Grasp animal by hind legs and cut skin in a ring behind each paw.
Step2
Slide finger under the ring and tear skin along each leg to base of tail, until skin on both legs is removed.
Step3
Drag entire skin off animal, until it is pulled inside out over the head. The skin on forelegs will also pull off to the elbow.
Step4
Grab each forepaw at the elbow with one hand and poke a finger through skin from inside, behind the paw.
Step5
Pull hide off paw with one fast jerk.
Step6
Twist or cut head off to complete the job.
Dressing
Step1
Place skinned animal on its back and make a cut from tail to throat.
Step2
Cut pelvic bone and ribcage open. Make sure you don't cut into the intestines or genitals when cutting the pelvic bone.
Step3
Cut skin around anus and genitals to allow them to pull loose with the rest of the viscera.
Step4
Grasp viscera at top of ribcage and pull entire mass free through the pelvic opening.
Step5
Wash away any remaining blood or intestinal fluids.
Tips & Warnings
Rabbit can usually be cleaned without a knife. Just twist and tear skin around each hind leg to start the process.
Skin and dress small game as soon as possible after kill. If you must carry the game some distance, leave the skin on temporarily to protect the meat, but then dress animal right away.
Cut pelvis and ribs by slipping a good knife beneath the bones and cutting outwards.
Always allow game to cool before cooking. Place cleaned carcass in a pan of salty, cold water and leave for several hours to overnight. This reduces the gamy flavor of fresh meat and tenderizes it.
Never handle or eat any wild game that appears lethargic or diseased.
