Smoking a big bird, need advice.

[jlucero55]

I am going smoke a 23 lb turkey for Thanksgiving. I have read a lot about the issues of smoking a big bird (danger zone) but it's what was purchased for me to cook so I'd like to make it work. I am going to brine the bird and I plan on spatchcocking the bird to help speed up cook time. I have a traegar pellet smoker and I plan to set it at 300. How long should I expect it to take? Any critiques of my plan are welcome!

 

[SmokinAl]

I would think it would take about 3-4 hours at 300.

I part mine out, so if the breast gets done before the thighs I can just pull it out.

I pull the breast at 157 & the thighs at 175-180.

Resting them on the counter for 1/2 hour will bring the breast up to 165.

Al