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Smoking them tenderizers the tough little buggers?
2024/2025 Squirrel Hunting Thread...........
- Thread starter ETipp
- Start date
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I need to try smoking some. I've always leaned away from it due to squirrel not having any fat. Always thought they would dry out. Do you brine or marinate them overnight?
Chris and BS 2366.
What it does is it removes any rubber-like meat. If done properly and not overdone on too high of temperature, it has the texture of moist-like jerky that’s not difficult to chew. I prefer to baste it a time or two with the marinade during the smoking process and keep the temp down a bit. One thing to be watchful of is those tiny front legs, as they will be done sooner than the thicker rear legs and back.
My own marinade is hickory BBQ sauce, mix in some brown sugar and water. Put squirrels in that over night in the fridge. Then use the same marinade to baste with.
Trust me on this, it’s well worth it. Also, if you put them through a vacuum sealer and put them into a freezer, they will last for a year at least. All you have to do is thaw them out. Best part is, you can smoke a lot at one time, depending on the size of your smoker.
It’s not even necessary to keep putting wood chips in the smoker. After 30-45 minutes or so of actual smoke, the smoke taste is already in the meat. However, I sometimes will keep the smoke going for longer.
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Ditt44
40 Cal
ETipp.... what temp do you smoke them at? I have a tall/box smoker, using propane. You doing 150? 175? How long?
Oh man, I’ve been trying to remember that but it escapes my memory at this time. I do know that I turn the temperature up until the wood chips start to smoke and then back it down just enough to keep the smoke rolling.
I apologize but I smoke a lot of deer meat and fish during warm and cold weather conditions. They tend to require different temperatures, depending on the size of chunks.
In terms of time, I check the meat every time I reapply marinade. That’s usually after the first hour for a the first time and about 45 minutes the other time. So yeah, total smoker time about 2 to 2.5 hours until done.
Well guys, I believe I’ve figured out something, by chance. During the last two weeks of spring season, squirrel activity was scarce. It was also very hot and dry out in the woods. Well, a couple evenings ago it came a pretty good rain for about an hour or two, then the temps dropped. The temperature Has been much cooler since then and I have been seeing a fair number of squirrels here at home as well as when driving to/from town. So, my guess is that the squirrels were not liking that hot and dry weather anymore than I did. Pretty sure this is why they were staying up in the tops of the tres where there was a breeze and air flowing where it was cooler.
Just a guess but I’m pretty sure I’m on the right track.
Also, the darn wind is still blowing here. Strange weather this year.
Just a guess but I’m pretty sure I’m on the right track.
Also, the darn wind is still blowing here. Strange weather this year.
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The same here, Buddy.
I guess most of us feral Illinois fellas ate similar foods cooked in a similar fashion. A lot of those things I'll never experience again, but I try to get as close as possible. I even cook cornbread in a cast iron pan like my ma, just not as big of one.
I like to get the Dutch Oven out and make us some killer stews.
I once tried to make a blackberry cobbler in the Dutch oven, didn't turn out so good.
longcruise
70 Cal.
Looks kinds...... well,........ dead??
I'm interested in a small caliber rifle for squirrel. I have two .45's I thought about using, but would rather use less lead and powder on squirrels.
Brother get ya a Crockett Rifle or a Kibler .32 caliber SMR.
You'll be happy with either one.
Just do it...
Been looking at the Traditions Crockett rifle kits. Around $479-$530. Probably don't need to spend the $ on a Kibler for squirrels. Would love to! But not smart on my part
I hear ya. There is a big difference.
You will be happy with a Crockett.
I shot 20 grains FFF I've read where some guys use 15 to 18 grains.
I was saving up for a Kibler SMR and ETipp made me buy a Crockett Rifle..
I'm glad he did...
LOL
You are 100% correct.
As a kid it was granddad's .410/22 over/under.
Back at the turn of the century my wife got me and SxS 12ga muzzleloader for our 5th anniversary. I loved it and still do.
Last year I started hunting them with .32 PRBs not very successful though. That's about to change, Monday the 1st year round squirrel season opens and I'm going..
I have a Crockett and a kibler .36 smr. I like them both. You can’t go wrong with either one. It’s loads of fun.
Squirrels are all I hunt in the fall and winter.
Squirrels are all I hunt in the fall and winter.
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