You can hunt squirrels across Pennsylvania during a split season that kicks off in mid-September and stretches through late November. After that, the season reopens for short stints in December and again in late winter. Before you head out, double-check the exact dates and the daily bag limit: the main season usually covers Sept. 13–Nov. 28, with special junior dates and brief December–February windows, and a six-squirrel daily limit in most cases.
Remember to bring the right licenses, follow safety rules, and wear the required gear. That’s how you keep your trip legal and safe.
This article lays out the full season calendar, permit requirements, safety tips, and a few ways to avoid mistakes so you can plan a solid hunt.
Pennsylvania Squirrel Hunting Season Dates and Regulations
You need to know the exact dates, bag limits, and key rules if you want to hunt legally—and avoid headaches. Take a look at season dates, Sunday rules, bag limits, and any special method or location restrictions before you head out.
Official Squirrel Hunting Season Dates
Squirrel season in Pennsylvania usually starts in mid-September and runs through late November, then opens back up for some winter dates. For the 2025–26 season, the main fall dates are Sept. 13 to Nov. 28, with extra days Dec. 15–24 and Dec. 26–Feb. 28.
Check the Pennsylvania Game Commission calendar at huntfish.pa.gov for any local changes or WMU-specific exceptions. It’s worth a quick look before you drive out.
You’ll also see updates about junior hunts and special mentored hunts. If you’re planning to hunt on or near federal land, like the Letterkenny Army Depot quail recovery area, confirm those rules too—they might have different open days.
Sunday Hunting Rules for Squirrels
Sunday hunting for small game is allowed in much of Pennsylvania, although you still can’t hunt migratory birds on Sundays. For squirrels, Sunday hunting is generally open statewide unless a county or public land says otherwise.
You need to follow all local property rules and watch for posted signs. If you’re hunting on state game lands, check the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s site at huntfish.pa.gov to confirm Sunday openings and any time-of-day rules for that spot.
Bag Limits and Legal Hunting Hours
Pennsylvania sets a daily bag limit of six squirrels, with an 18-squirrel possession limit. That covers both gray and fox squirrels together.
Keep your harvest within those numbers and make sure you’ve got your hunting license and ID on you while you’re out there.
Hunting hours run from legal sunrise to sunset unless the Game Commission says otherwise. Always check the latest info on the Pennsylvania Game Commission website for any updates to bag limits or hours before you leave.
Key Rules for Hunting Methods and Locations
You can use firearms, shotguns, archery gear, or dogs when you hunt squirrels. Dogs can help you pursue, retrieve, point, flush, or bay small game, but you have to follow leash and control rules on local and state game lands.
Respect seasonal closures on some training or recovery areas, like the Letterkenny Army Depot quail recovery area, and always obey posted signs and federal rules.
Follow hunter safety laws, wear the required high-visibility gear when it’s needed, and double-check gear and location rules on the Pennsylvania Game Commission site before you go.
Licenses, Safety, and Compliance for Squirrel Hunters
You need to carry the right paperwork, follow safety rules, and report any problems you see out there. That’s what keeps you legal and helps protect people, property, and wildlife.
Pennsylvania Hunting License Requirements
You’ll need a valid Pennsylvania hunting license to hunt squirrels. Buy it online at HuntFish.PA.gov. Licenses come in different types—resident, non-resident, youth, or military—so pick the one that fits.
If this is your first time, you have to complete a state-approved hunter-trapper education course and show proof. Keep your license and tags with you while hunting.
Stick to the daily bag limit and possession rules the Pennsylvania Game Commission posts. If you draw special tags (not common for squirrels), you still need the general hunting license and the right tag. Check fees, season dates, and rules on the official site before each trip.
Youth and Mentored Hunting Opportunities
Youth hunters ages 12–16 can get a junior hunting license, usually at a lower cost. Hunters 12–13 need to hunt with a licensed adult 18 or older, unless they’re in a specific mentored program.
Pennsylvania offers mentored-adult and youth programs so first-time hunters can learn in the field. These programs let you mentor a new adult or bring a youth under supervision, even if they don’t have a full license yet.
Bring proof of enrollment or mentor authorization if someone asks. Wear fluorescent orange when required, and stick to mentor-to-mentee distance and supervision rules.
Check the Pennsylvania Game Commission site for details on program registration and any changes to age or accompaniment rules.
Reporting Violations and Staying Legal
If you spot illegal activity, reach out to Operation Game Thief or your local Game Commission office. The Pennsylvania Game Commission lists several ways to contact Operation Game Thief, and you can even send in anonymous tips.
Always carry your license, hunter education card, and any necessary permits so you can show them to officers if they ask. Make sure you know where property lines are, and get written permission from landowners before stepping onto private land.
Don’t shoot within 25 yards of public roads. Hunting from a vehicle? Only do it if you have landowner permission and special rules say it’s okay.
Tag or record any harvested animals as the law requires. Stick to bag limits and seasonal dates posted by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
By following these rules, you can avoid fines and criminal charges—and honestly, you help keep hunting available for everyone in your area.
