You can usually hunt squirrels on Sundays, but it really depends on your location and whether you’re on public or private land. Double-check your state and local rules before heading out—some states allow Sunday squirrel hunting, some keep it to private land only, and others still ban it on public property.
If you’re wondering what actually applies to you, this post should help. I’ll walk through some recent law changes, what counts as public versus private land, and the permits or licenses you might need.
Use the details here to avoid fines and plan a legal, safe hunt that fits your state’s rules.
Can You Squirrel Hunt on Sundays? Laws and Recent Changes
Sunday squirrel hunting laws change from state to state, and honestly, they can shift pretty fast. Pennsylvania, for example, just passed a law that added specific Sunday hunting days and new rules you’ll want to know.
Overview of Sunday Hunting Restrictions by State
Most states set their own Sunday hunting rules, but some counties or towns add extra restrictions. In a lot of states, you can hunt squirrels on Sundays if it’s in season and you’ve got a valid license.
Some places still ban Sunday hunting for cultural, religious, or safety reasons. Always check your state wildlife agency before you go out—rules can surprise you.
If you travel to another state, you have to follow their bag limits, season dates, and weapon laws. For the nitty-gritty, check each state’s official hunting digest or website.
Recent Legislative Changes and Act 36 of 2025
Pennsylvania’s Act 36 of 2025 repealed the old statewide Sunday hunting ban and brought in new Sunday hunting days within the regular seasons. Representative Mandy Steele sponsored the bill that made this happen.
The law took effect in September 2025 and opened up more Sundays for hunting, including squirrel hunting.
Act 36 didn’t open Sunday hunting for every species or every location. It specifically excluded some migratory game birds and let the Game Commission pick which Sundays are allowed.
If you’re hunting in Pennsylvania, check the 2025-26 hunting digest for the latest list of approved Sundays.
Specific Sunday Hunting Dates and Locations
For 2025, Pennsylvania approved a run of Sundays from mid-September through early December. Approved Sundays for most seasons ran from Sept. 14 through Dec. 7, but state parks only had three: Nov. 16, Nov. 23, and Nov. 30.
Migratory birds like doves and rails still weren’t legal to hunt on Sundays.
Always check if the public land or county you want to hunt in allows Sunday hunting. Some private lands, state parks, and special management zones have their own rules or need written permission.
Carry proof of the current hunting calendar—printed or digital—when you’re out there.
Role of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Department of Natural Resources
The Pennsylvania Game Commission sets the hunting calendar, bag limits, and which Sundays are open after Act 36. They also publish the hunting digest and post alerts about changes on their website.
If you hunt in state parks or on land managed by other agencies, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) might have extra restrictions.
Before you hunt, check the Game Commission’s Sunday hunting page and DCNR’s rules for state parks. These agencies enforce the rules, issue permits, and post updates if anything changes.
If you need details about approved Sundays or local rules, look up the Commission’s announcements and the state hunting digest.
Squirrel Hunting Regulations and Permits
Check the exact dates, bag limits, and permit rules for the state and county where you plan to hunt. Rules often change depending on species, land type, or whether it’s a youth or special season.
Squirrel Hunting Season and Small Game Seasons
State agencies set specific dates for squirrel season inside the broader small game calendar. Seasons usually run in fall and early winter, but start and end dates can change based on where you are.
Some states open different zones at different times to match local squirrel populations.
You might see special youth or disability-only seasons that start before the general season. Watch for species-specific rules—eastern gray, fox, and red squirrels can all have different dates.
Check your state wildlife agency’s calendar for county season maps and any emergency changes.
Bag Limits, Daily Bag Limit, and Possession Limit
Bag limits tell you how many squirrels you can take each day. Most states set daily limits between 4 and 12 squirrels, depending on the species.
Possession limits usually let you keep about three times the daily limit at home.
Stick to both daily and seasonal caps. Some districts lower limits if squirrel populations drop or food sources run low.
If you hunt in more than one county, follow the rules for where you actually bagged the squirrel.
Required Licenses and Small Game Permits
Most states want you to have a valid hunting license to hunt squirrels. Often, that same license covers small game, but some states tack on a separate small game permit or habitat stamp.
Resident, nonresident, and youth fees all vary.
Carry your license and any needed small game permit while hunting. If you’re hunting on public wildlife management areas, check if you need an area-specific permit or access pass.
License waivers sometimes apply for very young kids or certain landowners, but always double-check with your state agency.
Hunting Methods and Legal Hours
Each state lists which weapons you can use for squirrel hunting. Rifles, shotguns, rimfire .22s, and legal bows usually make the cut.
Some places limit caliber, shot size, or specific ammo to keep things safer, especially on public land. It’s not always obvious, so you’ve really got to read the fine print.
Most of the time, you can hunt from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset. A few states just stick to the exact sunrise and sunset times.
Hunting squirrels at night? That’s almost always off-limits. Double-check the local rules, because stuff like hunting over bait, using dogs, or even what counts as a safe shot can change depending on where you are.
