You can hunt squirrels on Sundays in some parts of Maryland, but the rules depend on your county and whether you’re on public or private land. A few counties and certain public lands let you hunt squirrels on Sundays during the regular season, but other places only allow it on private property—or not at all.
Always check the specific county rules and see if the land is open for Sunday hunting before heading out. Below, I’ll walk through which counties permit Sunday hunting, what lands are open, and the license and season rules you need to follow.
Sunday Squirrel Hunting Laws in Maryland
You can hunt squirrels on certain Sundays in Maryland, but the details change by county and season. It’s important to know which counties allow Sunday hunting, what the time limits are, and how deer firearms season impacts small game.
Counties Where Sunday Squirrel Hunting is Allowed
Maryland lets some counties open hunting on specific Sundays. The Maryland DNR puts out a Sunday hunting chart showing counties and dates. You really need to check that chart before you go out, since one county might allow Sunday hunting for deer but not for small game.
If you want to hunt squirrels on Sunday, make sure your county is listed for small game or general Sunday hunting. On private land, you still need written permission from the landowner. Public lands follow the DNR’s schedule and might have extra rules, so look up the site on the Maryland DNR hunting pages before you travel.
Bring your hunting license and ID—counties often check licenses on Sundays. If a county only allows Sunday deer hunting, that doesn’t mean you can hunt squirrels too. Read the county entry closely.
Time Restrictions for Sunday Hunts
Most counties set Sunday small game shooting hours from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. These limits match the regular Maryland small game rules for squirrels, rabbits, and similar critters.
Some counties use different Sunday hours tied to deer season, so double-check the sunrise and sunset times for the county and date you plan to hunt. You still have to wear fluorescent safety colors on Sundays (except for crow hunting)—so don’t forget your orange vest if you’re after squirrels.
Don’t shoot across public roads. Maryland law also says you can’t have a loaded gun in or on a vehicle. Stick to DNR device rules and magazine limits whenever you hunt on Sundays.
Special Considerations During Deer Firearms Season
On the first day of Deer Firearms Season, Maryland law only lets you hunt deer (and coyotes). You can’t legally hunt squirrels that day, even if your county allows Sunday hunting.
Deer firearms season dates change every year, so check the Maryland hunting seasons calendar before you plan a Sunday squirrel hunt. If deer season lands on a Sunday in your county, see if the county’s Sunday rules allow small game that day.
If you hunt public lands during these overlap periods, follow any posted DNR restrictions. Safety comes first—wear your fluorescent gear and don’t hunt on deer-only days.
Licensing, Seasons, and Regulations for Squirrel Hunting
You’ll need the right license, can only hunt during open season dates, and must follow all species, bag, and gear rules. Always carry your license and check the rules for the area you’re hunting.
Hunting License Requirements
You need a valid Maryland hunting license to hunt small game. Both residents and nonresidents can buy a license from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
If you’re under 16, you might need a junior hunting license or a mentored youth permit—double-check DNR rules for age and mentor details.
If you were born after a certain year and want an adult license, you’ll need proof of hunter education. Maryland usually doesn’t require a separate small game stamp for squirrels, but make sure your license covers all the small game you want to hunt, like rabbits or grouse. Always have your license and ID on you.
Squirrel Hunting Season Dates
Maryland sets tree squirrel season dates every year, usually running in the fall and sometimes into winter. The exact start and end dates shift each year, and some wildlife management units or public lands might open on different days. Look up the Maryland DNR small game calendar before you plan your hunt.
Some areas might hold special seasons for other small game or for stocked hunts, like pheasant. If you’re hunting in coastal areas like Delmarva, check for local changes that protect species such as the Delmarva fox squirrel. Sunday hunting might have extra restrictions depending on where you are, so always confirm the specific rules for your spot.
Protected and Legal Squirrel Species
You can hunt the common tree squirrels that Maryland lists as legal small game—usually gray and fox squirrels. The Delmarva fox squirrel has special protections in some places, so don’t hunt it where it’s protected.
You need to know how to tell different squirrel species apart to avoid accidentally hunting a protected animal.
Don’t take non-game or protected squirrels. If you spot a rare or unusual squirrel, leave it alone and let the Maryland DNR know if they ask for reports. Knowing your squirrels helps you follow the rules and avoid trouble.
Bag Limits and Equipment Rules
Maryland sets daily and possession bag limits for small game, like squirrels. They usually cap how many squirrels you can take each day and keep in your possession.
These limits might change depending on the WMU or the species, so you really need to check the latest DNR tables before heading out.
Equipment rules matter, too. Maryland sometimes restricts certain firearms, shot sizes, or hunting methods for small game.
For instance, they might set rules about using dogs, baiting, or hunting from vehicles. Planning to hunt rabbits, snowshoe hare, or join a stocked pheasant hunt? Make sure you know what gear rules apply for those.
Always carry proof of your license, and stick to safe firearm handling laws. It’s just not worth risking your safety or your hunting privileges.
