Snowshoe Hare

[solidago]

While grouse hunting last weekend I shot a snowshoe hare (I seemed to flush one hare for every two grouse). It was a bunny, and I was quite excited to try it out and see how it compared to the tasty cottontails I shot and ate growing up. It was tender, but gamy as hell, and I regretted throwing it in the pot with my grouse. The next day when I had a guaranteed shot at one, I didn't pull the trigger. Did I just have a bad one (I might have spilled the bladder - it has been a while since I have dressed a rabbit)?

[Big Guy01]

Snow shoe hares can be very gamy. I clean mine as soon as I shoot one. Once home soak in cold water with a bay leaf and a Tbs. salt overnight in the fridge. This will draw out any strong flavoured blood. Try this recipe . You'll be hooked on them.

Big Guy Hasenpfeffer
2 rabbits cut into sections
½ cup flour
1 Tsp. basil
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. black pepper
½ cup cooking oil
1 clove garlic chopped
½ cup water
2 tbs. wine vinegar
1 tbs. honey
1 tbs. parsley chopped
1 cup sour cream
1 tbs. sugar
Combine basil , salt , pepper and rub into rabbit pieces. Brown rabbit pieces in oil with garlic. In a separate pan combine water , vinegar , sugar ,and honey simmer for 3 minutes but do not boil. Pour over rabbit in skillet. Bake in 325 degree oven for 2 hr. or until tender . Stir in sour cream and bake for another 5-6 minutes , sprinkle with parsley and serve.

[solidago]

Thanks for the recipe and the tip for getting rid of some of the gamy flavor of the hare - I'll pull the trigger next time and try both of them out! I'd hate to give up on these guys as they seem especially abundant this year up in the Adirondacks where I hunt.