Connecticut Fried Squirrel

These last couple years in Connecticut, we've seen a bumper crop of acorns and the furry gray critters that like to eat those acorns.  I can't remember ever seeing so many squirrels running around here, there and everywhere (and lying flat on the road)!  There's always a good story to be told about the damage they're capable of when they get into gardens, attics, walls and antique cars.  Personally, I like to get to them before they get to me, and invite them in for dinner.  As you can see, these 2 rascals happily accepted.

The larger one was taken first, from the top of a very tall oak, about 35 yards away plus elevation; I held dead on, using shooting sticks from a sitting position.  Smaller one was facing me at 20 yards and about 10 feet up, so I held slightly low while bracing against a small tree for stability.  (I don't allow the gun to come into direct contact with any rest - my hand rests on or braces against the object providing stability, while also supporting the forestock)  Both were quick, clean head shots using H&N FTT's in 14.66 grain, which leave the muzzle at 830 fps.  I will not shoot at any game or pest unless my weapon is properly sighted in. 

Squirrels can be field dressed in just a few minutes each, without a lot of fuss.  Here, they're all cleaned up and ready to be quartered, after which they'll go into a bowl of buttermilk for the night (in the fridge, along with some herbs and spices).  The recipe I'm using is for Buttermilk Fried Squirrel, which I found online here:

http://www.americanhunter.org/articles/recipe-fried-squirrel/.   

Mom, that old electric frying pan you gave me when I was a bachelor sure comes in handy...great for making fried dough, and squirrel too!

Extra crispy outside, tender and delicious inside...some say it's the tastiest meat to come out of the woods.  Put some Bushytail on the table and tell me what you think!

My 9-year-old daughter Gianna loves it.  Not too many Connecticut kids being raised on squirrel, I'm willing to bet.  Cheers!

Safe Shooting
Ken