Hot Smoked Small Game

With all the talk of big game cooking, someone needs to look out for the little guy. Small game cooking can be some of the best meals you'll ever have. If you were fortunate enough to bag a few rabbits and/or squirrels this past season, or if you plan on harvesting some this coming season, here is a quick and easy recipe to try for both animals.⁠⠀ ⁠⠀

Serves: 4-6⁠⠀

Cook Time: 1hr - 1.5hr

Step 1: Clean and prep your small game legs. (Recipe can be for any size and combination of legs - 10-12 Squirrel Legs⁠ or 8-10 Rabbit Legs⁠)

Step 2: Soak wood chips (or chunks) for 1 hour before preheating smoker⁠ (unless you’re using pellets)

Step 3: After 1 hour, Preheat smoker to 225 F and add in your pre-soaked wood chips to the smoker box (Just preheat with pellets loaded if you’re going the pellet route) ⁠⠀

Step 4: Season the legs with your preferred seasoning and place the legs in the smoker. Smoke for 1 hour or until the internal temp hits 160 F. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀

Step 5: After internal temp reaches 160 F, pull out legs and cover for 5-10 minutes.⁠⠀ ⁠⠀

Step 6: Coat legs in hot sauce and lightly salt. If you're into the spicy life, coat it pretty liberally with hot sauce. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀

Serve and impress all your friends. If the legs are too hot, dunk them in a little blue cheese or ranch dressing and serve with celery and carrots.⁠⠀