Squirrel

[204miles]

Hi,

Should a squirrel be field dressed as soon as possible or is it okay to wait until the end of the hunt?

[fingers80002]

I wait till I'm back to the car.
Keeps all the mess in one place, and you won't have blood and other stuff all over everything.

[knight0334]

Anytime before it spoils..

[DougX]

I skin mine in the woods.I usually do it as soon as I can,while they're still warm.I find it's easier to do.I carry freezer bags with me.

[204miles]

Thank you to everyone.

How long until they spoil?

[NikeBauer21]

I usually wait until the end of my hunt as well. There's a few things I'll clean right away, but squirrels aren't ones I'm worried about. However, I wouldn't chance letting them go for over an hour or so. I've never had a problem with any. Maybe some other people can help a little better on the time period, but like I said, I always wait until I'm done and I have never had a problem yet.

[knight0334]

Thank you to everyone.

How long until they spoil?

That depends on ambient temperature, natural bacteria infection, if you ruptured the digestive tract of the critter with a pellet letting bacteria out, etc, etc, etc..

Generally you have hours, to even days depending on conditions, to dress it.

[NikeBauer21]

That depends on ambient temperature, natural bacteria infection, if you ruptured the digestive tract of the critter with a pellet letting bacteria out, etc, etc, etc..

Generally you have hours, to even days depending on conditions, to dress it.

^^ This as well. Obviously, the warmer it is out, the sooner I would try and get it done. No need to let the little guy bake for 2 hours in 75degree weather. Also, as knight said, be observant of if you hit the digestive tract or anything. If your using a shotgun, be extra careful to observe...

[87th PVI]

heart/liver keep or not?

I love heart & liver of beef & poultry, but haven't gotten a squirrel yet (or any game at all ) so this is all new to me.
Same question for rabbit.
I imagine pheasant, dove, duck etc etc would all be the same as any other poultry & I'd want to keep the yummy heart & liver.

[knight0334]

heart/liver keep or not?

I love heart & liver of beef & poultry, but haven't gotten a squirrel yet (or any game at all ) so this is all new to me.
Same question for rabbit.
I imagine pheasant, dove, duck etc etc would all be the same as any other poultry & I'd want to keep the yummy heart & liver.

I dont see any reason not to keep the heart and liver.. However I personally just ripped them out with the rest of the innards.