Georgia’s squirrel season usually runs from August 15 through February 28, with a daily bag limit of 12. Some public lands set extra restrictions, so you’ll want to double-check before heading out. Knowing the season dates and bag limits keeps you legal and helps you get the most out of your time outdoors.
You’ll find info here about which species you can hunt, special limits on certain public lands, and tips for finding good spots and using effective methods.
Stick to the rules and plan ahead—your hunt will be safer and a lot more enjoyable.
Squirrel Hunting Season and Regulations in Georgia
Hunters in Georgia can go after both gray and fox squirrels during a set season, but the details change depending on the species, the area, and whether you’re on private or public land.
Always pay attention to dates, bag limits, and licensing—nobody wants a ticket or a headache.
Official Hunting Dates and Season Length
Georgia’s squirrel season kicks off August 15 and stretches through late winter. For 2024–2025, the dates run August 15 to February 28, though leap years might give you one extra day.
These dates cover most public and private lands across the state.
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) usually follow the same season, but they sometimes add special open days or close early.
Before you go, check the Georgia Department of Natural Resources calendar. WMAs might have extra rules for youth hunts or even temporary road closures.
If you hunt your own property, you’re still tied to the regular season dates—unless your land falls inside a special management area.
Always confirm the current year’s dates through the Georgia DNR or GoOutdoorsGeorgia before you make any plans.
Legal Squirrel Species
Georgia law lets you hunt gray squirrels and fox squirrels. Gray squirrels turn up all over the state, but fox squirrels stick to certain areas and get managed more carefully.
Some WMAs limit how many fox squirrels you can take since their numbers run lower in spots.
For example, some WMAs only let you harvest one fox squirrel per day. Make sure you can tell the difference between the two before you pull the trigger.
Protected or non-game species are strictly off-limits. If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, just don’t shoot.
Bringing a field guide or using the Georgia DNR’s identification resources can save you from a costly mistake.
Daily Bag Limits and Special Restrictions
Statewide, you can take up to 12 squirrels per day. But some public lands—especially WMAs and voluntary public access areas—set a fox squirrel limit of just one per person per day.
That means you could bag several gray squirrels but only a single fox squirrel on those lands.
On private land, the 12-per-day limit usually stands, unless you’re inside a special management area.
Bag limits reset every day, so plan your hunt and meat processing with that in mind.
Always check for posted signs and review WMA-specific rules before you start hunting. Bag limits, which species you can take, and special restrictions (like youth-only hunts or quotas) can shift from year to year.
Hunting Licenses and Requirements
If you’re 16 or older, you’ll need a valid Georgia hunting license. Residents and nonresidents can buy licenses online at the Georgia DNR’s GoOutdoorsGeorgia site or from authorized vendors.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1961, must show hunter education proof or carry an exemption if eligible.
Some WMAs or youth programs might require extra permits or stamps, so check the WMA’s page on the Georgia DNR website before you go.
Always have your license and ID with you while hunting. If you can’t show your documents during a check, you risk fines or losing your hunting privileges.
Where, How, and Ethics of Squirrel Hunting in Georgia
If you want to find squirrels in Georgia, scout mature mixed hardwoods and pine stands. Public wildlife management areas offer legal hunting spots.
Use quiet still-hunting, good scouting, and always follow the rules and basic ethics—everybody wants healthy squirrel populations for the future.
Best Locations and Habitats
You’ll have the best luck in mature mixed hardwoods, especially woods with oaks, hickories, or beeches.
These trees drop the nuts that squirrels crave. Edges where hardwoods meet fields or pines are prime spots, since squirrels travel and feed along those lines.
Look for signs like chewed nut shells, leafy nests (dreys) up in the forks, or worn paths through low branches.
Focus on mast production—late summer and fall are great, when acorns and hickory nuts are everywhere.
In winter, check south-facing slopes and thick canopy pockets where squirrels hide from the cold.
Public Lands and Wildlife Management Areas
Many Georgia WMAs allow squirrel hunting if you have the right license and know the area’s rules.
WMAs usually post maps and set specific season dates or bag limits, and several restrict fox squirrel harvest.
Before you leave home, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com for WMA maps and up-to-date rules.
Arrive early and only park in marked lots. Respect all posted boundaries and be courteous to other hunters.
If a WMA uses permit draws or has special rules, make sure you apply or follow them.
Bring your license and any WMA permits every time you hunt.
Popular Hunting Methods and Tips
Most hunters find still-hunting works best: walk slowly, pause often, and scan the trees with binoculars.
Sometimes just sitting quietly near a feeding tree does the trick—squirrels usually come back if you wait.
Choose a .22 LR, a shotgun with small shot, or an air rifle, depending on your comfort and what’s legal.
Try whistling or making soft calls to stir up movement. Watch for shaking limbs instead of looking for the whole animal.
Keep the sun at your back to catch squirrel silhouettes.
Scout before the season to find nut-producing trees and mark the good ones.
Always practice safe shot placement and know your limits—nobody wants a wounded animal or a missed shot.
Ethical and Sustainable Practices
Stick to bag limits and season dates—Georgia updates these often, so it’s smart to double-check on GeorgiaWildlife.com. Taking care to follow the rules helps protect squirrel populations for everyone.
Take only shots you know are clear and humane. Always track down and retrieve every animal you harvest; nobody wants to see game wasted, and besides, it’s against the law.
Don’t hunt near roads or homes, or anywhere you might put someone else at risk. If you’re thinking about hunting on private land, get written permission first.
Try switching up your hunting spots throughout the season. That way, you won’t put too much pressure on squirrels in one area. If you notice anything odd, like sick or dead squirrels, let wildlife officials know.
