How to Freeze a Squirrel Using a Vacuum Seal 
To preserve your squirrel, one way is to learn how to freeze a squirrel using a vacuum seal. You can cut the squirrel once it’s frozen and thaw it out. Or, you can freeze it in chunks. Regardless of your method, you’ll need some kind of zip-tock freezer storage bag. You can double bag the zipper tocks. Here are some helpful hints for preserving squirrels:
Recipe
A squirrel is a wonderful game animal that can be found throughout the continental United States. It is available in a variety of recipes and is tender. This recipe will help you freeze squirrel and use it later in many of the same ways you would freeze other game meats. Besides being tasty, squirrel meat is a great source of protein.
After freezing, you can thaw it out in the fridge or freezer and then slice it. Squirrel meat can be stored for a few days in the fridge. If you plan on freezing it for several months, you can place it in a plastic Ziploc storage bag. Alternatively, you can also marinate it in a brine to make it more tender.
To brine squirrel, you will need an airtight container with cold water and canning salt (or regular salt). Add the squirrel to the brine solution and seal it tightly. After a few hours, you can remove it from the bag and serve it.
Technique
Freezing squirrels using a vacuum seal is a great way to preserve gamey meat. Squirrels are common throughout the continental U.S., and the meat is great for many dishes. This is a great way to preserve your food without having to spend money on a trip to the meat market. Plus, squirrel meat is more readily available than other game meats. But what should you do to preserve it?
First, add a tablespoon of oil and 2 tablespoons of fat to the sous vide bag. Put the squirrel into the sous vide unit, set it to 155 degrees for six hours, and cover it with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent evaporation. Once the squirrel is ready, remove it from the vacuum seal bag and transfer it to a platter. You can also add seasoned flour to a cast-iron skillet and fry the meat until it is fork-tender.
Double bag your zip tock freezer storage bags
Invest in Ziploc freezer storage bags if you are planning on storing your squirrels for later use. The bags come in different sizes: 2 gallons, half-gallon, quart, pint, and snack size. Many brands even offer multipacks. Choose the size that best suits your needs. Make sure you double bag your zip tock freezer storage bags to freeze squirrels.
Handling squirrels
Using a vacuum seal can help preserve your squirrels without compromising their quality or flavor. If you want to freeze the meat for later use, follow these simple steps. First, make sure the meat is skinned and dressed immediately after shooting. Next, chill it for 24 to 36 hours or until the meat is no longer rigid. You can also freeze it for a couple of months to keep it fresher. However, if you are storing the meat for later use, the best thing to do is use it within three to four days.
To prepare your frozen squirrels, start by separating them into separate pieces. Some animals can be chopped into five pieces, such as squirrels. Rabbits, muskrats, and porcupines can also be divided in this way. When cutting squirrels, keep in mind that the back legs are attached to the body through ligaments, while the front legs are disconnected by ball joints. Once the back legs are removed, you can cut the body into two pieces by cutting across the rib cage. Ensure that you do not nick the muscles by cutting above the loins.
Storing rabbits in zip tock freezer storage bags
Freezing storage bags are the perfect way to store your rabbit in a cold storage facility. These bags are designed to prevent freezer burn and ensure your rabbit’s safety during storage. Zip tock freezer storage bags are also convenient for storing snacks, including rabbits. Each bag should be labeled with a date and the contents. When storing rabbits in a zip tock freezer storage bag, be sure to make sure you place a hole in the air tube to prevent trapped air.
How do you freeze a squirrel using a vacuum seal?
By using a special vacuum sealer designed for freezing you can seal the squirrel in an airtight bag and prevent freezer burn.
How long does it take to freeze a squirrel using vacuum seal?
It usually takes about 24 hours for a squirrel to freeze completely.
What are the benefits of freezing a squirrel using vacuum seal?
Freezing a squirrel using vacuum seal can help to preserve the meat and prevent freezer burn.
Are there any drawbacks to freezing a squirrel using vacuum seal?
Some people believe that freezing a squirrel using vacuum seal can cause the meat to become tough.
How do you properly thaw a frozen squirrel?
It is best to thaw a frozen squirrel in the refrigerator allowing it to thaw slowly and evenly.
What happens if you thaw a frozen squirrel too quickly?
If you thaw a frozen squirrel too quickly, the meat may become tough and dry.
Can you refreeze a thawed squirrel?
You can refreeze a thawed squirrel, but it is best to cook it first to preserve the quality of the meat.
How do you cook a frozen squirrel?
Cooking a frozen squirrel is best done byslow-cooking methods such as roasting or stewing.
What are some other ways to prepare squirrel?
In addition to cooking squirrel can also be prepared by smoking grilling or frying.
What is the best way to clean a squirrel before cooking it?
The best way to clean a squirrel is to gut it and remove the entrails.
Then you can wash it with soap and water.
Do you have to remove the fur from a squirrel before cooking it?
No you do not have to remove the fur from a squirrel before cooking it.
The fur will usually come off during the cooking process.
What is the best way to store squirrel meat?
The best way to store squirrel meat is to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the freezer.
How long does squirrel meat last in the freezer?
Squirrel meat will last for up to six months in the freezer.
Can squirrel meat be canned?
Yes squirrel meat can be canned.
However, it is important to follow proper canning procedures to ensure the meat is safe to eat.
What are some other uses for squirrels?
In addition to being eaten squirrels can also be used for their fur or as bait for fishing.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
