eating rabbits

[HIG541]

Is there solid truth to the adage "only eat rabbits in the months containing an R"

I live in southern california area.

[NapalmCheese]

Nope. It's a long standing myth handed down from generation to generation with little thought given as to why it should be considered 'fact'. (Same as with oysters)
Eat them whenever you like. Check the liver on every rabbit, if it's spotty maybe don't eat it.

Rabbits in the summer are more likely to have weird skin issues. These aren't a big deal, and when cooked the rabbit is fine, but unappetizing while cleaning. If the liver looks weird the rabbit has something else going on (Tularemia?), but my understanding is that if well cooked it's still fine. Wear gloves while cleaning the rabbit and try to avoid any fleas or ticks that might be on it.

Braise or stew your summer rabbits so that they are thoroughly cooked but not dry and you won't have any problems. That is my understanding at least.

[zerohour714]

I would say that's a wives tale. I just ate one last night from this last weekends hunt (nice jack). My buddy calls me a redneck for eating them but if prepared well they are just fine.

Another thing to look for is boils on the meat. If consumed this can lead to liptospirosis which can make you sick as hell. As with any meat you plan to consume, check it first.

[stoeger562]

rabbits are rodents

[NickTheGreek]

rabbits are rodents

No, they are not rodents.

[NapalmCheese]

rabbits are rodents

Who cares if they taste good?

[hikingwithguns]

They are lagomorphs.

Just inspect before you eat, and wear gloves. 99% are going to be ok.

I eat squirrels as well which are rodents. All good if braised correctly.

[turkeyenchilado]

Old wives tale just check the liver for spots. And enjoy they are tasty

[MJB]

Clean, wash them good and get them on ice. You'll find most bot fly larva are in the skin.

I always soak them in salt & water to get the blood out......it really improves the flavor.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1xbA-eHazpo

[Bull Elk]

Yummy.....taste just like "chicken"! Isn't that what everyone says? Cottontails are okay to eat, but I've tried enough jack's to know not to bother eating them. Just me. And, I'll say the same for Striped bass. I had to deal with internal worms too many times to even bother, but I always find someone to take them off my hands.

[PoorRichRichard]

I love eating rabbit! Gettin' stoked for the upcoming Tuesday opener!!! My favorite/fastest way to cook cottons is to remove rear legs and back straps, soak in freezer bag with half a can of bud light (any light beer will do) and 2-3 thick slices of onion for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Remove, pat 'em down a bit with a paper towel, and barbeque with any flavor of Sweet Baby Ray's. Tastes AWESOME!!!

[thomashoward]

check the liver for spots. And enjoy they are tasty

Presence of discolored ring on liver is a diseased rabbit. Better while young they can be brined or cooked like chicken caccetore
believe the old time ways

[Billy88]

I used to raise them and I have never heard that. Not true. At least my family ate them year round. Feed them right and fatten them up, that's good eating. You don't want the skinny jack rabbit that usually don't have enough meat on them to even both with.

[HIG541]

thanks all! great response and I appreciate it. can't wait

[momopi]

Can anyone clarify the legality of hunting rabbits in LA County with an air rifle?

I've read multiple conflicting opinions on this subject.