In Ohio, squirrel hunting season kicks off in early September and runs through the end of January. You can only hunt from half an hour before sunrise until sunset on those days.
Make sure you plan your trips around those dates and hours so you don’t accidentally hunt outside the legal season.
You’ll need a valid license, and you’ll have to follow daily bag limits and other rules about taking squirrels. This article covers the exact season dates, legal hours, and the permits you’ll need so you can get out in the woods safely—and without any trouble.
Ohio Squirrel Hunting Season and Regulations
Ohio lets you hunt red, gray, black, or fox squirrels during a set fall-winter window. The rules spell out the days, hours, bag limits, gear, and safety stuff you need to follow.
Official Season Dates and Hunting Hours
The open season for red, gray, black, and fox squirrels runs from September 1, 2025, through January 31, 2026. You can only hunt between half an hour before sunrise and sunset each day during that window.
That means night hunting is off the table, and you can’t take squirrels outside those hours. Before you go, check the Ohio Department of Natural Resources regulations booklet. It lists season dates and any county-specific changes that might affect where or when you hunt.
Sometimes emergencies or wildlife orders change the seasons. If that happens, the ODNR will update the booklet and their website.
(See the official regulations booklet for full details: Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations.)
Bag Limits and Possession Rules
You can take up to six squirrels in a single day. You can’t possess more than six squirrels taken in one day, no matter the mix of red, gray, black, or fox squirrels.
If you hunt for a few days in a row, keep your daily counts separate so you don’t go over the limit while transporting or storing squirrels. The rules say it’s illegal to take squirrels outside the legal hours or season, even if you stick to the bag limit.
If ODNR asks you to tag, report, or check in your squirrels—like for disease surveillance or special hunts—make sure you follow those directions.
Legal Hunting Methods and Equipment
You can hunt squirrels with firearms, shotguns, bows, crossbows, and airguns—if local rules allow those methods. Use shotgun shells and firearms that meet Ohio’s caliber and safety requirements for small game.
Bows must hit the state’s minimum draw weight and broadhead standards when that applies. Don’t use illegal traps, poisons, or spotlighting. Night vision and artificial lights aren’t allowed for squirrel hunting, since you’re limited to daylight hours.
Some counties or public areas might have extra gear restrictions, so double-check before you pack up and go.
Safety and Clothing Requirements
Wear hunter orange if local rules require it, especially on public hunting land where visibility matters. Even when orange isn’t required, bright clothing helps other hunters spot you in the woods.
Stick to basic firearm safety: keep the muzzle pointed safely, finger off the trigger until you’re ready, and always know your target and what’s behind it. Carry your ID, hunting license, and any needed permits while you’re out.
If you use a tree stand, double-check your gear before each hunt and practice safe climbing. The Ohio administrative code and ODNR hunting booklet have all the official rules and any updates, so give them a look before you head out.
Licensing and Permits for Squirrel Hunting in Ohio
You’ll need a valid hunting license to hunt squirrels in Ohio. There are a few license types, and the HuntFish OH app makes it pretty easy to buy and carry your license.
Who Needs an Ohio Hunting License
Anyone planning to hunt squirrels in Ohio must carry a hunting license, no matter their age. That goes for residents and non-residents, whether you’re after red, gray, or fox squirrels.
Youth 15 and under need a youth or apprentice license and usually have to hunt with a licensed adult, unless special apprentice rules say otherwise.
Some exemptions exist. Active-duty military stationed in Ohio might get resident rates under certain conditions. Landowners hunting on their own land sometimes still need a license for some species, so check the exact rules before heading out.
Always carry your physical or digital proof of license while you’re hunting.
Types of Hunting Licenses Available
Ohio offers several license options: one-year resident, multi-year resident (three- or five-year), non-resident one-year, youth licenses, and lifetime licenses for long-term residents. Fees depend on the type and your age.
You might need extra permits for certain game or seasons, but for squirrel hunting, most folks just need the basic small-game hunting license.
If you’re new to hunting, look into youth or apprentice licenses. If you hunt often, a three- or five-year license can save you money. Always check the current fees and rules on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website before you buy.
How to Purchase a License
You can buy your Ohio hunting license online, by phone, or at licensed vendors like outdoor stores or county agents. If you go online, use the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System—set up an account, enter your info, pick your license, and pay with a card.
If your age group requires hunter education, bring proof when you buy. After your purchase, you’ll get a printable receipt or a digital license you can save to your phone.
Keep your license number and receipt handy. If you buy from a vendor, they’ll hand you a physical license right away. For online or phone purchases, print or screenshot your license before you head out.
Using the HuntFish OH App
With the HuntFish OH app, you can buy, view, and carry your Ohio hunting license right on your phone. Just log in using your Ohio Wildlife Licensing System account.
Once you’re in, you’ll see your digital license and can tag harvested animals if needed. If an enforcement officer asks, you can pull up proof straight from the app.
The app also gives you quick access to season dates, regulations, and maps. If you’re worried about losing cell service, it’s a good idea to save a screenshot or print a copy as a backup. That way, you’ve always got proof handy while you’re out hunting.
