To prepare a duck for cooking, start by thawing it if it's frozen. Place the duck in the refrigerator for 24 hours for safe thawing. Once thawed, remove the giblets from the cavity and pat the duck dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispy skin during cooking. Next, season the duck inside and out. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary. For added flavor, you can stuff the cavity with garlic, onions, or citrus fruits. Finally, truss the legs with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking and a neat presentation.