands.

    • 5

      Leave the meat on the bone and wash with cold water until clean. Turtle meat tastes best if cooked immediately, according to the Missouri Department of Conversation. Freeze if not using right away.