It's time to talk turkey.
The American Farm Bureau Federation released its 27th annual survey of Thanksgiving Day meal costs.
It reports that the cost of a 12-item meal for 10 people rose on average only 1 percent (or 28 cents) in 2012 over 2011 -- from $49.20 to $49.48 -- less than $5 per person.
Compare that small increase to the 13 percent rise from 2010 to 2011.
The estimated cost includes turkey, stuffing, cranberries, sweet potatoes, peas, rolls and butter, milk, coffee and items like eggs and onions used in preparation.
The results are informal and averages based on prices volunteers collect from grocery stores across the country.
The cost in 2012 is more than double for the same menu bought in 1986, the first year the federation conducted its survey.
The biggest single expense of the meal is the turkey itself. This year it averages $1.39 a pound, about 66 cents more for a whole bird than in 2011. It is possible to find a turkey even less expensive as stores often discount them near the holiday.
There is another way to put a turkey on the table, albeit usually more expensive -- hunt it down yourself.
The Florida Fish and Wild Life divides the state into four zones. The south half of Highlands County is in zone A; the northern half is in zone B.
Florida has two turkey seasons a year, one in the spring and one in the fall. Zone A's fall season runs from Nov. 17 to Jan. 6; zone C's season runs from Nov. 3 to Dec. 20. In both cases hunters may use all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzle loaders, cross bows, bows and pistols. In this part of the country the predominate breed is the Osceola.
There are a few rules. Only gobblers (males) and bearded turkeys may be taken. No dogs, recorded turkey sounds or baits may be used, and roosting birds are off limits.
For those who root for the wild turkey, here a few facts from the National Wild Turkey Federation:
While almost extinct in the early 1900s, thanks to conservation efforts mostly by hunting and outdoor groups, wild turkeys now have a nationwide population of almost 7 million. Hunting helps keep the population balanced and healthy.
Wild turkeys are not defenseless. They can run up to 25 mph and fly as fast as 55 mph (although not for long distances). They have sharper vision than humans and can view their entire surroundings simply by turning their heads.
They do have a disadvantage from domestic birds -- beyond sometimes being filled with buck shot. Wild turkeys average 24 pounds, domestic birds can weigh more than 40 pounds.
According to bloggers on huntingwashington.com and shotgun.com, wild turkeys are smaller, darker and richer then farmed birds, with a more intense flavor. Most writers said cooked properly, wild turkey is hard to distinguish from the domestic variety. The main warning is to not overcook the meat, because it can be dry.
Two bloggers recommended using oven bags, several said deep frying gave excellent results.
To avoid any gamey taste, soak the bird in brine overnight before cooking.
Happy hunting for those with the skill and the energy. Meanwhile, the rest of us have two new things to be grateful for: stable prices and supermarkets.
Sunday, November 18, 2012 - www.newssun.com/edt-111812