Hold the bird under running water , rub the breast with your thumb to ensure that the thick down feathers are saturated.

Dip the bird several times in simmering 160º to 180º  F water.  For waterfowl, add a tablespoon of dish-washing liquid to help cut through the feather oil and saturate the feathers. Rinse the soapy water from the cavity of any field dressed birds.

Rub the feathers with your thumb.  They should strip off easily.  If they do not release easily, dip the bird in hot water again.  Pull out the large feathers of the wing and tail with pliers if necessary.

Cut the head and tail off the feathered bird.  Slice off the feet and remove the tendons.  Clean the body cavity and pat the bird dry.