This video presents a great way to take the skin off a tough, old squirrel
What hunter doesn’t enjoy bagging a limit of bushy-tailed tree rodents? But as for the task of cleaning those tough little buggers – well, not so much. Jean Poirrier III, however, has no issues after the hunt. He uses a unique air pumping system for cleaning older, tougher squirrels.
After learning how compressors are useful in cleaning tough alligators, a light bulb went off in his head. He already had a fast, hairless method of cleaning squirrels. But with the quick extra step of pumping air, the squirrel’s hide just glides right off.
You can watch a video demonstration of both methods on the attached video.
It’s so quick, eight squirrels can be sizzling in grease in less than eight minutes. Shears, a compressor and a small, sharp knife are all that’s needed.
Here’s how he does it
Poirrier starts in a rhythmic pattern cutting off all four feet. Then, with a cut below the tail and through the backbone he steps on the tail and pulls the hide right off. Finally, he quickly slices the head off and the job is almost done.
If the squirrels are older and tougher, he’ll use his air compressor. He inserts a nozzle into the bullet hole to pump the squirrel up before starting the cleaning process.
During the process, Poirrier stresses to keep one hand clean at all times. If hair gets on a hand, he quickly rubs it off on his pants.
The secret trick to having a hairless squirrel is putting them in icy water immediately after skinning. Any stray hairs will rub right off after a cold soak before the skin’s fascia gets dry and sticky. He guts them last after the initial soak. Then he gives them a final rinse.
Click here for tips on hunting squirrels.
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