Allowable time before skinning squirrel

[BRL]

What is the longest amount of time one can wait to skin/clean a squirrel, or any small game, after killing it? What if you hunt squirrels all day? How frequently should you stop hunting to clean the current kills?

Thanks for the input.

[mag shooter]

Welllllllllllllllllllll , it kind of depends on the temperature and your method of carry. I have a belt that I made with loops of 1/8 " cording that I use to carry mine on, I don't like a game bag . Regardless of temp. I gut mine as they hit the ground, hang them on the belt, I think that this helps cool them down quicker. I have hunted just about all day before with no problems. If it's a warm day, I just don't hunt all day, I wouldn't last even if the squirrels did!!!!! :wink:

[Graybeard]

The sooner the guts come out the better no matter the temp. But the colder the longer before it becomes mandatory. Also the longer you wait to skin them the more difficult it is to take it off. On an all day hunt I'd gut as I shot and skin when convenient.

[BRL]

Thanks for the replies. That will help me to stay in the woods a little longer. I guess a squirrel is easy enough to skin/gut on the spot. It only takes a minute or two. Then either wait or move on to the next spot.