You might be able to hunt squirrels on Sundays, but it really depends on where you live. Rules can change by state and even by county. Always check your local laws and the current hunting digest before you head out. Some areas say yes to Sunday squirrel hunting, while others still say no. Here’s what you need to know about where Sunday hunting is allowed, recent law changes, and the main regulations you should keep in mind.
If you’re planning a Sunday hunt, you’ll want to find out which states or counties have opened Sundays, what the season dates and hours are, and what licenses you need. Stay safe and legal by knowing the bag limits, what weapons are allowed, and property rules—nobody wants a ticket or a wasted drive.
Sunday Squirrel Hunting Laws and Recent Changes
Pennsylvania now lets hunters go after squirrels on many Sundays, thanks to a new law. The rules lay out which Sundays are open, where you can hunt, and when you need landowner permission.
Act 36 of 2025 and Sunday Hunting Legalization
Pennsylvania’s old blanket ban on Sunday hunting is gone because of Act 36 of 2025. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the law, and Rep. Mandy Steele pushed it through the House. Now, the Pennsylvania Game Commission can add more Sunday hunting days during established seasons. This doesn’t mean you can hunt every Sunday all year—just that the Game Commission can pick certain Sundays for things like squirrel season.
After the law kicked in, the Game Commission updated the 2025–26 hunting calendar. They want to give hunters more access while keeping things safe and following conservation standards. Groups like the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau supported the change, and the Game Commission believes it’ll help with funding and getting new hunters involved.
Permitted Sundays for Squirrel Hunting
For 2025, you get 13 Sundays between mid-September and early December when squirrel hunting is allowed, if the season is open. The first approved Sunday was Sept. 14, which was the second day of squirrel season. You can only hunt on these Sundays if it’s during an open season—if squirrel season is closed, it’s off-limits.
Some public lands set their own limits. State parks, for example, only allow hunting on three approved Sundays (in 2025, these dates were in November). Migratory game birds are off-limits on Sundays, so you can’t hunt doves or geese even if it overlaps with other seasons. Before you head out, check the Game Commission’s updated 2025–26 Hunting & Trapping Digest for the exact dates and any last-minute changes.
Landowner Permission and Trespassing Rules
You need landowner permission to hunt private property on Sundays, just like any other day. Trespassing laws still count; if land is posted “no hunting” or you don’t have permission, you can’t hunt there. For antlerless deer on Ag Tag properties, special rules apply, and you have to follow the tag and landowner agreement.
If you hunt without permission or ignore posted signs, you could get fined or lose your hunting privileges under Pennsylvania law. It’s smart to carry written permission if you can, know the property lines, and stick to any rules the landowner sets. Not sure about something? Call the Pennsylvania Game Commission or check the hunting digest.
Essential Regulations and Best Practices for Hunting Squirrels on Sundays
Check your local rules before you go. Make sure you know the season dates, where you’re allowed to hunt, what license you need, and how many squirrels you can take.
Squirrel Hunting Season and Approved Locations
Squirrel seasons aren’t the same everywhere, so double-check for your county. Some states run their seasons from late summer through winter, while others split them up for gray and fox squirrels. Public wildlife management areas usually post season dates online. Private land might let you hunt Sundays even if public land doesn’t, but you’ll need written permission from the landowner.
If you’re thinking about hunting out of state, look up that state’s regulations before you travel. Check official wildlife agency pages and local guides for the details. Some WMAs or parks might close or limit hunting on Sundays, so always confirm.
Required Licenses and Daily Bag Limits
You’ll need a valid hunting license and maybe a small game permit, depending on your state. In a lot of places, the general hunting license covers small game, but some states want a separate stamp or permit for squirrels. Keep your license on you so you can show it if asked.
Most states set daily bag limits between 5 and 10 squirrels, but it varies by state and species. Go over the limit and you risk fines or losing your license. Learn your local limit and keep track as you hunt. If you’re not sure, call your state wildlife agency before heading out.
Hunting Hours and Public Land Rules
Most places let you hunt from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, but some states set exact legal shooting times. Follow the posted hours for the WMA or public land you’re using; some spots restrict Sunday hunting on public land even when it’s allowed on private.
On public land, pay attention to maps and signs so you don’t wander into restricted zones, like nature preserves or areas near homes. Some WMAs want you to check in or follow special rules for Sunday hunting. Bring proof of land designation and the rules with you to avoid any surprises.
Ethical and Safe Small Game Hunting
Go for quick, humane shots, and pick the right firearm or air rifle for squirrels. Practicing your aim matters—it helps you choose a distance where you won’t just wound the animal.
Respect the habitat. Try not to trample sensitive areas, and definitely don’t leave trash behind.
Stick to safety rules. If the law says so, wear visible clothing. Always keep your muzzle pointed somewhere safe, and double-check your target (and whatever’s behind it).
Don’t forget about private property or those church and school buffer zones, especially on Sundays. Local laws can get pretty specific.
Ethical hunters pay attention to bag limits and hunting seasons. It’s just part of keeping squirrel populations healthy.
