Hello, is it healthy to eat backyard rabbit/squirrel? they are just regular grey rabbits/squirrels! 10 pts?

Question

hello, is it bad to eat backyard squirrel/rabbit. in order to kill it i was thinking to just get it with my pellet rifle[ 1000 fps]. i live in kansas. also how do i clean/gut it. lastly how to cook it. can you homeless style cook it like you do for fish. fillet it and put it in foil with spices and lime.... and stick it in the oven? let me know what you have done. also what do i check for in the meat to see if it is ok to eat. thankyou, 10pts ps: if there is a good website or youtube link please let me know

Answer 1

squirrels and rabbits can carry rabies...and in order to check for rabies, you would have to send the whole carcass in for testing - it's not something you can immediately see when you gut it. and if it's in the early stage, it can be hard to detect if you're watching the animal while it's alive for weird behavior.

your best bet would be to  buy from the store - you can be sure it is safe from diseases.

actually, i think it's illegal to hunt them unless you have a permit (which i'm not sure they give for squirrels and rabbits), because technically they are owned by your state of residence. it would be like shooting your neighbor's pet and eating it - it belongs to your neighbor, not you. and if your state finds out, you may be in big trouble.

Answer 2

You people are sick.

Why would you want to eat a poor squirrel or rabbit?

That's disgusting

Go vegetarian!

Answer 3

You will have to check with your health department or wild life officers to see it they carry TB or rabies, etc.

Answer 4

In some specialty stores you can buy packaged squirrel and rabbit, which is safe. Anything from your backyard should not be caught and eaten.

Answer 5

I was told that the squirrel meat is very tender due to the amount of nuts and berries in their diet. He said that he used to go out and get 3 or 4 of them, clean them, and  throw them in a pot with spuds and carrots.

Just google "field dressing a squirrel" or rabbit (obviously).

I have not eaten either though.

Answer 6

id be afraid of rabies also..

having said this.. I used to live on a farm, we did have squirrel and rabbit and pigeon some..

my gran used to just skin it with a really sharp pearing knife or good hunting pocket knife..

cut off the tail, head and feet.. gut it.. then do whatever.. throw some spices or potatoes in with it.. wrap in foil and bake.. or sometimes just do as the cowboys do.. roast it outside over a fire.. didnt taste all that bad.. just a little gamey..  

Answer 7

do you live in the city or country

in the city squirrel(they are tree rats after all) eat garbage and can have diseases that can transmit to humans not to mention since you are what you eat yuck

if in country then you are safer

squirrel is kinda strong tasting I ate once and didnt like (I did like rabbit, buffalo, venison and pheasant) ate it stewed in a pot with beef broth and potato and veg

dont know how to clean(thats what guys are for) cant watch you see its gross with all the innards

aim for the head or youll be eatin pellets and thats not good