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cyc79
03-18-2008, 11:12 PM
My question: is there a difference in the way different kinds of squirrels taste?I myself have never eaten any kind.I've seen pictures of gray ones(I think that's what they were)that looked to be a fair size,& have read about lots of people eating them.Around here though all we have are red squirrels,that to me are fairly scrawny looking.(though I have seen the odd porker)There's definitely no shortage of them.They are considered here to be a fur bearing animal that comes under the trapping laws.Years ago a government conservation officer told me he tried eating one as part of a survival course he went on.He said it was sinewy & tough.This is the only person I've ever asked about eating them,so don't know if his experience is the norm.The native people of the area I stomp around in never eat them.Am I missing out on something good?I'd much rather hear from any of you who know before I dig out my frying pan.

catfish10101
03-18-2008, 11:18 PM
Here are a few recipes to get you started. I have eaten them throughout my entire life. We actually hunt them with guns here. Makes for an enjoyable day in the woods and a wonderful dinner at camp or at home.
Check out this site.
http://www.backwoodsbound.com/zsquir.html

P.S. Then you can get really adventurous and check the recipes for other critters on the left side.

canid
03-18-2008, 11:36 PM
i've never notived any between various tree and ground squirrel species.

Ole WV Coot
03-18-2008, 11:40 PM
Had my first squirrel over 60+ yrs ago and they are pretty good. If you REALLY want a different taste try one of those that's been cutting on green hickory nuts and I guarantee you'll never forget it.

CTracker
03-18-2008, 11:56 PM
Squirrels, to me, is just another game animal. I've often heard people say (about any hunted animal for food) Yuck, but it tastes so 'gamie.' These are typically Sheeple (http://www.google.com/search?q=Sheeple&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GWYA) who have no clue what their talking about in the first place. I mean, geez! It's just a big rat with a fuzzy tail, lives in the canopy and plays on the floor. NO! doesn't taste like chicken but is good none the less. :)

flandersander
03-19-2008, 12:34 AM
I aswell have always wanted to try it. i've eaten rabbit, is there any similarity to rabbit? also is it the same as eating a 13 stripe gofur? Prarie dogs? Living in saskatchewan canada, we have plenty of gofurs and prarie dogs.

MCBushbaby
03-19-2008, 12:36 AM
I had red squirrel last September on a primitive trip but we didn't cook it all the way (needed about 10 more minutes). Tasted gamey and I'm told it would even if it was cooked thru. Grey squirrel has more meat and is supposed to taste like rabbit.

flandersander
03-19-2008, 12:44 AM
Cool. Have you ever tried Rabbit? A rather easy game to trap, it would make a great survival food. squrrel is easier to predict what they are going to do. they leave telltale signs of their activiteis

canid
03-19-2008, 12:49 AM
my lady doesn't let me keep, hunt or eat rabbits. :(

Rick
03-19-2008, 08:19 AM
I've hunted and eaten rabbit and squirrel since I was kid. Put a fair amount on the dinner table. I LOVE both fried. Some fried potatoes on the side, a little flour gravy, some biscuits and a little sorghum molasses. MMMMmmmmmmm. Good stuff.

I've read that grays are disappearing. Being bred out by fox squirrels. That seems to be the case around here. Grays have disappeared and the foxes all seem to have a lighter coat with some gray. Well fed, too. Nice fat plumpers.

I think they taste like what they are. I've never thought they were particularly gamey either. Nothing like deer, that's for sure.

Beo
03-19-2008, 08:36 AM
Squirrels are like deer to me, the older the tougher, shoot a fawn the meats real soft and juicy, hahaaaa, jk. All squirrel taste the same to me.

GVan
03-19-2008, 04:54 PM
Hey podna,

Cooked onto a stew or bisque what does it really matter? In a brown or red gravy and over rice just about anything tastes good.

GVan
03-19-2008, 04:57 PM
my lady doesn't let me keep, hunt or eat rabbits. :(

What kind of communist is she? If God put it on the earth, then it's our duty to find a way to cook it up and eat it.

canid
03-19-2008, 05:02 PM
she had a close pet rabbit for 15 years, through most of her childhood and can't separate the thoughts of her lop-ear from wild or bred for food livestock. i can live with it :) i'll just eat them when i'm by my self away from home.

GVan
03-19-2008, 05:44 PM
Canid,

So did I, about three dozen. When they were fat enough they got skinned and cooked. The pelts made a nice blanket for my baby sister. She was always freezing.

canid
03-19-2008, 06:40 PM
that would be the distinction between livestock and pets homie. this is not to say you can't be close with livestock, but when your primary intention is the butcher block, it's a different situation.

chiggersngrits
03-19-2008, 07:15 PM
we have gray and fox squirrels in this area. fox seem to be slightly larger and have alittle bit more fat on them. after cleaning soak in water and change it out three or so times til no blood left in water. then put pieces in a bowl cover with buttermilk and place them in the fridge over nite. wrap pieces in BACON and throw um on the grill. i cook dove pretty much the same way. add a moonpie for desert. tasty.

Rick
03-19-2008, 07:59 PM
Moonpies. MMMmmmmmmmmmmmm. It's been several centuries since my last Moonpie. I do believe it was right after that whole Miles Standish/Pocahontas fling. The paparazzi were relentless with those two.

flandersander
03-19-2008, 09:42 PM
So how old does that make you rick? I dunno maybe 700. I mean you don't seem like you're 20 but u sure don't seem 700!

Rick
03-20-2008, 06:13 AM
Well, that's because I'm not. But I stopped counting after 499. The birthday cakes started looking a bit like a forest fire and kept setting the fire alarms off in the home, which made the staff pretty surly. Now they just wheel me into the courtyard and tell me to practice my survival skills. What an accommodating bunch. Hang on....

Hey!! Nurse. Someone want to bring me a blanket? It's getting cold out here!

I'm back.

rebel
03-20-2008, 11:30 AM
Hey you, want some of this?

Rick
03-20-2008, 12:06 PM
Personally, I've stopped drinking the water around here. I've seen way to much strange stuff.

http://www.freakingnews.com/Rat-or-squirrel-Pictures--956.asp

Sarge47
07-20-2009, 10:32 PM
Bump! :sneaky2::innocent::cool2:

Rick
07-20-2009, 10:40 PM
Saturday, I saw two things that I either haven't seen before or haven't seen in a long time. The first was a GRAY squirrel. They are so interbred around here that a true gray just doesn't exist. But this guy was a true gray. I haven't seen that in years. He was sitting in a Mulberry tree sampling mulberries. The tree must have been a good 40-45 feet tall. It's the largest Mulberry tree I've ever seen. Pretty impressive.

Ken
07-20-2009, 10:53 PM
Bump! :sneaky2::innocent::cool2:

Nice. Some things are better left buried, don't ya' think? :sneaky2:

Anyway, if you HAVE to know, all squirrels ARE NOT born equal

Less than half of the squirrels here apply to Harvard, and only 2/3 of those get accepted. However, 100% finish college, and 75% go on for a Masters or Doctorate. Most graduate from either M.I.T., B.U., B.C., Brown, or P.C. Less than 1% choose Yale. VERY FEW attend school out west. One little guy (Rufus) spent a semester at UCLA and hated it - he transfered to UNH (the rare state school attendee) for the skiing. Rufus always was a party animal of sorts.

Rick
07-20-2009, 10:55 PM
MIT squirrels are, well, squirrely.

pocomoonskyeyes
07-20-2009, 11:26 PM
You guys are SOOO much better than the comedy channel!!! I like Squirrel fried especially. Rabbit I think I might be allergic to, even if you don't tell me what it is my stomach will.... feels like a flock(??), Flight(??) of Butterflies taking flight... But I CAN keep it down.:dead::euro:Hey I like that one I have a handlebar mustache!!!

Ken
07-20-2009, 11:42 PM
MIT squirrels are, well, squirrely.

Funny you should say that. Alfred (a gray squirrel) graduated from M.I.T. in '07. He's never used his engineering degree. Instead, he went to Foxwoods and, on a poker table SIDE BET, no less, won a chain of car washes. He hired a CEO to run the operation, and now spends all of his time eating imported acorns in the maple trees out back.

Ken
07-21-2009, 06:46 AM
This is Arnold. He's a bit larger than most. He just called me for Sarge's address. Said he wants to do lunch with Sarge. Enjoy lunch, Sarge!

http://breskiblogs.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/normal_killer_squirrel.jpg

Rick
07-21-2009, 07:10 AM
I know a field mouse like that. He graduated 27th in his class at Harvard. Majored in Quantum Physics. He took a year off to "find himself" and wound up living in a commune in Oregon. There's just no telling, is there?

Ken
07-21-2009, 07:25 AM
I know a field mouse like that. He graduated 27th in his class at Harvard. Majored in Quantum Physics. He took a year off to "find himself" and wound up living in a commune in Oregon. There's just no telling, is there?

No worries. I'm sure he'll be elected to the U.S. Senate soon enough.

welderguy
07-21-2009, 08:29 AM
Since were talking about squirrels , Can they swim?

nell67
07-21-2009, 08:31 AM
Yep,they can,and so can rabbits.

welderguy
07-21-2009, 08:34 AM
found two in a week floating in the kiddy pool ( about 10 in deep).

Ken
07-21-2009, 08:34 AM
Since were talking about squirrels , Can they swim?

Yep. Logan was one of my best lifeguard students one year back in the 70's.

http://www.natureandwildlifephotography.net/wildlife/images/DSC_0268.JPG

The little guy just LOVES to water ski.

http://www.jessfaith.com/comics/squirrel_on_skis.jpg

welderguy
07-21-2009, 08:38 AM
Ken I want you to know I now cover the pool so no more will drown.

Ken
07-21-2009, 08:40 AM
Ken I want you to know I now cover the pool so no more will drown.

Thank you. No matter what we do, some still refuse to take swimming lessons. Maybe if we get speedos with swim team logos?

Rick
07-21-2009, 09:28 AM
Never, ever, leave a squirrel alone by the swimming pool. It only takes a second for tragedy to occur. Young squirrels just don't understand the inherent dangers. They see a toy roll into the pool and when they try to get it....well, just don't do it, okay?

Ken
07-21-2009, 09:31 AM
Never, ever, leave a squirrel alone by the swimming pool. It only takes a second for tragedy to occur. Young squirrels just don't understand the inherent dangers. They see a toy roll into the pool and when they try to get it....well, just don't do it, okay?

Good advice. Thanks for your concern.

Icemancometh
07-21-2009, 09:34 AM
We also have gray's and fox squirrels here. I much prefer the gray. The fox or red sqirrels are larger and to me have a more gamey taste. Would have to say that I wouldn't turn either away.

Sarge47
07-21-2009, 11:49 AM
This is Arnold. He's a bit larger than most. He just called me for Sarge's address. Said he wants to do lunch with Sarge. Enjoy lunch, Sarge!

http://breskiblogs.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/normal_killer_squirrel.jpgOkay fellow Wolves! Ready on the left! Ready on the right! Lock & load! It's a major "target of opportunity! Fire when ready! Big Squirrel bar-b-que tonight, thanks to Ken for providing the big squirrel! :sneaky2::innocent::cool2:

Ken
07-21-2009, 12:12 PM
Okay fellow Wolves! Ready on the left! Ready on the right! Lock & load! It's a major "target of opportunity! Fire when ready! Big Squirrel bar-b-que tonight, thanks to Ken for providing the big squirrel! :sneaky2::innocent::cool2:

They're waiting for you, Sarge! :sneaky2:

Sarge47
07-21-2009, 12:19 PM
(Cuban accent) "Say hello to my little friend!"

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif

GUN – GATTLING
http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-violent069.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/)"Take that you rotten tree-rat! You wanna piece of me? Come get some!" :sneaky2:

Ken
07-21-2009, 12:33 PM
(Cuban accent) "Say hello to my little friend!"

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif

GUN – GATTLING
http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-violent069.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/)"Take that you rotten tree-rat! You wanna piece of me? Come get some!" :sneaky2:

GO FOR IT, SARGE!

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w257/squirrelmaster88/super_squirrel.jpg

Sarge47
07-21-2009, 12:40 PM
It's Bullwinkle's friend: Rocky!!! Arghhh!!! (happy now Ken?) :innocent:

Ken
07-21-2009, 12:50 PM
It's Bullwinkle's friend: Rocky!!! Arghhh!!! (happy now Ken?) :innocent:

No I'm not happy, Sarge. In fact, I feel kinda' bad. For you.

Ya' see, I know how these squirrels have trained. They're so good that you've never even heard of the thousands of successful missions they've been on.

Once they identify a threat, it must be eliminated. No reconsideration. No remorse. And no guilt whatsoever.

It will be painful, Sarge. And it will last a looooooong time.

Just take comfort in the fact that at some point in time, several months after it all begins, a squirrel/proctologist/commando will begin to insert a compressor hose somewhere in your body that I can't name in a public forum. That's a signal that the pain will be over in less than 72 hours.

Sarge47
07-21-2009, 12:59 PM
No I'm not happy, Sarge. In fact, I feel kinda' bad. For you.

Ya' see, I know how these squirrels have trained. They're so good that you've never even heard of the thousands of successful missions they've been on.

Once they identify a threat, it must be eliminated. No reconsideration. No remorse. And no guilt whatsoever.

It will be painful, Sarge. And it will last a looooooong time.

Just take comfort in the fact that at some point in time, several months after it all begins, a squirrel/proctologist/commando will begin to insert a compressor hose somewhere in your body that I can't name in a public forum. That's a signal that the pain will be over in less than 72 hours.Seems like you got a lot of time on your hands; I'd of thought a lawyer would be much busier. Anyway, I forgot to tell you, the bullets were made out of "squirrel kryptonite." Tsk tsk!:sneaky2:

Ken
07-21-2009, 01:07 PM
Seems like you got a lot of time on your hands; I'd of thought a lawyer would be much busier. Anyway, I forgot to tell you, the bullets were made out of "squirrel kyptonite." Tsk tsk!:sneaky2:

They are friends. They are clients. Big retainer clients. Every minute I talk to them gets billed. They insist upon it.

And the bullets? The regular squirrels substituted play dough for the cryptonite bullets they captured last year. ALL of the cryptonite bullets.

Rick
07-21-2009, 01:12 PM
I'm not taking sides but, Sarge, you really had better take some precautions.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff87/nachosforever/Animals/squirrel-ninja.jpg

Sarge47
07-21-2009, 06:35 PM
http://C:%5CDocuments%20and%20Settings%5COwner%5CMy%20Doc uments%5CMy%20Pictures%5CGroup%204 My secret weapon! Meet Tessa! Squirrels everywhere fear her! They've put out several contracts on her but not one's lived to collect! :sneaky2:

Ken
07-21-2009, 06:37 PM
http://C:%5CDocuments%20and%20Settings%5COwner%5CMy%20Doc uments%5CMy%20Pictures%5CGroup%204 My secret weapon! Meet Tessa! Squirrels everywhere fear her! They've put out several contracts on her but not one's lived to collect! :sneaky2:

Nice "secret weapon." A little box with a funny little drawing inside. Oh, the squirrels are sooooooo afraid! :innocent:

Ken
07-21-2009, 06:41 PM
http://C:%5CDocuments%20and%20Settings%5COwner%5CMy%20Doc uments%5CMy%20Pictures%5CGroup%204 My secret weapon! Meet Tessa! Squirrels everywhere fear her! They've put out several contracts on her but not one's lived to collect! :sneaky2:

Hey Sarge!
http://www.smileyshut.com/smileys/new/culo1.gif (http://www.smileyshut.com)

Sarge47
07-21-2009, 07:59 PM
Hey Sarge!
http://www.smileyshut.com/smileys/new/culo1.gif (http://www.smileyshut.com)Aw Ken, you're turnin' me on!:innocent:

Rick
07-21-2009, 08:06 PM
You know, now that I look at that, he is sort of cute.

edr730
07-21-2009, 08:09 PM
Of course squirrels is good. You might have to par boil an old one. Those old ones are the ones that don't wiggle their tails so fast. It would be a good idea to clean them soon if you don't know how. Warm things skin easy. You can cut around the body and pull both ways or cut at tail and step on the tail and pull. Good idea to cut the paws off first. The second option will leave the hind leg fur, but it's still easy. If you don't know how to clean them then it's a bugger. They rank high on taste. My grandma always wanted the heads when we got them. She liked the brains. It was always her part.

nell67
07-21-2009, 08:09 PM
Awwww gee guys,snap out of it....ewwwwww

Rick
07-21-2009, 08:11 PM
Uh, yeah. I have to draw the line at squirrel brains, too.

nell67
07-21-2009, 08:12 PM
Of course squirrels is good. You might have to par boil an old one. Those old ones are the ones that don't wiggle their tails so fast. It would be a good idea to clean them soon if you don't know how. Warm things skin easy. You can cut around the body and pull both ways or cut at tail and step on the tail and pull. Good idea to cut the paws off first. The second option will leave the hind leg fur, but it's still easy. If you don't know how to clean them then it's a bugger. They rank high on taste. My grandma always wanted the heads when we got them. She liked the brains. It was always her part.
Yep,we ate the brains when I was a kid too,but now they have linked that to the same thing that causes mad cow disease,so I forgo the brains,plus my youngest son would litterally die of a coronary f he saw mom eating a brain...

Rick
07-21-2009, 08:14 PM
Worse, if she had half a brain.

You know, he walks in and you've finished half. That would leave you with half a brain. Okay, okay, I apologize. I'll go back to my corner now.

nell67
07-21-2009, 08:18 PM
Worse, if she had half a brain.

You know, he walks in and you've finished half. That would leave you with half a brain. Okay, okay, I apologize. I'll go back to my corner now.
Nope,don't apologize,cuz the kid really has that weak of a tummy,I don't let him anywhere near me when I am cleaning rabbits and chickens.

Don't know where he got that from,because he has watched it since he was a little thing.

Oh yea,I got your joke though,thats a good one.