Yep — Georgia does have a squirrel season, and you can hunt both gray and fox squirrels during specific dates each year. You’re allowed to hunt squirrels in Georgia from August 15 through February 28 (but always check the current year’s rules and WMA exceptions just in case).
If you hunt for food, practice, or just to get outside and learn the woods, this season gives you a long window to sharpen your skills.
The next sections break down the rules, bag limits, and places to go so you can plan a safe, legal trip.
Want quick access to official details and WMA rules before you head out? Check the Georgia Department of Natural Resources announcement for the season.
Georgia Squirrel Season Details
You can hunt both gray and fox squirrels across Georgia during these dates, but rules on daily limits and public lands can vary.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources sets the season, bag limits, and special rules for certain areas.
Hunting Season Dates
The statewide squirrel hunting season runs from August 15 through February 28 each year.
These dates cover both gray and fox squirrel hunting across most of Georgia.
Some Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and department-managed properties set their own open days or limited dates inside that statewide window, so always check WMA pages before heading out.
Watch for year-specific changes posted by the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) or the Department of Natural Resources.
You can renew or buy your license at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com and confirm current dates or emergency closures there.
Bag Limits and Species
You can take up to 12 squirrels per day, and that’s the combined limit for gray and fox squirrels.
On Georgia WMAs, Voluntary Public Access areas, and department-managed lands, the fox squirrel bag limit is tighter: only one fox squirrel per person per day.
This rule helps protect fox squirrel populations on public lands.
Gray squirrels are the most common and usually hang out in hardwood and mixed forests.
Fox squirrels are bigger, prefer mature pine or mixed pine/hardwood spots, and can look pretty different from one another.
Know which species you’re after and stick to the per-day limits for each area.
Hunting Regulations and License Requirements
You need a valid Georgia hunting license to hunt squirrels.
Nonresidents must get a nonresident small-game license.
You can buy licenses and permits at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.
Follow WRD Game Management Section rules for legal hunting hours, approved equipment, and safety zones.
Some counties or WMAs might add restrictions, so check Georgia Wildlife Resources Division notices before you go.
Use safe hunting practices and respect posted WMA rules.
If you’re hunting with kids, WRD says squirrel hunting is a great way to start because it’s forgiving for beginners.
For updates and WMA-specific rules, check the Department of Natural Resources web pages.
Where and How to Hunt Squirrels in Georgia
You can hunt squirrels on state lands, private properties (with permission), and some voluntary access areas.
Know the season dates, bag limits, and which habitats gray or fox squirrels prefer before you go.
Public Hunting Lands and WMAs
Georgia WMAs open up nearly one million acres of public hunting land.
Check WMA pages on GeorgiaWildlife.com for each area’s dates, maps, and rules.
Some WMAs restrict fox squirrel hunting or set a one-per-day fox limit, so double-check before you drive out.
Try to get there early and scout roads, fields, and hardwood stands.
Look for mast-producing trees, old oaks, and mixed pine/hardwood edges—these are squirrel hotspots.
Bring your small game license, a light shotgun or .22 rifle, binoculars, and blaze-orange if the WMA requires it.
Follow WMA rules for parking, road use, and dog hunting.
Respect posted closures and seasonal restrictions set by the Wildlife Resources Division’s Game Management Section to avoid trouble.
Voluntary Public Access Areas
Voluntary Public Access (VPA) areas let you hunt private lands enrolled with the state.
These spots often have good, managed habitat and sometimes less pressure than WMAs.
Check the VPA listings and rules at GeorgiaWildlife.com before you go.
Follow property-specific rules, sign in if required, and respect landowner requests.
Some VPA sites limit methods, require non-toxic shot, or restrict dogs.
Use the online maps and landowner contact info to plan your access and parking.
VPA lands usually sit near food plots, fallow fields, and creek bottoms.
Hunt quietly along travel routes and set up where you can see several trees at once.
These areas make a great place to practice woodsmanship and introduce new hunters to small game.
Essential Skills and Ethical Hunting Practices
Building a few basic skills can really boost both your safety and your chances of success out there.
Look for squirrel signs like stripped bark, chewed-up acorns, or those little nests tucked in the branches. That’s where you’ll want to set up, since it’s probably where squirrels spend time feeding or moving around.
Always handle your firearm safely. Take the time to line up a clean shot—no one wants a sloppy or cruel outcome.
Stick to the bag limits (usually 12 squirrels a day statewide, but double-check for WMAs or VPAs). If you’re hunting fox squirrels, make sure you know the special rules and how their habitat might differ.
As soon as you harvest a squirrel, field dress it right away. Use clean storage for carrying and cooking later. It’s just good sense.
Move quietly, try patient calling, and keep your aim steady. It’s not just about the hunt—it’s about doing things right.
Don’t leave trash behind or mess up anyone’s property. If you see someone breaking the rules, let the Wildlife Resources Division know.
When hunters act ethically, it helps keep squirrel populations healthy and encourages landowners to keep access open.
