You can hunt squirrels on Sundays in Pennsylvania in a lot of places, but the details depend on where you go. Always check local laws and public-land rules before you plan a Sunday hunt—nobody wants a fine or an awkward run-in with a game warden.
If you hunt in Pennsylvania, you probably want to know which areas allow Sunday hunting and where you’ll still find restrictions. This post will walk you through the state’s rules, common limits, and where to double-check for the latest info so you don’t end up breaking the law.
Let’s dig into the main Pennsylvania regulations, how they work on public versus private land, and the steps you need to take to hunt squirrels responsibly on a Sunday.
Squirrel Hunting on Sundays in Pennsylvania
You can hunt squirrels on certain Sundays in Pennsylvania now, but the rules change depending on land type and season. Make sure you know the legal Sunday dates, landowner permission rules, and any specific restrictions before you head out.
Overview of Sunday Hunting Legalization
Governor Josh Shapiro signed Act 36 of 2025 after House Bill 1431 passed, which repealed the old statewide ban on Sunday hunting. Now, the Pennsylvania Game Commission picks which Sundays you can hunt, depending on the season. This change gives hunters a few extra days to go after animals already in season, squirrels included.
The law lets the Game Commission add Sundays to regular seasons. The Commission published approved Sunday dates for the 2025–26 season and updated the Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest with those changes. You’ll also see new rules about trespass penalties and using attractants, all tied to the same act.
Sunday Squirrel Hunting Dates and Seasons
Squirrel season falls within the regular small game calendar, and the Game Commission included squirrels on the approved Sundays for 2025–26. For that year, you’ll see Sundays from mid-September through early December: September 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12, 19, 26; November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; and December 7. Always check the latest Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest before you go.
Migratory game birds remain off-limits on Sundays, but squirrels aren’t migratory game birds. So, if squirrel season is open on an approved Sunday, you’re good to go. Keep a current digest or digital copy handy to check season dates and bag limits for gray, fox, and red squirrels.
Rules for Private vs. Public Land
On private land, you need written permission from the landowner to hunt on Sundays. Carry that written permission with you while hunting, or you could get hit with trespass charges. Act 36 increased trespass penalties, and if you ignore a “do not enter” order, you could lose your hunting privileges.
State parks only allow Sunday hunting on three specific November dates: November 16, 23, and 30 for the 2025–26 season. State forests let you hunt on any Sunday the Game Commission approves. Always double-check if you’re in a state park, state forest, or on private land before you plan your Sunday hunt.
Exceptions and Restrictions
You can’t hunt migratory game birds on Sundays, even if other seasons are open. The Game Commission specifically left them out of Sunday permissions. Stick to season-specific rules for legal weapons, bag limits, and species dates—just check the Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest.
Other restrictions include new rules about natural attractants and stricter trespass enforcement from Act 36. The act made using natural deer urine legal statewide, but you should still check the digest for any species-specific notes. Always have your hunting license, proof of landowner permission if you’re on private land, and a copy of the current regulations.
You’ll find official info and the approved Sunday list on the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Sunday hunting page.
Essential Pennsylvania Squirrel Hunting Regulations
You need the right licenses, must follow bag limits, use legal firearms, and respect species and management rules when you hunt squirrels in Pennsylvania. Knowing these details keeps you legal and out of trouble, whether you hunt on a weekday or one of the limited Sundays.
Hunting License Requirements
You need a valid Pennsylvania hunting license to hunt squirrels. Buy a General Hunting License (good July 1–June 30) from the Pennsylvania Game Commission online or at license agents.
If you’re between 12–16, you have to complete Hunter-Trapper Education unless you hunt under the Mentored Hunting Program with the right permit.
Non-residents have to get a Non-Resident General Hunting License. Always carry your license and any mentored-hunter paperwork when you’re out. If you want to trap squirrels, you’ll need a furtaker license too.
Check the Pennsylvania Game Commission seasons and bag limits page for current fees and online purchase links.
Daily and Possession Bag Limits
The daily bag limit for squirrels in Pennsylvania is six per hunter unless the Game Commission updates it. Stick to the statewide daily bag limit and any county exceptions.
There’s no special possession limit beyond daily limits, as long as you’re tagging and storing squirrels properly.
Recordkeeping and legal tagging only matter if you’re trapping or if other specific regulations say so. Always double-check the current season dates and bag limits before you go, since the Game Commission updates them every year and sometimes adds county restrictions for Sunday hunting.
Legal Firearms and Junior Hunters
You can use shotguns, rifles, muzzleloaders, air rifles, and bows for squirrels where those weapons are legal. Most folks use a .22 caliber rifle or a 20-gauge shotgun, but check the Game Commission for any caliber or ammo limits in certain areas.
Use the right shot size to avoid unnecessary wounding.
If you’re a junior hunter, follow the mentored hunting rules or show proof of hunter education. Your mentor has to meet the age and permit requirements and supervise you according to state rules. Always handle firearms safely and follow the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s safety advice.
Wildlife Management and Squirrel Species
In Pennsylvania, wildlife managers keep an eye on gray and fox squirrels as game species. They try to strike a balance between healthy populations and giving hunters fair access.
The state sets hunting seasons to avoid the main breeding times. That way, they can protect squirrel numbers without shutting people out of the woods.
You’ll find that the Game Commission tweaks season dates, bag limits, and even works on habitat to keep squirrel populations steady. They’re always adjusting things, honestly.
When you head out, remember to respect private property and follow the rules on state game lands. It’s just good sense.
How many squirrels you see can really depend on the year. Mast years and healthy hardwood forests make a big difference, so some seasons just feel more productive than others.
Before you set out, double-check local game land rules and look for updates from the Pennsylvania Game Commission. It’s always worth a quick look.
