rabbits and wood pigeon needed - yorkshire

[sccadmin]

Hi All,

I'm off on Cub Camp 21st and 22nd May with my pack from 2nd Otley and have been asked to organise a outdoor cooking activity. I did one last Cub Camp where we prepared whole Rainbow Trout, removing the fins, gutting, filleting etc and then making grills and cooking them over the fire.

This time I'd like to do Rabbits and Wood Pigeon, ideally starting from the whole animal. My problem is I don't have anywhere to shoot at the moment and can't find a local supplier who will do whole carcasses. I really want the Cubs to get the full experience.

Anyone have any ideas on where I might be able to get hold of around 5 of each? I could do it with 2 of each at a push. - I'll happily pay for them.

Also, if I do manage to get hold of full carcasses how should I best store them? I usually dress Rabbits out as soon as possible to ensure the meat isn't tainted, again I'd prefer the Cubs to do this.

Any advice welcome and thanks in advance.

Cheers

Rich

 

[stovie]

I'm too far away to help out directly Rich, but contact local landowners and see if any of them have gamekeepers...mine are only too willing to part with feathered and furry beasts for the benefit of scouts etc.

As for storing them, I usually paunch and freeze the rabbits skin on, and the pigeons go in whole un-drawn. If you want them to paunch the rabbits then you've got to time the kill about 24hrs prior to camp...

Sorry I cannot be much more help...Good luck and enjoy.

 

[sccadmin]

Thanks Stovie, good idea, there are a few Estates in the local area I can try, hopefully someone might be able to point me in the right direction of one thats Scouts friendly.

I guess if you freeze the Rabbits whole the guts will expand and perforate thereby spoiling the meat as it defrosts? My parents have a large garden where I've bagged the odd Rabbit but the conditions have to be just right (quiet garden, confident Rabbits, pellet managing to be on target!) for me to bag anything and I usually come away empty handed. I need more practice. I'll definitely try the day before though.