texas summer rabbits?

[kirkwhitehead]

I am taking care of a big jack rabbit problem in the morning. my question is, is it safe to eat jack rabbit meat from an animal killed in the summer? I was told as a boy do not eat a wild rabbit until a frost. But that uncle was/is a drunk and full of dung most of the time.

thanks guys

kirk

[Blackhawk]

That crazy, drunk uncle of yours gave you some pretty good advice this time.  During the summer months, a great percentage of rabbits are infested with bot fly larva found just under the skin.  These are usually about 1 inch long, and appears to have sections,  looks kind of chubby in the middle, with narrowing ends.  

By cooking the rabbits I don't think it should cause any harm, especially since once you skin them there should be no larva present since they burrow under the skin.  The larva are deposited there by the adult fly, so you can't catch them by eating them.

They are gone by the first freeze, hence the advice from Uncle Jack Daniels.

[BUFF]

My Grandma said to never eat a rabbit unlees the month had a R in it

[kirkwhitehead]

well I guess this is just a crop protection hunt then. thanks guys.

kirk

[blueline]

U can still tan the hides

[Scott J. Williams]

I have spoken to wildlife biologist on this question. This is what they have told me, and I have eaten a number of summer rabbits to no ill effect.

Use rubber gloves always when cleaning rabbits, regardless of time of the year, inspect them for abnormal looking sores on the meat, or liver.  

Throughly cook the rabbit in the way you prefer, and you will have no problem.  Regarding Jacks, eat the young ones, and crock pot, or pressure cook the old ones.  No jack will hold a candle to a cottontail, but I have enjoyed both.  I wish I were going with you....Good Luck, Good Shooting.

[kirkwhitehead]

well we got .75" of rain and that kept my son and I out of the sunflower patch I am protecting but we walked around a few of our grain bins and Hunter flung arrows at some cottontails. he got mighty close 6 times but did not connect. He had a great time and wants to go again. He refused to shoot the .22 I brought with me, said he wanted his first kill to be with a bow. He is almost 9 yrs old and suprises me everyday. At that age I just wanted to kill something, but he his sticking to his guns(well, bow) and I am very proud of him for it.

kirk