You can hunt eastern gray and fox squirrels in Missouri from late spring to mid-February. The regular season runs May 27 through Feb. 15, and you’ve got to stick to bag limits and method rules set by the Missouri Department of Conservation. That’s a long stretch—plenty of time to plan trips, watch squirrel habits, and figure out what gear works best as the seasons change.
The rules cover more than just dates. Permits, legal weapons, and limits will affect how and when you can hunt. Want the details? Here’s what you need to know about season dates, gear, and some tips to keep your next hunt both productive and legal.
Squirrel Hunting Season Details in Missouri
You can hunt eastern gray and fox squirrels in Missouri for most of the year. The state allows several legal methods, but you need to pay attention to the exact dates, weapons, and county rules.
Missouri Squirrel Hunting Season Dates
Missouri’s squirrel season usually opens in late May and runs until mid-February. For recent years, the Missouri Department of Conservation set the dates from May 24 or 25 through February 15.
These dates cover both warmer and colder months, so check for yearly updates before you plan anything. During firearms deer season in November, special rules kick in—ammunition size and allowed firearms may change for squirrel hunters.
Sometimes the MDC tweaks dates or methods a bit, so always look up the current year’s notice before heading out.
Eligible Squirrel Species for Hunting
You can hunt eastern gray squirrels and fox squirrels in Missouri. The state manages these two species under the hunting seasons and regulations.
Don’t go after other squirrel species you might see—rules only cover eastern gray and fox squirrels. You don’t need a separate tag for each squirrel, but you do have to follow bag limits and any method restrictions.
It’s smart to learn how to tell fox from gray squirrels by their size and color. That way, you avoid mistakes when you’re out there.
Hunting Hours and Area Regulations
Squirrel hunting hours usually start at sunrise and end at sunset. Some public lands or counties might set tighter hours or require extra permits.
Always check the rules for conservation areas or wildlife management spots before you go. Missouri allows shotguns, rifles (.22 rimfire limits may apply sometimes), archery gear, slingshots, and atlatls for squirrel hunting.
You can’t hunt from motorized vehicles or use artificial lights to take squirrels. County-specific rules and private land might have extra restrictions, so review Missouri’s hunting regulations before you head out.
Want official details? Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation’s squirrel hunting page (https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/seasons/squirrel-hunting).
Permits, Legal Methods, and Equipment for Squirrel Hunting
You’ll need the right permits and you’ll have to follow weapon rules. Missouri also offers special trapping options, so always check the labels on permits and read up on the Department of Conservation’s rules for firearms, bows, and traps.
Hunting Permit and License Requirements
You must carry a valid Missouri hunting permit when you hunt squirrels. Both residents and nonresidents need the right small game or combination hunting permit.
If you’re using a firearm, see if you need a separate firearms permit or validation. Missouri has age and hunter-education requirements too.
Hunters born after a certain year must show hunter education certification before they can buy a license. If you own land, permit needs might change when you hunt on your own property.
Check the latest permit fees and always carry your license while hunting. For details, see the Missouri Department of Conservation’s squirrel permits page: Missouri squirrel permits (https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/squirrel/squirrel-permits).
Bag and Possession Limits for Squirrels
Missouri sets daily bag and possession limits for gray and fox squirrels. These limits might change by season, area, or if there’s a special hunt.
Check current regulations for county or conservation-area exceptions. You’ll need to record and follow any tag or reporting requirements if they apply.
Some areas might set different limits or close parts of the season early. Keep track of how many squirrels you take each day so you don’t go over the legal limit.
Find season dates and bag limits in the Missouri Department of Conservation’s squirrel regulations: squirrel regulations (https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/squirrel/squirrel-regulations).
Legal Firearms and Archery Equipment
You can use pistols, revolvers, rifles (single projectile), and shotguns for squirrels in Missouri. The state often restricts firearms during certain seasons, especially during firearms deer season.
You might be limited to .22 rimfire or shot no larger than No. 4 for small game like squirrels and rabbits. Shotguns can’t be bigger than 10 gauge for small game.
Bows—including longbows, recurves, and compounds—are legal. Crossbows count as a firearm method, so you can use them where firearms are allowed.
Atlatls, slingshots, and hand-held string release devices are also okay for small game in many cases. Don’t use arrows, bolts, or ammo with drugs, poison, explosives, or modified projectiles.
If you’re hunting game birds or during special conservation orders, you might face extra gear rules. For all the details, check the Missouri Department of Conservation’s small game methods page: squirrel hunting methods (https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/seasons/squirrel-hunting).
Special Rules for Nuisance and Trapping
When squirrels start damaging your home, crops, or orchard, Missouri gives landowners some flexibility. You can shoot, trap, or remove nuisance squirrels on your property—even outside the regular season—though you’ll want to double-check your local rules first.
During open seasons, you can use cage-type traps if you have a small game hunting permit. Just make sure you label your traps, check them every day, and follow the size limits.
Thinking about selling fur or carcasses? If you’re not a resident, you might need extra permits. For all the details, it’s best to read the Missouri Department of Conservation’s guidance on taking problem wildlife: nuisance and trapping guidance (https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/squirrel/squirrel-regulations).
