Wild Game Recipes: Sherried Squirrel

Squirrel hunting is often one of the first ways young (and older) hunters get into hunting. Squirrels are plentiful – and while challenging to shoot, they are an excellent way to learn how to handle firearms, track an animal, then sight one in and take a clear shot. 

So, if you and your young ones hunt squirrels, what do you do with the meat harvest? While eating squirrels may not appeal to everyone, they can be quite tasty when prepared properly. 

Today, we share a recipe for sherried squirrel from Food.com. We'll also talk about the importance of applying best safety practices when hunting squirrels around your home or any other game!

Why Hunt Squirrels

As we mentioned, squirrel hunting can be an excellent entry-level way to get into hunting. Kids can hunt these small animals with a BB gun or air rifle. Once they master the hunt of the squirrel, they can graduate to larger firearms and game and accompany you out into the field. 

Squirrels can also be quite invasive. Hunting squirrels can help keep these pests out of homes or other areas where they cause damage to structures and gardens. 

Make Sure It's Legal

You can probably walk out into your backyard and find several squirrels within range. However, before you grab your air rifle and shoot, make sure it's legal. 

For example, you may need a license to hunt certain squirrel species. In Oregon, the western gray squirrel is a "game mammal" and requires a license. Hunters can only hunt them during the open season and must follow bag limit rules. 

However, the ground squirrel (while hunters must still have a license) can be hunted any time of year with no bag limits. So, before aiming at the squirrel in your yard, make sure it's not a western gray squirrel out of season if you live in Oregon!

Wild Game Recipes: Sherried Squirrel

Now that you know a little about the rules that could apply to hunting squirrels, we hope you're able to bring plenty of squirrel meat home! Spending a day hunting squirrels with your young hunter can be a great adventure. 

After returning home, here's a delicious recipe for your family to enjoy! It makes 4 to 6 servings and is approximately 385 calories per serving.

Prep time: 1-½ hour
Cook time: 1-½ hours

Ingredients for the Squirrel meat:

• 4 dressed squirrels, cut into pieces
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 8 ounces fresh mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Ingredients for the Brine:

• 2 quarts water
• 2 teaspoons vinegar
• 1 tablespoon salt

Ingredients for the Sherry Sauce: 

• 1/4 cup sherry wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 drops of your favorite hot sauce (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, in a large bowl, combine the brine ingredients with the meat. Cover the bowl and let it stand at room temperature for one hour.

Drain and discard the liquid. Then, pat the meat dry and set aside.

Place the flour, salt, and pepper in a plastic zipper bag. Add the meat and shake to coat.

Then, heat the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Increase the heat to medium-high and brown the squirrel pieces on all sides.

Next, add mushrooms to the meat and pan drippings in a 3-quart baking dish. Combine the sauce ingredients and pour over the meat and mushrooms.

Cover and bake until the meat is tender, about 1-1/2 hours. Enjoy!

Enjoy Safety and Sherried Squirrel With Your Family

We hope you'll try this sherried squirrel recipe with your family this year! It's one of our favorite wild game recipes for small game. You can also use rabbit meat with this recipe for a delicious meal. 

Before your next squirrel hunt, make sure you're safety certified. While it might seem like no big deal to grab a BB gun and shoot squirrels in the backyard, it's crucial to understand firearm safety principles and regulations regarding squirrel hunting in your area. A Hunter-Ed course helps you learn these valuable essentials to keep you safe and hunting within the law!

It's also good for young hunters to see you set a good example of responsible hunting. So, help carry on the tradition of sound hunting principles in your family! Find the course for your state and start learning. 

Originally published September 15, 2015. Content updated September 21, 2023.