i used to always clean immeditely but started putting on ice over night bout a yr ago noticed it was much easier to skin the fillets off. once cleaned i rinse well in cold water and put in bowl in frig for a day or two. usually changing the water once before i either eat or freeze. it really keeps those fillets firm keeping them in that cold water. also if u duck hunt i will do similar only i clean immediately once i get home. frozen ducks are harder to peel back. place breasts in a bowl in frig for about 2-3 days changing the water everyday. really helps drain the blood and soften the meat. makes less gamey for ppl who are on the fence bout duck meat