Don’t forget to check the state calendar before planning your last hunt. Indiana’s fox and gray squirrel season wraps up on January 31, 2026, so you’ll want to finish your hunting before then.
Before you head out, make sure you’re up to speed on bag limits, hunter orange rules, and license requirements. All of these can affect where and how you hunt.
This article shares the season dates, regulations, and safety tips so you can close out the season without any surprises.
Indiana Squirrel Season Dates and Key Hunting Regulations
You’ll need to know the exact season dates, which squirrel species you can hunt, and the bag limits. Indiana sets these rules, but some public lands add even more restrictions.
When Squirrel Season Ends in Indiana
Gray and fox squirrel season ends on January 31, 2026 for the 2025–2026 season. The opener is August 15, 2025, so you’ve got a decent window for hunting.
Some properties might require check-in or close earlier than the statewide season, so double-check before you go.
Always carry a valid hunting license or a hunt/fish combo license. Starting November 1 and running through January 31, hunter orange is mandatory.
Flying squirrels are off-limits unless you have a special permit—don’t go after them.
Which Squirrel Species Are Covered and Season Structure
Indiana’s season covers gray squirrels and fox squirrels. Both species follow the same rules and dates, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
You can’t hunt flying squirrels—they’re protected all year.
If you want to chase gray and fox squirrels with dogs, you can do that year-round with a license. But you can only harvest them from August 15 to January 31.
Trapping squirrels? That’s not allowed in Indiana.
If you’re heading to DNR-managed land, check the hunting guide for property-specific rules before you show up.
Bag Limits, Possession Limits, and Allowed Hunting Hours
You have to stick to the bag and possession limits set by the state. Make sure you have a valid hunting license before you take any squirrels.
Check the current DNR rules for the daily bag limit—it can change from year to year. Don’t go over the possession limit, which usually means twice the daily bag, unless the rules say otherwise.
You can hunt from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, unless a specific area posts something different. Stick to recommended firearms: a 20-gauge or smaller shotgun with the right shot, or a .22-caliber rimfire.
Never shoot into nests or dens—it’s illegal. Managed properties might have extra equipment or time rules, so check the Indiana DNR hunting guide or the specific property’s page before you head out.
Legal Requirements and Safety for Squirrel Hunting in Indiana
You’ll need the right license, follow hunter orange requirements during late season, and know where you’re allowed to hunt. Don’t ignore bag limits, equipment rules, or special property restrictions.
Types of Hunting Licenses Needed for Squirrel Hunting
You have to carry a valid Indiana hunting license or a hunt/fish combo license to hunt gray or fox squirrels. If you’re under 17, you can usually hunt with a licensed adult, but you still need to follow all other rules.
Some folks qualify for license exemptions—make sure you’re eligible before you go.
If you plan to hunt small game often, the annual license is your best bet. You can buy licenses online or from approved vendors.
Keep your license on you while hunting, and show it to conservation officers if they ask.
You won’t need a gamebird habitat stamp just for squirrel hunting, but it’s smart to check the latest rules each season in case something changes.
Hunter Orange and Other Safety Requirements
From November 1 to January 31, you have to wear solid fluorescent orange on the outside. That could be a vest, jacket, coveralls, hat, or cap—just make sure it’s visible.
Camouflage orange doesn’t count.
Stick to basic firearm safety: know your target and what’s behind it, use the right caliber or shot size, and avoid shooting at steep angles where a squirrel might get stuck in a tree.
Don’t shoot into dreys—that’s not allowed.
It’s a good idea to carry a first-aid kit. Let someone know where you’ll be, and use lights or reflectors if you’re near roads at dawn or dusk.
Public and Private Lands: FWAs and Where to Hunt
You can hunt squirrels on private property, but make sure you have the landowner’s permission first. Always pay attention to posted signs and follow any rules the landowner gives you.
When it comes to public land, you’ll need to check the rules for each spot before heading out. Indiana has a bunch of hunting properties and Fish and Wildlife Areas (FWAs) that allow small game hunting.
Grab the state’s hunting maps to find FWAs and double-check season dates, bag limits, and rules for each area. Some FWAs have restrictions on using dogs or require special access, so it’s worth taking a closer look at the regulations for wherever you plan to hunt.
