squirrel have the toughest skin

[mazzgolf]

Is it me or do squirrels have one of the toughest skin of the game animals?

 

Someone must have a tip on how to skin these things easier. I try and try to do that "make a slit under the tail, step on the tail, and pull up on the legs and take off the sweater" but it never works. Tail rips off, and I have to then cut around the mid-section and take off the shirt and pants separately and make a mess while doing it.

 

I went this morning for an hour and got one from 30 feet up a tree. Though I should stop watching videos like this one, or I'm going to start feeling bad shooting them in the head. 

 

 

[Batsto]

They also have big nuts!

Edited February 20, 2018 by Batsto

[Droptine 26]

If you skin them right away, the slit under the tail method usually works. If you continue to hunt for a couple hours, it’s a little tougher to do. Just pull slow and it usually won’t tear off.

[formakos]

I cut them around the belly and back then pull from both directions with blowfish pullers.  Works good.  I also cut the legs off at the first joint.

[mazzgolf]

I cut them around the belly and back then pull from both directions with blowfish pullers.  Works good.  I also cut the legs off at the first joint.

 

That's basically how I end up doing it when I rip the tail off

 

I'm still laughing at that first video though   hellothere Iamafatlittlesquirrelsittingonyourporch thankyouverymuchforthesedelicouswalnuts Iwillbesuretocomebacktomorrowtogetsomemorewalnuts youareaveryniceperson youaremyfavouritepersonintheneighbourhood ilikeyouloveyouloveyou

 

Uh oh, here's another one. I know I shouldn't watch, but I can't help it....

 

 

Come on! It's me! Open up! Hello, can I have a walnut please? Oh, thank you! Bye! ... Oh, that's a beauty. Thanks. See you in a bit.

[Stan Putz]

Try this method, works best for me.   

 

I've never had any luck stepping on their tail and pulling the hide off, most times I rip the squirrel in 1/2 when I do that.

[ratherbhunting]

I screw or nail their heads to a 4x4 or a tree, that anchors them down pretty good and then I just skin them.

[mazzgolf]

I heard about that dipping-in-water part, but it was neat he did it all with a pair of sheers rather than a knife. I like that. I think I'm gonna try this next time.

 

Unless the squirrel starts talking to me, then I just might make it my pet. 

[Lunatic]

This is the easiest way I know:-)

 

https://youtu.be/Uqj-OINP3tU

[mazzgolf]

Tried the tip from that video Stan posted. I'm still not very good at it, and still takes me too long to do it, but it definitely worked out better than the tail method. 

 

It's the last day of the season, so I had to go out and try one last time to see if I can get one more. Got him this evening with just about one more hour left of shooting time - nothing like waiting till the last moment! Butchered in the field while he was still warm - this is the end result ... just like the video  Got a few more in the freezer... Now I just gotta make something good with them!

 

[Droptine 26]

Looks tasty !

Congrats!

[Stan Putz]

Tried the tip from that video Stan posted. I'm still not very good at it, and still takes me too long to do it, but it definitely worked out better than the tail method. 

 

It's the last day of the season, so I had to go out and try one last time to see if I can get one more. Got him this evening with just about one more hour left of shooting time - nothing like waiting till the last moment! Butchered in the field while he was still warm - this is the end result ... just like the video  Got a few more in the freezer... Now I just gotta make something good with them!

 

prepared-squirrel.jpg

Glad to help. I honestly think the "step on the tail method" works well if you crack them in the head, and skin them while they are warm, but I usually shoot them with a shotgun, and I think that having holes in the hide negates the whole process. Bon apetit!

[hemlock]

Squirrel might have tough skin but their karate no good.