Oldtimers will tell you not to eat rabbits till after the 1st frost anyway
True, but as someone who grew up chasingafter a pack of beagles my whole life and having killed literally thousaands of rabbits in my lifetime, I can tell you where that statement comes from. Colder season and frosting helps rid the rabbits of any warts, ticks, bugs, and other inhabitants that like to make their homes on the furry creatures in warm weather; it actually has nothing to do with the quality of the meat.