You can hunt squirrels in Illinois from August 1 through February 15, but watch out—squirrel season closes during county firearm deer seasons. Seriously, double-check those dates and the deer-season closures so you don’t end up hunting outside the legal window.
Keep your hunting plans straightforward: check the county deer-season schedule and confirm any temporary closures. Always carry the right license.
The next sections break down exact end dates, legal rules, and how overlapping seasons might change when you can be in the woods.
Squirrel Season End Dates in Illinois
Squirrel season in Illinois stretches through winter with set closing dates and a few county-level exceptions. You need to keep an eye on the official rules and local postings to know if your spot follows the standard end date or adds extra restrictions.
Current Season Closing Date
The regular squirrel season in Illinois ends on February 15 each year. That’s the end date for most of the state, unless a county or public site posts a different schedule.
The daily bag limit is five squirrels, and you can generally possess double that.
Check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources rules for the year you plan to hunt. Some IDNR-managed properties or leased sites might shorten the season, so check the property sign or the IDNR website before you go.
If firearm deer seasons overlap, small-game hours or site access might change. Always verify dates for both species.
Fall and Winter Segments
Squirrel season opens August 1 and runs through February 15, so you get summer, fall, and winter to hunt. Early season hunts in August and September feel different than late-season hunts after the leaves drop, so adjust your gear and tactics.
Hunting hours start a half-hour before sunrise and end a half-hour after sunset for most of the season. When firearm deer seasons happen in counties open to gun deer hunting, small game hunting usually closes for those days. Check local calendars to avoid accidental violations.
Exceptions and Special Closures
Some public lands and IRAP-leased sites set shorter seasons or special closures, so your hunting spot might close earlier than the statewide date. Illinois rules (17 Ill. Adm. Code) allow site-specific restrictions, so always read boundary signs and property rules.
Gray fox seasons are closed for the 2025–2026 cycle. CWD-related rules might add check requirements in some counties.
For the latest exceptions and any emergency closures, check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources online pages or contact the specific property before heading out.
Regulations and Overlapping Hunting Seasons
Know the key limits, the gear you can use, and the safety rules that change when deer seasons are open. Pay attention to dates and county rules to stay both legal and safe.
Bag and Possession Limits
You can take up to eight gray squirrels per day on most public lands in Illinois, but limits change by county or special unit. Check the current season pamphlet or the Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations for any site-specific changes.
Possession limits usually equal the daily bag multiplied by the number of days in the season. Keep a simple record of your harvest while you’re out there.
If you hunt on private ground, get written permission. It might affect reporting. Always carry your hunting license and any required permits.
If you go over bag or possession limits, you could face fines and lose privileges. Count your squirrels before you leave the stand.
Permitted Firearms and Archery Equipment
Illinois allows rimfire rifles (.22 caliber), shotguns with bird or small game loads, and legal archery equipment for squirrel hunting where archery seasons apply. You can’t use centerfire rifles or loads not allowed by small game rules.
Muzzleloaders follow separate season rules if listed. Shotgun gauges and shot size rules matter, so use non-toxic shot where required.
When you use a firearm, keep it unloaded until you’re in a safe shooting spot. For archery, broadheads must meet hunting regulations for game taken. Check any area restrictions for arrows and broadhead types.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources posts weapon rules for specific properties and special hunts. Review those before you hunt.
Firearm Deer Seasons and Safety Rules
Squirrel season starts on August 1 and goes through February 15. But here’s the catch: in counties where firearm deer seasons are open, squirrel hunting shuts down during those deer dates.
So, if you’re planning a squirrel hunt, double-check the county deer season dates and which counties are open. It’s a good idea to look up the official Illinois administrative rules for those specific closures.
When firearm deer seasons kick in for a county, you need to wear high-visibility orange if you want to stay in the woods. Illinois law—and honestly, just common sense—says orange is a must during overlapping seasons to help prevent accidents.
Don’t forget to check for any county or property-specific rules. Sometimes, they restrict small game hunting when big-game weapons are in play.
