You can hunt squirrels in Alabama through March 1, 2026. The limit is eight squirrels per day and eight in possession. If you’re heading out this season, don’t forget to check the official rules before you go. Dates, limits, and closures—like the Fox squirrel closure in Bankhead National Forest—can change on short notice.
Plan your trip with safety, bag limits, and land rules in mind. Nobody wants to waste time or end up with a fine just because they missed a detail.
This article covers the exact end dates, licensing and gear basics, plus a few tips to help you hunt responsibly and actually have a good time.
When Does Squirrel Season End in Alabama?
Alabama’s squirrel season runs through fall and winter, wrapping up in early March most years. Always double-check the exact dates and daily limits before heading out so you stay legal.
2025-2026 Official Squirrel Season Dates
For 2025–2026, squirrel season in Alabama starts in mid-September and ends on March 1. These dates apply statewide for both gray and fox squirrels, unless a specific public area posts different dates.
Some public lands, like national forests, may have special closures. For instance, fox squirrel hunting sometimes closes on certain federal lands.
Check the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources rules every year for updates. The Outdoor Alabama seasons page lists the official schedule, zones, and any special restrictions you’ll need to follow.
Bag Limits and Legal Take
Alabama sets the daily bag limit for squirrels at eight per hunter, with eight in possession. This limit covers both gray and fox squirrels, unless a specific zone says otherwise.
You must carry a valid Alabama hunting license. Follow any weapon or season-specific rules that the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources sets.
On some public hunting lands or wildlife management areas, you might see lower limits or special permit requirements. Always check the Outdoor Alabama hunting regulations page for the latest info before hunting public land.
Key Considerations for Squirrel Hunting Seasons
Pay attention to yearly changes from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. They sometimes adjust dates, bag limits, or close certain hardwood public areas.
Late in the season, weather can really change animal behavior. You’ll probably have better luck if you hunt earlier in the season.
Respect private property boundaries and posted signs. If you’re on public land, review the maps and area-specific regulations on Outdoor Alabama to confirm what’s allowed, which species you can hunt, and any seasonal closures.
Bring your ID, your license, and a copy of the current season rules with you when you hunt.
Squirrel Hunting Requirements and Best Practices
You’ll need a valid license for most squirrel hunts. Always follow the rules about seasons, bag limits, and gear, and use methods that keep both the squirrels and their habitat safe.
Get familiar with the rules for the land you’ll hunt on. Choose safe, ethical tactics—it’s just the right thing to do.
Alabama Hunting License and Exemptions
If you’re between 16 and 64, you need to carry an Alabama hunting license. Residents who’ve lived in Alabama for at least 90 days can get a resident license, while non-residents need a non-resident small game license.
Youth under 16 and residents 65+ are usually exempt from buying a license, but it’s smart to double-check your status before you go.
Anyone born on or after August 1, 1977, needs to show proof of a hunter education course to buy a license. You can buy licenses online from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources or at approved agents.
Print your license or save it on your phone before you head out.
Important Squirrel Hunting Regulations
Squirrel season dates and bag limits can change, so always confirm the latest dates with the state. Alabama typically offers long squirrel seasons, with bag limits often set at six squirrels per day combined.
Hunting hours and allowed weapons—shotguns, rifles, bows—are set by the state.
Follow area-specific rules on public WMAs (Wildlife Management Areas). Some WMAs limit dogs, require hunter orange, or ban certain methods.
Don’t hunt from a moving vehicle or use artificial lights—it’s illegal. Break the rules and you could face fines or even lose your license.
Ethical Hunting Practices and Conservation
Try to minimize suffering and avoid wasting your harvest. Take only shots within your effective, humane range and make sure you retrieve every squirrel you harvest.
Field dress and transport squirrels quickly to keep the meat in good shape. Follow local cleaning and cooking tips.
Support conservation by reporting your harvest if required and by sticking to WMA rules that protect habitat. Avoid disturbing nests or den sites, and pick hunting spots that don’t hurt mast-producing trees.
Always respect private land boundaries and get permission before you enter.
Popular Methods: Still Hunting and Hunting With Dogs
Still hunting works best in hardwoods—think hickory, oak, or beech. I usually just sit quietly near nut-producing trees at dawn or dusk, hoping to catch a bit of movement.
I like using a .22 rifle, a small shotgun, or even an air rifle for those precise, low-impact shots. You’ve got to move slowly, though, or you’ll end up spooking the squirrels before you even see them.
Some WMAs and certain areas actually let you hunt with dogs, but the rules can be a bit of a maze. Dogs can sniff out and tree squirrels pretty well.
Always double-check the WMA regulations before you bring a dog along. If it’s allowed, make sure your dog knows to tree but not to chase animals off the property. And, of course, never use dogs where it’s against the rules or could be unsafe—just not worth the risk.
