You can hunt squirrels on certain Sundays in Pennsylvania, but you’ve got to stick to the dates and rules set by the Game Commission. Pennsylvania now lets hunters get out on select Sundays during established seasons—just remember to check the official Sunday dates and, if you’re on private land, get the landowner’s permission first.
So, which Sundays are open? What game can you actually hunt? And are there weird location restrictions, like in state parks or forests? This article covers the approved Sunday dates, license and bag limits, and the rules you’ll need to know to keep things legal and safe.
Sunday Squirrel Hunting Laws and Opportunities in Pennsylvania
You can hunt squirrels on select Sundays in Pennsylvania, but the dates, land rules, and permissions really matter. Law changes have opened up more Sunday hunting, but there are still limits on where and when you can hunt.
Legality of Squirrel Hunting on Sundays
You can hunt squirrels on approved Sundays as long as the squirrel season is open. The Pennsylvania Game Commission lets you hunt any in-season game on those dates—just not migratory game birds.
If you hunt outside those approved Sundays, you still have to follow regular season dates and bag limits in the Pennsylvania hunting digest. You need to carry a valid Pennsylvania hunting license and stick to all season and safety rules, no matter what day you’re out there.
Act 36 of 2025 and Recent Legislative Changes
Act 36 of 2025 finally got rid of the old ban on Sunday hunting. House Bill 1431, sponsored by Rep. Mandy Steele, kicked it off, and Governor Shapiro signed it into law on July 9, 2025.
This law now gives the Pennsylvania Game Commission the power to pick which Sundays you can hunt and to set the rules. It also increased trespass penalties and updates appear in the 2025-26 hunting & trapping digest.
Approved Sunday Hunting Dates for Squirrel Season
The Game Commission picked specific Sundays for the 2025-26 seasons. These dates apply to squirrel hunting if the season is open. The approved dates are:
- September 14, 21, 28
- October 5, 12, 19, 26
- November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- December 7
Before you go, check the current Seasons and Bag Limits page for any updates or changes.
Where You Can Hunt: Public, Private Lands, and Permissions
You can hunt in state forests on all Sundays the Game Commission approves. State parks are stricter—only a few specific park dates are allowed for 2025-26, mostly in November.
On private land, you need written permission from the landowner to hunt on Sundays. The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and landowners sometimes set extra rules, so always carry written permission and your ID. Respect property boundaries and trespass laws—Act 36 bumped up penalties for hunting where you shouldn’t.
Essential Rules, Exceptions and Additional Considerations
You’ve got to follow the season dates, bag limits, legal hunting hours, and have the right licenses. Some places and species have even stricter Sunday rules, so double-check local regulations before you head out.
Squirrel Season Dates, Bag Limits, and Hours
The Pennsylvania Game Commission splits squirrel season into fall and winter. The fall season usually runs from mid-September to late November. The winter season goes from mid-December through the following September, with a short spring break for breeding.
Exact dates change every year, so check the 2025-26 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest for the official calendar.
You can bag up to six squirrels per day. Legal hunting hours run from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset, unless the digest says otherwise for your area.
Keep track of your take and stop hunting when you hit the daily limit.
License Requirements and Hunting Equipment
You need a valid Pennsylvania General Hunting License to hunt squirrels. If you’re trapping or after furbearers, you might need a furtaker license.
Hunters ages 12–16 have to complete hunter-trapper education or hunt with a mentored permit. Rules and permit forms are in the PGC digest.
You can use shotguns, rifles, muzzleloaders, air rifles, and bows—as long as you follow the caliber and safety rules. For rimfire rifles, check the digest for caliber restrictions. Some small calibers or ammo types might be off-limits for safety or ethical reasons.
Don’t forget to carry your license and any required permits while you’re out hunting.
Sunday Hunting Restrictions: Migratory Game Birds and State Parks
Sunday hunting rules shift depending on the county and the species you’re after. You might get the green light for squirrel hunting on Sundays, but when it comes to migratory game birds—think ducks and doves—the federal and state timelines take charge.
These birds often come with their own Sunday restrictions. The 2025-26 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest should have the latest word on any county-specific Sunday closures for migratory game birds.
Some places—like state parks, state game lands, or even certain municipal zones—might ban or limit Sunday hunting, even if the county says it’s fine. Always double-check what’s allowed on the particular piece of land where you want to hunt.
If you’re looking at lands managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, you’ll want to go through their maps and regulations. They’ll spell out Sunday access and any rules tied to specific species.
