I have not been at the gourds very long so my advice would be to go and check at American Gourd Society, Indiana Gourd Society - or type in the name of any state in a google search. They should have info on how to accomplish this with the big gourds. The best advice seems to be to leave them outside to dry over the winter, bring them in to a cold garage so animals can't get at them but put where they can have good air circulation - that kind of thing. That is a monster - hope it makes it.
Rita in Michigan

Phyllis,

I've only grown gourds for two seasons, last year and this. I grew the swan shaped and dipper gourds last year. I wrote a lady who has a website devoted to gourds. She told me that I could leave them out over the winter. I did and they dried wonderfully. I collected them in the early spring. Gourds that had fall off the vine ended up sitting on the ground all winter. I would go out every once in awhile (when and if I thought about it, that's how often) and I would turn them so they weren't sitting on the same side.

I grew birdhouse gourds this year but didn't get a great crop like last year. However, they too, are out there for the winter, either still hanging on the vine or sitting on the ground. Not sure if the varieties require different drying methods or not. Good luck

Michelle

71" around is a great accomplishment! I do turn my gourds each day. It helps to keep them from sitting in one position where moisture might accumulate and cause mold or rot. Good luck and post a picture of it!
Robin

One thing that is very important is to leave the gourd on the vine to the vine is dead. They will rote if taking off to early.

Here is a link that might be useful: My gourd site