On most ZTR's you need to remove the top cover, fender if you like to access all of the fuel thank bolts.
I probably would have just pulled the fuel line off at the fuel pump then dropped it down low into a catch can of some sort.
As for the carb, it will depend upon what carb you have and that depends upon what engine you have.
On the UP side you now know what to buy the sone in law for his birthday.
A nice new plastic fuel canister.:laughing: