How to Eat Wild Rabbit

Reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward

Last Updated: August 22, 2024

Wild rabbits can decimate an unfenced garden and level every barely-edible piece of green. By killing and eating these rabbits, you not only protect the native vegetation, but also get the nutrients from the plants they ate. Here are some tips on killing, preparing, and eating these animals.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Hunting the rabbit

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If you're in an area where guns are tolerated, a .22 works well, with good accuracy. Typically, cottontail ("bunny") rabbits don't run away to escape; they "hide", often in plain sight behind the nearest bush, giving you a clear shot. Head shots are best, especially with anything more powerful than an airgun, as even a .22 will destroy meat, making rabbits more difficult to butcher. There are also ways to trap them.
A crossbow bolt, BB, or a bullet through its brain works, as well as beheading it.

Part 2

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Preparing the rabbit

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Also cut off the head.
Grab one of the front legs by the muscle, and peel off the skin. This is similar in manner to removing a sock from a foot. If you're not going to use it, compost it, as with other parts that you won't eat. A quick, strong pull on the tail will usually suffice to get the white piece of fur off it, if it didn't come off with the rest (it usually doesn't).
Then cut between the hind legs to expose the end of the small intestine.
4
Remove the guts, keeping the liver and kidneys, if desired. The organ meats are tasty, but can be quite "gamey" as well, depending on the animal's diet (for that matter, the whole animal is sometimes unpalatably gamey, but still edible).
- (Keeping the liver, a real delicacy!)
- Remove the greenish gland embedded in the liver, making sure not to puncture it, so the bile doesn't taint the meat.
- If you do want to remove some of the gamey flavors, soak your meat in buttermilk for an hour or so. It’ll help break the meat down a bit and mask the gaminess.

Part 3

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Cooking the rabbit

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This can be done with or without flouring or breading it first, but pan-frying is a first step to many rabbit recipes. It, of course, can be eaten at this point without further preparation, especially if you're hungry; and if the meat is too gamey, you may want to find out now before putting it into a stew.
3
At this point, if there's anything left, de-bone the rabbit and prepare it according to your favorite recipe.
- For example, pan-fry the rabbit in some wine, then some water. Let it cook for 45 minutes, adding the water gradually over the cooking time. Just be sure that it never runs out of water or it may burn. When done, turn off the heat and cover the rabbit pieces with lemon tree leaves (5-10 leaves). Leave the rabbit covered in lemon leaves with the pot closed, for 5-10 minutes, so that the aroma of the lemon gets into the meat. Then remove the leaves (they are not edible). Delicious!

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Can I eat rabbit that's been bitten by a rattlesnake?

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No, that would be a very bad idea. There is a large possibility that the rabbit could have been poisoned. That is not a risk that you would want to take.

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Can I eat rabbit all year around?

Maddy1229

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Most definitely. Just be sure to hunt at the appropriate time of the year according to your state, county or parish fish and game regulations. You might also need a hunting license.

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Can I boil a rabbit?

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Yes. Rabbit stew or just plain boiled rabbit is delicious when you add a few herbs and vegetables for flavor.

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Tips

Cottontails are active at dawn and dusk more than during the heat of the day. Then again, those found in the afternoon heat are likely to be sluggish and less aware.

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During a full moon, or if using night vision goggles, night hunting can be very productive.

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Follow all local and state laws when harvesting wild game.

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Warnings

Be careful to remove any BBs or bullets as soon as possible. Metal poisoning and cracked teeth can occur.

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To avoid risk of parasite infestation, always cook rabbits "well done" before eating. For the same reason, compost what you don't use, rather than giving them to dogs or other domestic animals.

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Care should be taken when composting animal parts to ensure safety of the finished compost. Some areas, such as water conservation districts, have laws against composting animal parts. Check with local law enforcement for acceptable disposal methods.

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Rabbits carry ticks or other vermin which can cause disease (tularemia and bubonic plague, for example), particularly in May to August. Wear appropriate protective clothing while carrying and butchering them. Certain rabbits have the risk of carrying Tularemia, or rabbit fever. This is a disease caused by bacterium, that can be transmitted to humans via skin contact and through the respiratory tract. It is advised that you wear disposable gloves and a mask.

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