Toughest Squirrel Ever, But Awesome Flavor

[Mike Islander]

Went camping Tuesday and had a nice organic free range tree rat for supper. For the first time I can remember I didn't get an instant kill. Blew out the front of the chest but didn't explode the heart. It scampered about 3 feet and died in seconds. Normally I get a head shot or blow out the chest/lungs, so they fall like a hammer.

Breaded and fried in olive oil, it was too tough to eat. I then boiled the browned meat for 30 minutes, and it was tenderish and better than the best chicken dark meat I've ever had.

First time this tough. Could the delayed death cause this? I cleaned it almost immediately and it sat skinned on a log in 40 degree weather for about four hours before cooking.

 

[FLATHEAD]

You just described every squirrel I've ever eaten.(except the awesome part).
Just not worth it IMO.
Maybe in a survival situation.

 

[woods89]

I find that while most are great, there are a few that are just tough with no real explanation.

 

[Lilchpin]

Never had luck with grey squirrels, generally the fox squirrels are bigger and more tender

 

[Mike Islander]

Grey squirrel is by far my favorite game meat. Normally I freeze several and then fry or eat in a stew. Freezing tenderizes them a bit.

In the field they go straight into the pan. Most times a little chewy but very edible. This time was just far more tough. I now will consider fry-then-boil standard if I am able to have a campife. No way I would boil 30 minutes using gas. If gas only i think I'll start cutting in small strips.

 

[HuntHarder]

I have eaten many grey squirrels, and have NEVER had a tender one. I can not even believe you claim you have. We usually turn them into red chili any more.

 

[Mike Islander]

I have eaten many grey squirrels, and have NEVER had a tender one. I can not even believe you claim you have. We usually turn them into red chili any more.

The word I used was "edible".

 

[long hunter]

I par boil them first then fry, but the little beggars are still a bit chewy, just the nature of the beast, also you can fry, make a gravy with the drippings, put the squirrel back in the gravy and slow cook till a bit more tender then make some dumplings (bisquik works well) place in the skillet with the squirrel and gravy let it go until the dumplings are cooked. Good meal there.

 

[Mike Islander]

I par boil them first then fry, but the little beggars are still a bit chewy, just the nature of the beast, also you can fry, make a gravy with the drippings, put the squirrel back in the gravy and slow cook till a bit more tender then make some dumplings (bisquik works well) place in the skillet with the squirrel and gravy let it go until the dumplings are cooked. Good meal there.

You just float the dumplings on top of the stew? Lid on, right?

 

[FLATHEAD]

Islander, I dont care too much for the skwurls but I do like your style.
2 Thumbs up!!

 

[PaCarbine]

Chewy - agreed

 

[timberjack86]

You gotta let rigimortis set in. Cut up a young tender deer before he gets stiff and that's the toughest deer on the planet. Squirrel is the same way.

 

[Mike Islander]

I par boil them first then fry, but the little beggars are still a bit chewy, just the nature of the beast, also you can fry, make a gravy with the drippings, put the squirrel back in the gravy and slow cook till a bit more tender then make some dumplings (bisquik works well) place in the skillet with the squirrel and gravy let it go until the dumplings are cooked. Good meal there.

Pressure cook, debone, pan sear. Voila! Thank you for the suggestion.

 

[Bee33]

Western greys are my favorite fame to hunt. They can be a challenge to hunt which I love. I freeze my squirrel which helps tenders them. But if I was to cook fresh I like to pan fry them then add hot water for stew.

 

[gunblink54]

Never been so lucky getting them .