You can usually hunt squirrels during deer season, but the rules and safety steps really depend on your state and the specific hunting area. Check your state regulations and throw on some required blaze orange so you stay legal and safe when small-game season overlaps with deer hunting.
Let’s talk about when these seasons actually overlap, what gear and licenses you’ll need, and how to avoid any run-ins with deer hunters on public land.
We’ll go over legal limits, safety tips, and how to quickly find the exact dates for your area.
Can I Squirrel Hunt During Deer Season?
You can often hunt squirrels while deer season is open, but the rules change depending on your state and zone.
Check which weapons are allowed, required orange, and bag limits before you head out.
Overlapping Seasons and State Differences
Squirrel seasons usually run from late summer into winter in many states, so there’s a lot of overlap with deer seasons.
Some states open squirrel season as early as August and keep it open through January or even later. Others set more specific small-game dates.
That means you might legally hunt gray squirrels or fox squirrels on the same day as firearm deer seasons in your WMAs or zones.
State wildlife agencies set dates by species and by hunting zone.
For example, a state might allow squirrel hunting statewide but restrict firearms on certain public WMAs during the busiest deer weeks.
Always check your state’s current regulation booklet or website for exact season dates and zone maps before you go out.
Key Hunting Regulations to Know
Weapon restrictions, clothing rules, and legal hunting hours matter most when both seasons overlap.
Many states limit squirrel hunting to .22 rimfire, air rifles, or shotguns. Some allow the same firearms used for deer.
During deer firearms season, you might need to use only certain calibers or shot sizes for small game.
Wearing blaze orange is often mandatory for all hunters during deer season, though sometimes only for those hunting deer.
Bag limits and possession limits differ—squirrels usually have higher daily limits than deer, but once you hit that number, you’re done for the day.
Check rules about baiting, using dogs, and night hunting. Some WMAs ban small-game hunting during certain deer periods.
Required Licenses and Permits
You’ll usually need a general hunting license to hunt squirrels.
Some states ask for a separate small-game license or stamp, while others include small game under a single license.
You don’t need deer tags to hunt squirrels, but you must carry whatever hunting license your state requires.
Combo licenses that cover both small game and big game can save you money if you’re after both deer and squirrels.
Youth or apprentice hunter rules can be different—young hunters sometimes get special permits or reduced fees.
Always carry your license and any required tags with you while hunting.
Public vs. Private Land Rules
Rules often change between public WMAs and private land.
Public lands may have special closures, different weapon rules, or quota hunts during deer season that limit squirrel hunting.
Some WMAs prohibit small-game hunting during peak deer weeks for safety or management reasons.
On private land, you still have to follow state laws, but landowners can set extra restrictions or give written permission.
If you hunt both deer and squirrels on leased ground or through a club, double-check any zone-specific WMA rules and see if blaze orange is required for everyone.
Important Rules and Safety for Squirrel Hunting During Deer Season
You’ve got to follow safety rules, legal limits, and use allowed gear to stay legal and avoid accidents.
Wear the right clothing, know your daily and possession limits, hunt only during legal hours, and use the right weapons for your area.
Safety Precautions and Blaze Orange Requirements
Wear blaze orange when regulations call for it, especially on public land or during overlapping deer seasons.
A blaze orange vest or cap is pretty standard. Some states just want an orange cap, others want a full vest or jacket during deer shotgun periods.
Always assume other hunters are somewhere nearby.
Identify your target and what’s behind it before you pull the trigger.
Stick to a gun safety routine: keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, finger off the trigger until you’re ready, and keep safeties on when moving.
Bring a whistle, cell phone, or radio, and let someone know where you’ll be hunting and when you’ll be back.
On public land, make yourself visible when moving between stands or tree lines.
If you use a tree stand, put on a full-body fall-arrest harness and check straps and anchors before climbing up.
Bag Limits and Possession Limits
Bag limits tell you how many squirrels you can take per day.
Many states set a daily bag limit (say, 5 squirrels per day) and a possession limit (maybe 10 in possession).
These numbers change by state and zone, so always check your state wildlife agency for the exact numbers.
Possession limits mean the total number you can legally have with you, not just what you took that day.
If you move between zones, follow the stricter rule.
If you break bag or possession limits, you could get fined or lose your license.
Jot down any special rules for youth hunts or seasons that overlap with deer hunts.
Some areas suspend squirrel hunting during certain deer shotgun weeks; others allow it but add orange or distance rules.
Check the current year’s regulations before you head out.
Legal Hunting Hours
Legal hours usually run from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset for small game.
Some states stick to those hours for squirrels, while others set slightly different times.
Check the exact legal shooting hours in your hunting zone.
Hunting on Sundays or during closed days might not be allowed in some regions.
Special hunts like youth or managed hunts can change hours or open days.
Hunting outside legal hours can get you fined or even banned from future hunting.
Always check sunrise and sunset times for your specific date and location.
Use a reliable app or the state wildlife website so you don’t accidentally hunt outside allowed times.
Approved Hunting Methods and Equipment
States set their own rules for which weapons you can use when hunting squirrels. Most places let you use shotguns, but usually only with birdshot—think #1 size or smaller.
Bows are also common; you’ll see both recurve and compound types allowed. Sometimes you can use a crossbow, but you’ll probably need a special permit for that. Muzzleloaders are an option in some areas, though not everywhere.
A few states let hunters use small-caliber rifles or handguns. Others, though, put strict limits on rifles, especially in certain zones.
If you’re into archery, double-check that your arrows and broadheads fit the law. Crossbows come with their own set of rules, so don’t skip the permit if your state asks for it. With shotguns, stick to the legal shot size—using anything too powerful can land you in trouble.
Skip any illegal tricks like traps, nets, or arrows with explosives or poison. Never hunt from a moving vehicle. States also have rules about baiting, spotlighting at night, and hunting from roads, so be sure to look those up.
Keep your gear in good shape and always handle it safely. That way, you lower your chances of accidents or wounding animals.
