What Are the Best Squirrel Recipes? It's Time for Dinner

Squirrel hunting is a long-standing tradition for many hunters. It is a popular activity for hunters looking to keep their shooting sharp or to introduce a new hunter to the excitement of the chase.

If you've never hunted squirrels before, or you're looking for a new recipe or tactic to build your skills, keep reading for some critical strategies! Today, we talk about why you should hunt squirrels, how to start hunting them, some tasty squirrel recipes, and some cooking tips to ensure you treat the critters with the respect they deserve in the kitchen.

Whether you've got some squirrel meat in the freezer from your last winter hunt or you're trying to think of a good reason to try a squirrel hunt this season, keep reading! 

Why Cook Squirrel?

Like all game meats, squirrel is nutrient-dense and high in protein, making it a healthy table fare that will sustain and nourish friends and family. It's organic, abundant, and a surprisingly versatile option in the kitchen.

Due to its popularity in Southern and Midwest cooking traditions, squirrel has been a longtime staple in many U.S. kitchens, meaning there's no shortage of tasty recipes, like this one from the folks at the Missouri Department of Conservation.

How to Hunt Squirrels for the Best Meat

Most squirrel seasons align with the autumn and winter periods (from September to around January), which means you'll have the most success with an early start or a late afternoon hunt when the critters are most active. However, some states (like Texas) also allow squirrel hunts in the spring-summer or year-round.

Make sure you're familiar with local regulations regarding small game hunting season dates and squirrel bag limits to ensure you're hunting legally and ethically.

Small Animal = Small Shot Size

To help preserve the meat and minimize damage, you'll want to run a small-caliber .22 rifle or shotgun with small game loads (#6 pellets). Some hunters may use air rifles for a quieter approach.

Along with smaller caliber firearms, head or neck shot placements are ideal for preserving the body meat. Most squirrel hunting styles are stealth-based, including spot-and-stalk, still hunting, and ambush-style techniques. 

Field Dress Quickly

As the weather is cooler during most squirrel seasons, it's important to field dress as quickly as possible to prevent the meat from seizing up due to the cool weather and complicating the harvesting process. After removing the entrails, clean the cavity with fresh water. 

What Are the Best Ways to Cook Squirrel?

You can substitute squirrel meat in place of other meats in a range of recipes, provided you consider the cooking style and make reasonable adjustments. Slow cooking, whether in a slow cooker, crockpot, or Dutch oven, is a winner when working with tougher cuts. 

Frying also yields excellent results, especially when working with young squirrels, which may have more tender meat. Similarly, while less common, grilling or smoking will still produce amazing results if you marinate and cook low and slow. 

Pressure cooking and braising are great ways to tenderize older squirrels for broths, soups, and stews. They build rich and complex flavors while concentrating nutrition in one dish. 

What Are Some of the Best Squirrel Recipes for Your Dinner Table?

You may have a tried-and-true family recipe for squirrel meat. However, if you're up for something different, check out some of the dishes below. I hope you're hungry. 

Fried Squirrel 

This classic Southern dish gives chicken a run for its money and is one of the best squirrel dishes of the lot.

Soak your squirrel chunks in buttermilk, season your meat with salt and pepper, dredge your meat pieces in your favorite seasoned flour mixture, and fry in neutral oil until golden brown. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and real gravy for a homestyle that the whole family will enjoy. 

Try this recipe from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources!

Squirrel and Dumplings 

If you're after some delicious comfort food, try squirrels and dumplings, with a rich broth and pillowy dumplings that make the perfect winter comfort meal.

Any slow-cooked meal will be great for older and sometimes more challenging squirrels that need extra cooking to break down. Boil the squirrel meat until tender with some of your favorite vegetables, and make a simple dumpling recipe with flour, milk, and baking powder to drop into your rich broth.

Check out this simple recipe from the Missouri Department of Conservation and enjoy! 

Squirrel Brunswick Stew 

This traditional Appalachian dish is healthy and flavorful. It features squirrels, tomatoes, corn, lima beans, and potatoes. This dish is another low-and-slow recipe perfect for the slow cooker, which you can set and forget in the morning before you go about your day. 

Try this recipe from All Recipes, and feel free to swap out the vegetables for whatever you have on hand. 

Squirrel Pot Pie 

The best thing about pot pie is that you can really throw in whatever you want and always end up with a tasty meal that will hit the spot every time. With beautifully tender meat, savory vegetables, and a crunchy pie crust, it's a hearty recipe that's hard to beat. 

BBQ Pulled Squirrel 

BBQ-pulled squirrel is an excellent option for entertaining and turning squirrel skeptics into converts.

Slow-cook shredded squirrel in BBQ sauce and serve it on buns, just like pulled pork. Don't forget a crunchy slaw and your favorite pickles. 

Squirrel Gumbo 

Explore this Cajun spin with squirrel, okra, and andouille sausage in a spicy roux-based stew for a flavor explosion. Serve over warm white rice for a filling meal. 

Here's a recipe from the Virginia Department of Natural Resources for a simple and delicious twist on this Cajun classic. 

Try These Cooking Tips 

No matter the squirrel recipes you choose, some preparation and cooking tips will help maximize the flavor and eliminate any gamey flavor that may be present.

• First, soak the squirrel in salted water or buttermilk overnight to remove any gamey taste and tenderize the meat.
• Go heavy on the bold spices and aromatic vegetables when cooking. Squirrel pairs well with garlic, onions, bay leaves, and thyme.
• From a food safety perspective, ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly, as squirrels can carry parasites if the meat is undercooked.

Then, enjoy!

Hungry for More Squirrel Hunts? Grab HuntWise and Go

Squirrel hunting is a dynamic, fun, and fantastic way to get friends and family involved in the excitement of field-to-table hunting and dining. With some planning and patience, tagging out on squirrels can provide a protein-rich staple that forms the basis for several classic and modern dishes. 

To help you bring home more squirrel meat to test out the recipes we shared today (and others), use the HuntWise mapping features to target vegetation-dense areas with large trees to target your stalk. You can pinpoint critical areas where you can sit and let the wilderness come alive with squirrels pushing through leafy branches. 

Don't have HuntWise yet? Download it today and try it free for your first week!