If I've ever seen one I'd probably think about things differently but I've never seen one, I cleaned hundreds of rabbits and no encounters yet.

QuoteOriginally posted by Mike Mecredy:
If I've ever seen one I'd probably think about things differently but I've never seen one, I cleaned hundreds of rabbits and no encounters yet.

They're not intestinal parasites like roundworms. They are big maggots that live under the skin and feed on the animal. They're quite vile. If you find a big lump with an open sore on something you've killed, that might be one. Once their host is cold and dead, they crawl out. I recommend you try to never see this. It can't be unseen.

We have wolves in squirrels and rabbits down here near all year. I don`t eat the ones that have them but do eat the others.RC

QuoteOriginally posted by Night Wing:
Nice harvest of cottontail rabbits.

Here in Texas where I live, one really can't bowhunt rabbits until after the first frost. Our rabbits have worm parasites burrowing in the meat due to the extreme summer heat. We call these worms, "wolves".

Waiting on a frost is really just an old wive's tale.  Animals have parasites regardless of the weather. Frost won't kill them if they're close to the skin......if the animal got that cold, it would die of frost itself.

What really happens, is by the time winter hits, the parasite has completed its life cycle. Regardless, i wouldnt let it stop me from hunting n the summer if I was hungry.

about those bugs crawling out of dead bunnies I think there called Botts fly larve, seems thats what I remember

Deer and hogs has the same stuff ,just extra protien.I have seen the bot fly maggots before looks like somthing good for bluegill.  :rolleyes:

Woops double post.

Here is the type I've seen in rabbits.
Be warned!
Once you click this link you can not unsee the picture!
 cuterebra larvae  

Guy

Attaboy!

Oh man , are you kidding me>>>>>>>>  I am so jelous, we dont start until Oct 1 here in NY. Cant wait, I have a young gip that I started a few months ago as well as my lder dogs. Bring it on.  Mike

Great shooting!  You must have one heck of a spot!

These rabbits were so dumb the week before the opener, now they are busting from 50 yards out!

I managed one more and a huge jack yesterday on a long mountian bike scouting trip.  Saw some bucks and some great sign so I hope I will have an antlered critter to pack out in 9 days!

Good luck...

Growning up just a little west of Yosemite Natl' Park, I had a route I used to hunt and along there I had about a half dozen places that almost always had rabbits hanging out.  Then used either a .410 or a .22 but I'd usually get one or two at some of those spots.  They had year round springs nearby and lots of grass.  We used to have rabbit for supper several times a week back then.

hey Mike, Did you have a favorite recipe?

Thinnin' the herd like that TD is gonna leave 'em 'yotes hungry!

No wonder they respond to your callin' so well!

Good shootin' an' good eatin' on them cottontails!

Shoot straight, Shinken

 

I've quarterd them and made it like fried chicken, sort of breaded, I've ooked them whole on the bbq grill, cokked them on a stick over a campfire,  took all the meat off the bones and made stir fry or tacos, I can't really think of a favorite recipe, gilling them is easiest and healthiest, but I'd have to say the fried rabbit is the most tastey.

If you fry in almond meal it is MUCH healthier and still just as tasty!

I even do big batches of chicken wings in almond meal and they taste great...