I'm a few weeks into recovering from shoulder surgery. My right hand is mostly out of commission. So, I finally have some forced free time, and I can't go hunting because I can't figure out how to clean a squirrel with one only my left hand.
I can shoot a .22rf left handed near my house from a chair off of shooting sticks. But then what? Squirrels are not really easy to skin.
Maybe I can tie one hind leg to a string, to a tree. Stretch him out a bit and step on the other leg with my boot. Cut between the hind legs and under the tail. Step on the tail and pull off the skin with my left hand, maybe.

Check you tube for videos on skinning/cleaning squirrels. Lots of them on there and maybe one will give you a good idea....

^Thanks for the suggestion, that has led me to some ideas. I have an outdoor vice I use for sharpening chainsaw blades, that might make all the difference.

I saw on a show very recently a new to me way that looked worth trying. Guy just cut the underside of the base of the tail and through the bone, leaving as much skin intact. Then he just stepped on the tail, pulled the hind feet and the majority of hide came off. Al that was left was a point of hide going up the belly, down over the sides of the legs. Haven't tried it yet, but I will.

quote:

Originally posted by matt salm:
I saw on a show very recently a new to me way that looked worth trying. Guy just cut the underside of the base of the tail and through the bone, leaving as much skin intact. Then he just stepped on the tail, pulled the hind feet and the majority of hide came off. Al that was left was a point of hide going up the belly, down over the sides of the legs. Haven't tried it yet, but I will.

The above method works very well. You just have to be very careful to leave as much skin at base of tail uncut as you can. There are also little skinning contraptions that hold the feet that work very well, nailed to a tree or a board. I don't know where to buy one, but am sure you can find one on net.

Vise.
I have always used the step on the tail and pull up method; it will work for you as it only requires one hand, once you make the cuts. It does leave some skin on the legs. Have your wife take that part off.
Alternative; burn or scald and scrape, the hair off and cook the whole thing, skin on.

Been trying to figure out how to use your teeth...never mind. Don't you have a grandson to take with you? How about a good buddy? Time to call in a marker or two...

quote:

Originally posted by matt salm:
I saw on a show very recently a new to me way that looked worth trying. Guy just cut the underside of the base of the tail and through the bone, leaving as much skin intact. Then he just stepped on the tail, pulled the hind feet and the majority of hide came off. Al that was left was a point of hide going up the belly, down over the sides of the legs. Haven't tried it yet, but I will.

I have personally cleaned squirrels, both grey and fox varieties, using this method for over 50 years - it works like a charm.