How long will rabbits keep until i can get them in the "Cold Room"

[warbucks]

Hi Lads
Some of my furthest permission's are due for a visit (140 mile round trip), if say i shoot my first rabbit at 2pm, and carry on shooting till 3.30 am next day ie 13 1/2 hrs, if i gut the rabbits immediately after shooting and lay them out in a bread tray to cool will they keep until 4am when i can then drop them off in the "Cold Room".

Any advice on the above please.

Dave (warbucks)

[GoodWILLHunting]

I'd be cleaning them in the field and if they're kept out of the sun/heat they should keep well enough for 12 hours at this time of the year, but I personally am a month with R's kind of guy when it comes to shooting rabbits for eating.

[villaman]

Gut them that night and some use to hang them for a week . i can remember seeing them hanging in the butchers shops for week
So i think you have plenty of time

[Trumpetier]

large cool bags are cheap enough, I would take one with some ice packs in, just for peace of mind

[CapitalBee]

large cool bags are cheap enough, I would take one with some ice packs in, just for peace of mind

+1 for Meester Dave, the hot weather will turn them quickly, so the cooler the better

[Ali G]

Personally I don't like hanging them at all as definatley get a gamier taste. (to bitter for me)

I gut in the field then skin them last thing the same night ( much easier doing it then than when they have chilled for 24 hours) when they are fully cleaned and quartered I place them in a pot of very cold water ensuring they are fully covered with the water and i then add some salt and place in the fridge for 24 hours. After this they are washed and either frozen or eaten within 3 days.

Just my way of doing it and deffo taste different than hanging for an age .

Allan