Need some help, apparently I can’t clean squirrels

[rickm]

Back when i done it i just made a cut across the back and worked my fingers into the hole and pulling in both directions til i got it to the head and tail pulling the legs out as i go and when i got to the head and tail i cut it off and toss. it is easier with 2 people and i have never put any of them on ice simply cause didnt have any available and didnt want to wag a ice chest around walking in the woods since that was my only form of transportation.

 

[dennishoddy]

Great advice above from several. Only thing I can add is to dunk them in water which helps keep the hair from floating around, getting back on the meat.
We did the same when skinning rabbits.

 

[Snattlerake]

Don't forget the armpit glands. They are gamey and you don't want to eat them.

 

[HoLeChit]

That has been my technique.

 

[HoLeChit]

Got another chance this morning, and it worked out great. Did the job where he fell, and I think I wasn’t cutting far enough up the back when starting the tail. Got a little hair on him, but I’m happy! Thanks guys.

 

[HoLeChit]

Also, question. This sign is saying that it’s a walk in turkey hunting area, and the gate is open. Does that mean that when it’s not turkey season I can drive the road? I’m still waiting on replies from my last two attempts to contact the ODWC, figured one of you might know for sure.

 

[trbii]

Back when I was squirrel hunting, it became evident to me that the skin came off most easily if the squirrel was young, warm and the skinning knife was sharp. Also I pulled a few in half after hitting them in the mid section with a birdshot round. A hunting buddy urged me to use a .22 rifle, go for the head with one small bullet. Took his advice and found the skinning went easier from then on. Those videos showing the flank, flap type relief cuts are so helpful. Had to learn that slowly back in the late 1970’s-1980’s, when I was enthusiastic about hunting them. The springtime, summertime heat, humidity, chiggers, ticks was worth enduring to me, then.

 

[Redmule454]

Another way....

Cut off the head, tail, and 4 legs at wrists. Slice the hide down the back from head to tail, (back of blade to back bone). At the slice down the back, peel the hide toward the belly until you can grasp the body. Pull the hide off like pulling a kid out of a T-shirt. Then gut.
This works well whether they are still hot or cold and stiff and get less hair on meat.

This is very similar to the "gut-less" method of field dressing an elk.

 

[1shott]

Back when I was squirrel hunting, it became evident to me that the skin came off most easily if the squirrel was young, warm and the skinning knife was sharp. Also I pulled a few in half after hitting them in the mid section with a birdshot round. A hunting buddy urged me to use a .22 rifle, go for the head with one small bullet. Took his advice and found the skinning went easier from then on. Those videos showing the flank, flap type relief cuts are so helpful. Had to learn that slowly back in the late 1970’s-1980’s, when I was enthusiastic about hunting them. The springtime, summertime heat, humidity, chiggers, ticks was worth enduring to me, then.

I like to hunt them in the fall.

 

[rickm]

Back in my younger days when i hunted them i used mostly a 22 cal pellet rifle but every so often i would use a 22 rimfire, i kept moms freezer stock with squirrel back then, one shot to the head if couldnt make a head shot you let it go til next time.