Yep, you're right on the money PD. I just don't think I could bring meself to partake in it somehow We were a bit spoilt, looking back. The 'old man' never went much on brains, lambs fry, heart etc (I know, I know, some of you will argue it's the best part )  he always reckoned that if he had to eat that stuff then he kill another one!
So, as a result, us kids didn't have to worry about it either. As I mentioned - a bit spoilt probly! Don't worry, there wasn't much wasted just the same, the offal was always used by someone in the family. By gee's boar'd be pretty rank wouldn't it  Or, like you said, maybe it was the water How'd ya have the mutton birds, in a pie?

Mikel,
Grandad always used to take us kids fish'in on a place called 'Bedwell Downs', knowing you've been about the area, you're likely familiar with the name at least.
I haven't wet a line up there since we were kids I'd say, up on the Macintyre. But as you'd well know - it used to make for some fine fish'in & camp'in.
By hell I had a laugh when ya wondered why that hare mighta been so rank, funny stuff that . I've only tried hare in rissoles (minced the back 1/2 of 'em) & they we're pretty passable.
Talking about you're Mum, some of those women really knew how to cook didn't they? My Nan would be the best cook in our family hands down & that's looking at both sides (my Aunt - Nan's sister, by comparrison, could barely make mashed spuds . She doesn't cook much now, unfortunately, but ya know, she could turn her hand to just about anything & just cook it to perfection, wether it be rabbit, sponges, steamed puddings, whatever. I guess some just seem to be pre disposed to the art. I'd say just about every family can claim a really good cook, somewhere in amongst them - one that stands out. And they worked bloody hard didn't they. Anyone using today's modern appliances would still struggle to go 'round em.
Better move along anyhow. I really enjoy the yarns. I have a bloody good laugh at most . Being from the younger generation, I can't recall first hand, as you fella's can but a lot of those yarns would strike a similar chord with my grandparents, uncles/ aunts etc. Aside from the humour, there are some terrific stories of early living & working. I try & read 'A Fortunate Life' every now & then, by gee's it keeps ya grounded!
Allright, better give it a rest.
Hooroo for now

G'day PD,
Yeah, I reckon there'd have to be better options than stick'in ya hand down a burra , when it's know snake country Nearly makes me hair stand up think'in about it - ya could forget the chicks in that burra, they'd be gone for sure!
Never mind the omega 3, a bird a week'd keep ya as regular as you'd want, & anything more'd be downright dangerous by the sounds
What sort of work did ya partake? One thing about the mutton birds, they'd make the fish look pretty good!
Hooroo for now

Yeah mikel, well your post put a smile on me face, must say I did a bit of growing and learning on Flinders too but we won't go there, (but it was fun.)
You're right about mutton birds (aka Sheerwaters) they're an acquired taste, in Tassie you can buy them salted or in brine, not for those with a touchy tummy.
I worked for a mob doing land clearing for soldier resettlement farms, we chained down miles and miles of Ti-Tree scrub with Caterpillar D9's  which was stacked and burnt then the whole area ploughed with huge tandem ploughs behind D7's. Read years later that the farms weren't viable, totally unsuitable for farming and the strong salt laden winds just blew every thing away. Now they're trying to repair the damage we did without success.
pd

  yep, good post Mikel. Good bit of humour there. The old days eh.........

No but have seen a few Black Cockatoo's lately.
Seems the galah is stewed
Kev