Squirrles in spring?

[frassettor]

I had called the local DNR a while ago asking them how I take care of my racoon problem. They had told me just to shoot them. Now they had said that there are 7 animals you can shoot year round, as long its on YOUR PROPERTY. Those animals are rabbits, squirrels,racoons,possiums,coyotes... and there is one more I cant remember... I grew up eating rabbits and squirrles, but my grandfather always told me to only to eat them  between the first frost through Feb. He had said they carry some parasites.. Is this an old wives tale, or  can you eat them in the spring and summer?

[Can Hahaka]

Rick,

My father always told me the same. I remember checking the rabbit livers for spotting if shot in early October.

[frassettor]

Phillip,

So can you eat them when its warm?

[Marvin M.]

You can eat them any time.  There is a parasite that they get that most people shy awar from.  We called the "wolves" when I was growing up.  Some kind of larva under the skin.  There have been several threads on this subject on here.  You should be able to do a search and find something.

I think the consensus was they are OK to eat,but most people are so freaked out by seeing that big old larvae in there that they throw them away.

[TexMex]

I have always heard the you can hunt rabbits in any month with an 'r' in it's name.

[Can Hahaka]

Rick,

I thought we were having burgers on the 17th - hehe!

[buckeye_hunter]

I don't know about rabbits, but some squirrels get the larvae of a bot fly under their skin in warmer months.  As the larvae grows it develops into a large lump under the skin. It looks disgusting, but doesn't actually hurt the meat(that is straight from the ODNR here in Ohio).  Cats and some live stock get them too.  They are a parasite that is not harmful and once cut out the meat can be consumed....if you have the stomache for it!

My 2 cents,
-Charlie

[Scott J. Williams]

Here in Texas, my Girl and I are waiting for May.  That is when the Spring Squirrel season starts up.  Been getting the throw away arrows ready,  it is also a good time to chase the wild pork.

We hunt pigs early and late, and chase the tree rats during the rest of the day.  Great times afield.  Yes Sir, a gift from God!

[Hoytman]

I don't follow this idea. If it were so, you would never be able to eat rabbits in the southern warm climates. After all, winter in some southern areas are no colder than spring or summer in northern climates. Not to mention domestic rabbits that are butchered year round.
I'm no expert , but I don' think there are a very many meat problems that you don't get rid of by cooking the meat.
Fleas live on rabbits in the coldest climates, I would expect other parasites do the same. After all, my dogs can get worms winter or summer.

[Tim Kosteczko]

This thread shows what these guys are talking about and what you might run into...
 tradgang.com