The two basic methods of skinning a squirrel (video)

[Wiggy]

Skinning squirrels seems to confound many people. I put together this video to help anyone who's interested in the subject. The first method is the fastest and easiest way to get one skinned, but not so great for keeping the hide. The second method is the best is you want to tan the hide. I also go a little into hide preservation. I hope it helps!

[kyratshooter]

Good info Wiggy.

Some of our folks that have just now decided to run off to the woods and ha e never killed and cleaned a morsel of their own food are going to need that.

I do love me some squirrels! Fried with mashed potatoes and gravy and some green beans that have simmered all day.

How's your favorite cooking method?

[Wiggy]

I either cook in the crock pot with buttermilk, sliced potatoes, carrots, onions, and some garlic. Set on low all day long. Or I cook it by placing it in a bread baking pan in the oven at 350 degrees for an hour or so, covered in tin foil with some butter and veggies and taters and stuff in there. Fox squirrels do better in the crock pot.

[Rick]

Great job. I like that added hide tanning at the end. Nice. I am partial to fried myself. They are some good eating. I gave you a little rep for the vid.

[natertot]

Good info! The first method is pretty much how I do mine. The only difference is I cut the head and paws off when I pull the skin over them. The issue I always have is keeping the dang fur off the meat. That part has always been a PITA for me.

Good video!

[hunter63]

Good job......well done. Rep your way.

Kina partial to method two, but just "tube" or "case" the hide....need a drying board of the correct size.
Have been know to just use the grab, split and peel method as well.

Borax is what I use to dry out base of turkey tails, wings, feet and beards.
Do like the cardboard and push pins....nice touch, always used the finishing nails and wood boards....old school.

Lots more people would be vegans if everyone had to process their own meat.

[Wiggy]

There's no way to keep hair off the meat, lol. People say if you wet the squirrel first it's supposed to help but it never worked for me. I have found when you get them inside and wash them off, if you dry them and then give it a once over with a kitchen torch (like they use to make crème brulee) then it'll singe off a lot of the hair that's left behind.

I tend to use salt more than borax, but that's usually because I can put it out for the deer when I'm done drying out the hide.

Glad you guys liked it!

[Rick]

"Hey, salt!"
"Don't lick that salt, Buck!"
"Yeah? Why not?"
"It tastes like squirrel."
"Oh, well, yuck. Thanks, dear. Nothin' worse than salty squirrel."


(Get it? Buck...Dear?)

[crashdive123]

Thanks for the video. Well done.

[trips-man]

Thanks for the video. I've been thinking alot trying to develop the skill.