ANyone ever try smoking their turkey?

[Rut-Nut]

I got my gobbler on Friday and want to try smoking it this year. I smoke jerky and sausage, but never tried a bird. Anyone have any helpful hints?

[hutchies]

Have never tried one that I killed. I smoke all my store bought birds. I just wrap them in foil really good and smoke them for about 15-20 hours at 250 degrees.

[gastj]

Every year (that we shoot some). We just smoke the breast in our electric smoker. The legs and thighs we crock-pot for turkey in noodles. The smoke turkey is good.

[buckee]

Which end do you light ??

[Rut-Nut]

LOL Buckee!!! It didn;t hit me til after i re-read my post, how funny the wording was.

Hutchies- how does the turkey get smoked if it's wrapped in foil?

ANd do you guys soak it in a brine before you smoke it?

[hutchies]

You open up the foil for the last hour and it will brown. The other hours are just cooking the bird and the foil holds the juices in so it does not dry out.

[Rut-Nut]

Does that give it a nice smoked flavor? I wouldn;t think opening it up for just the last hour would smoke it enough. I like a real rich smokey flavor.

[hutchies]

When you open it up it will still be pretty white. The last hour is where is picks up all the smoke flavor and turns golden brown. I am going to smoke one this weekend. so I will take pics and post them.

[hutchies]

Also I forgot to tell you everything I smoke I use Zesty Italian dressing and lots of black pepper. The Zesty Italian really gives it a great taste.

[Rut-Nut]

Oh, OK- Thanks! I look forward to the pics. Sounds good- I like to marinate chicken in Zesty Italian when I grill.