How to know if a rabbit is ok to eat

[becks]

Hi guys,

I know opinion is divided on whether or not to eat wild rabbit due to them being dirty or sick or whatever people worry about.

For those of you who do, what do you look for specifically to tell if it's Ok to eat?

I know looking at the photos of rabbits with myxomatosis and the rest of the things they release, the rabbits look like lepers when they have that.

Outside of being really crook looking though, I wouldn't know what to look for.

Thanks for any advice.

[tom604]

check its liver, if its got spots dont eat

[Noisydad]

Make sure they're dead first!

[Manimal]

Healthy organs and clean looking meat are the things to look for IMO.

Any signs of worms or discolouration, e.g. the liver like tom said, no go.

[Triang]

I think the thing that puts people off wild rabbit is the smell.

People often say they stink, but what do you expect of a critter that lives on the dirt in the wild

They seem to think the meat in the butcher just appears out of thin air like that, no cleaning required.

[Bark]

If it's delicious it's ok

They're all delicious!

[1290]

If it was nimbly moving before you shot it.... Its good to eat,
Wild rabbit is a tast sensation... only problem is theres not a great deal of meat.
I've heard clear eyes indicate its good, cloudy no go, but I've only ever seen clear..

It is said that they smell..compared to a fox, theyre rosey!
Oh, If you shot it with the 7mm; its probably no good to eat!!!

[DaleH]

My Dad always ensured I remembered the following:
1. Head shot only - if gut shot,throw it out. If Chest shot, keep the back half only
2. Spots on liver - throw it out
3. Milky eyes - throw it out
4. If shot with 44 mag, nothing left to worry about

[cruze82]

My Dad always ensured I remembered the following:
1. Head shot only - if gut shot,throw it out. If Chest shot, keep the back half only
2. Spots on liver - throw it out
3. Milky eyes - throw it out
4. If shot with 44 mag, nothing left to worry about

same rules on the money run with those you will have a great rabbit every time

[RDobber]

Oh, If you shot it with the 7mm; its probably no good to eat!!!

Rabbit soup?