How to Cook Opposums Over a Campfire

When on a long camping trip, small game can serve as a vital source of protein and energy, provided you are able to hunt or trap it. One game animal that may not be the top of your list in terms of probable food sources is the opossum. Its meat can be used in place of rabbit and chicken in recipes. As with most of your meals, you will likely be cooking the opossum over a campfire, making proper preparation of the animal ahead of time a vital task.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Knife
  • Salt
  • Campfire pan
  • Cutting board
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 1 chopped red pepper
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 chopped egg
  • 1 cup salt
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • Frying pan
  • Skewers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Immerse the opossum in very hot -- but not boiling -- water for one minute.

    • 2

      Remove the opossum from the water and use a dull knife to gently scrape the hair from the animal. Do not break the skin.

    • 3

      Cut a slit from the opossum's throat to the hind legs and remove its entrails and internal organs. Set the fat strips aside for later.

    • 4

      Wash the opossum thoroughly inside and out in hot water. Immerse it in a pot of cold water to which you have added your cup of salt and let it sit overnight.

    • 5

      Drain the opossum of the salt water in the morning and rinse thoroughly with clear boiling water.

    • 6

      Melt the butter in a frying pan and add the chopped onion. When the onion begins to brown, add the pepper, Worcestershire sauce, chopped egg, and breadcrumbs. Add salt and water to moisten.

    • 7

      Stuff the opossum with the mixture and seal the opening shut with skewers. Add it to your campfire pan and add 2 tablespoons of water. Roast over the open fire, basting it with its own fat, until the meat is very tender and browned. Serve with the side dish of your choice.