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Squirrels are America’s most accessible small-game species, and there are plenty of great ways to cook them. Image by Vaclav Matous

While fried might be the classic and most common recipe, squirrels are a versatile wild game that can be prepared in a variety of ways. I just returned home from a squirrel camp hosted by Vista Outdoor Inc., FEDERAL PREMIUM AMMO, and CCI. We cooked and ate a lot of squirrels, and we talked about just how versatile this little game animal is. Here are a few of our Timber2Table favorites. Just click on the recipe name for a link.

GET FRIED

Mention squirrel for dinner and most people immediately assume you plan to fry it. Good reasoning, since fried squirrel is hard to beat. We do it a couple different ways here at Timber2Table, from buttermilk soaked, pressure cooked, and pan fried to an extra crispy version any colonel would be proud to claim. Here are a couple recipe links for a classic fried squirrel. Make up some gravy and a few biscuits to go along with the squirrel and you have yourself one heck of a meal.

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Tender buttermilk fried squirrel All images by author

TENDER BUTTERMILK FRIED SQUIRREL

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Kentucky Fried Squirrel

KENTUCKY FRIED SQUIRREL

CAN’T-BEAT COMFORT FOOD

Nothing says comfort food to me like a good pot of dumplings, and squirrel is the perfect meat to go in them. This recipe works well for fox squirrels or older grays that might be a little too tough for other cooking methods. Just break out the slow cooker and let it do the work.

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Easy Slow Cooker Squirrel and Dumplings

EASY SLOW COOKER SQUIRREL AND DUMPLINGS

SAUCE IT UP

While crispy fried squirrel by itself or with gravy is hard to beat, try tossing it in your favorite sauce like spicy buffalo, sweet honey bourbon, or garlic parmesan.

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Crispy Sesame Squirrel Wings

CRISPY SESAME STICKY SQUIRREL WINGS

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Garlic Parmesan Fried Squirrel

GARLIC PARMESAN FRIED SQUIRREL

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Honey bourbon squirrel wings

HONEY BOURBON SQUIRREL WINGS

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Buffalo Fried Squirrel

BUFFALO FRIED SQUIRREL

TAKE IT TO THE BAYOU

Cajun folks have a reputation for making a great meal out of just about anything, and squirrel fits right in with this style of cooking. Break out the spices and go to town with these recipes.

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Cajun Squirrel and Sausage in Red Gravy Recipe

CAJUN SQUIRREL AND SAUSAGE IN RED GRAVY RECIPE

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Cajun Squirrel Dirty Rice Recipe

CAJUN SQUIRREL DIRTY RICE

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Squirrel Okra and Tomato Stew

SQUIRREL, OKRA, AND TOMATO STEW

HEAD SOUTH OF THE BORDER

Squirrel meat's mild flavor makes it the perfect carrier for spicy Mexican and Tex Mex style dishes. Roast a few peppers, break out the chips and salsa, and give these a shot.

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Squirrel and Green Chile Empanadas Recipe

SQUIRREL AND GREEN CHILE EMPANADAS RECIPE

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Slow Cooker Squirrel Tacos

SLOW COOKER SQUIRREL TACOS

GO INTERNATIONAL

Squirrel, either slow cooked and boned out or on-the-bone, is the perfect substitute for other meats in these international recipes. Break out of the same old routine and give these a shot for your next family meal.

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Squirrel and Mushroom Ravioli

SQUIRREL AND MUSHROOM RAVIOLI

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Thai Green Curry Squirrel

THAI GREEN CURRY SQUIRREL

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Squirrel Au Vin

SQUIRREL AU VIN

SLOW BRAISE IT TENDER

Squirrel meat has a reputation for being kind of tough once the animals reach a certain age. A slow braise in a flavorful liquid like apple cider will make even an ancient tree dweller tender and tasty.

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Hard Cider-Braised Squirrel and Mushrooms Recipe

HARD CIDER-BRAISED SQUIRREL AND MUSHROOMS RECIPE

HEAD TO THE LOW COUNTRY

Country Captain is a traditional Carolina Low Country stew with African roots. While chicken is the most popular version, a few squirrels give the classic dish a wild game twist.

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Squirrel Country Captain

SQUIRREL COUNTRY CAPTAIN

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FIRE UP THE GRILL

Summertime calls for grilling out and squirrel is an excellent protein source. Try marinating it overnight for both extra tenderness and flavor. Serve it over rice with grilled pineapple slices for an island twist.

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Hawaiian Grilled Squirrel

HAWAIIAN GRILLED SQUIRREL

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Jamaican Jerk Squirrel Recipe

JAMAICAN JERK SQUIRREL RECIPE

Squirrel hunting is a great way to enjoy the woods and it’s the perfect way to introduce a new hunter to the sport. Channel your inner kid, grab a .22 or your favorite shotgun, and hit the woods this fall. Give a few of these recipes a try. You might just want to head back out and fill up your freezer with bushy tails.

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