Squirrel season kicks off at different times depending on where you live. The fastest way to know? Just check your state wildlife agency for the exact opening day. Most states open squirrel season sometime between August and October, and the hunting usually runs into February or March.
If you hunt—or you’re thinking about it—you’ll need to know your local season dates, bag limits, and any oddball rules for certain species or spots.
Let’s get into state start dates, the rules you really can’t ignore, plus some basic hunting tips so you stay legal (and maybe even have some fun).
Squirrel Season Start Dates and Key Regulations
Squirrel seasons don’t start at the same time everywhere. Some states open early, others hold off, and a few toss in spring or youth-only options.
Check your county’s rules, too. Bag limits and special windows for kids or spring hunting can really change your plans.
Typical Squirrel Season Opening Dates by State
Most states open squirrel hunting in late summer or early fall. Some places even let you hunt in spring or all year.
Texas, for example, splits things up: East Texas usually opens in October, but other counties might start in September or go year-round.
Kentucky has a spring window—usually mid-May to mid-June—and a longer fall/winter stretch from mid-August through February.
Missouri? They run from May into February, with clear daily bag limits.
Always check your county’s website or call the local office. State lines don’t guarantee the same start date, and those youth-only weekends or quick spring hunts can sneak up on you.
The differences might change what gear you bring or how you hunt your first few days out.
How to Find Your State’s Squirrel Hunting Season Start Date
Go straight to your state wildlife agency’s website for the most up-to-date info. For Kentucky, you’ll find everything on the squirrel hunting page.
Texas lists county-by-county dates and bag limits on the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s squirrel pages.
Use your state’s interactive season map or download the annual regulations PDF. You’ll get county rules and any special youth dates.
Write down the start and end dates, the daily and possession bag limits, and any gear restrictions like bait or firearm rules.
Bring a printed copy or screenshot of the regulations with you. You’ll avoid trouble and focus on the hunt, not second-guessing the rules.
Changes and Updates in Squirrel Hunting Season Dates
Regulations and season dates can shift every year. Wildlife managers look at squirrel populations, food supply, and hunter numbers before they make changes.
Expect updates at the start of each new season—usually in spring or late summer.
Sign up for your state agency’s email alerts, follow them on social, or check their news pages before you hunt.
Sometimes they’ll move opening dates, change bag limits, or add youth weekends. Emergency closures or extensions can pop up, and those always override anything in an old printed guide.
Essential Squirrel Hunting Rules and Best Practices
Before you head out, know the bag limits, legal gear, and what paperwork you need. Carry the right license, use allowed methods, and keep track of your hunts.
Bag Limits and Species-Specific Rules
Always check your state’s daily and possession limits. Most places let you take between 5 and 12 squirrels a day, but some split the limit by species.
If your state separates gray and fox squirrel seasons, follow the dates exactly.
Know which species you’re allowed to hunt. Some regions protect red squirrels or other tree species all year.
If you cross into another state, you need to follow their bag limits and species rules. Double check your animal before you tag it—mistakes can get expensive.
Keep a running tally as you hunt. Mark each squirrel in your phone or on a tag so you don’t go over the limit.
License, Permit, and Hunter Education Course Requirements
Buy the right license for small game. Most states want you to have a general hunting license or small game permit for squirrels.
Some places let kids hunt without a license, but you should carry proof just in case.
If you hunt public land, check for extra permits or daily area passes.
First-time adult hunters often need to take a hunter education course. Finish the course, carry your card, and keep digital proof handy.
Rules for licenses and education can change every year, so double-check before each season.
If you plan to hunt in another state, buy their license too. Lots of states offer short-term nonresident licenses online for a decent price.
Legal Hunting Methods and Equipment
Use only the weapons your state allows for squirrel hunting. Some places let you use .22 rimfire rifles, shotguns, or air rifles, but others set limits on calibers or ban centerfire rifles.
Check the rules for scopes or illuminated sights. Night hunting, dogs, or bait might be banned or restricted, depending on where you are.
Wear blaze orange if your state requires it, especially during other hunting seasons.
Stick to legal ammo types and skip banned gear like suppressors if they’re not allowed.
Follow basic safety: keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, know your target and what’s behind it, and watch out for other hunters.
If you use an air rifle, check the make and power limits before you head out.
Hunting Hours and Log Book Tips
Hunting hours really depend on your state and the season. Most states let you hunt from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset, but a few give exact clock times instead.
You should always double-check the daily legal shooting times for the specific county or zone where you’re heading out. It’s easy to miss small changes.
I like to keep a small log book with the date, county, species, how many I took, and which weapon I used. This habit helps you stick to bag limits, and if an officer ever asks, you’ve got proof right there.
Jot down the weather and location too. Honestly, it makes planning future trips so much easier.
If you need to tag or report kills the same day, go ahead and do that right away. Snap photos of your tags and log entries with your phone, but keep those physical tags handy if the law says you have to.
