Squirrel season in Ohio kicks off on September 1 and runs through January 31. That includes red, gray, black, and fox squirrels.
Circle September 1 on your calendar if you don’t want to miss opening day. You can hunt daily from half an hour before sunrise until sunset.
If you want to hunt legally and confidently, you’re in the right place. This post covers the start dates, key rules, and some of the best places and methods for finding squirrels around Ohio.
You’ll see where squirrels hang out most, how to stay within the rules, and a few tips that could help you on opening day.
Ohio Squirrel Season Start Dates and Key Regulations
The season dates, daily limits, and license rules set the boundaries for squirrel hunting in Ohio. You need to know when the season starts and ends, which species count, and what permits or youth options apply.
Opening and Closing Dates for Squirrel Hunting Season
Red, gray, black, and fox squirrel season runs from September 1 through January 31. You can hunt only from half an hour before sunrise until sunset during those dates.
If the dates change, you’ll find updates in the Ohio Administrative Code. For the latest news, check the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website or their Division of Wildlife press releases.
If you hunt on closed days or outside legal hours, you risk fines or losing your hunting privileges. Before you go, use the HuntFish OH app or WildOhio.gov to double-check dates and any local changes.
Always look up sunrise and sunset times for your specific county and day.
Daily Bag Limits and Legal Game Species
You can take up to six squirrels per day. That limit includes red, gray, black, and fox squirrels combined.
Don’t carry more than six squirrels from the field or after a day of hunting. The six-animal limit is firm—no exceptions at the end of your hunt.
Learn to identify squirrel species so you don’t accidentally break the rules. Keep bag limit info handy while hunting.
If you plan to harvest and transport squirrels, follow ODNR’s tagging and possession rules. The official administrative rule lists the species and bag limits in black and white.
Licensing Requirements and Youth Hunting Opportunities
You need a valid small game or combination license to hunt squirrels, unless you have a qualifying exemption. You can buy licenses through the HuntFish OH app and keep a digital copy with you.
Bring your license with you, either printed or on your phone.
Ohio offers youth hunting opportunities and mentored programs for young hunters. If you’re taking a youth afield, check the rules for age, supervision, and hunter education.
The Division of Wildlife posts youth season details and special regulations online. Always double-check requirements before heading out with a young hunter.
Where and How to Hunt Squirrels in Ohio
You’ll find the best squirrel spots in mature hardwoods and mixed woodlots, especially near water or the edge of fields. Public access, landowner programs, and the right gear can turn an average day into a good one.
Best Regions and Habitat for Squirrel Hunting
Look for mature oak, hickory, and beech forests in southeastern and east-central Ohio. Those areas grow plenty of acorns and nuts, which attract gray and fox squirrels.
Agricultural-woodland edges in western Ohio also hold squirrels, especially around old fence rows and hedgerows.
Scout for trees with fresh chew marks and thick leaf cover. Early mornings and late afternoons are usually best—squirrels move from their nests to feed at those times.
Check local wildlife area maps for parcels with lots of mast-producing trees. You might also have luck near wetland edges, where wildlife activity picks up.
Access Through Public Lands and Private Programs
Use ODNR wildlife area maps to find public forests and state wildlife areas open for squirrel hunting. Most wildlife areas open for small game statewide on the same date.
For private land, you can enroll in the Ohio Landowner-Hunter Access Partnership. That program helps you get legal permission and more options closer to populated counties.
Follow posted rules and season dates before you go. Respect landowner signs and any special hunts or management permits that might restrict access during deer or bonus gun seasons.
Public land might also close or limit access during turkey or waterfowl hunts. Check local calendars for early goose or teal hunts that could overlap with your trip.
Recommended Equipment and Safety Guidelines
Bring a .22 rimfire, a shotgun loaded with birdshot, or an air rifle that’s legal for small game in Ohio. Don’t forget a blaze vest if you’re headed anywhere near deer archery or other big-game hunting areas.
You’ll want a small game bag and a pull rope to help retrieve downed squirrels. Toss in a field knife for cleaning—trust me, it makes things easier.
Wear eye and ear protection every time. Handle your firearm safely: keep the chamber empty until you’re up on your stand, and always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
Make sure you have your hunting license with you. Double-check the daily bag limits, since Ohio only allows six squirrels per day.
If you plan to hunt near waterfowl areas, like spots with blue-winged or green-winged teal, keep your gear separate. Stick to waterfowl season rules and pay attention to any early Canada goose regulations.
