I was raised dirt poor on a dairy farm in Webster County, one room school house (1-8 grades) & all dirt roads. We ate a lot of critters back then.
Old tough squirrels - cut in pieces- put in cast iron skillet, cover with water. Add one heaping tablespoon bacon grease. Simmer until the water is gone, increase temp. & fry in the bacon grease till brown.
Wish I had some now if they were not so hard to skin.