Squirrel season in Pennsylvania kicks off in mid-September. The season stretches through late fall and into winter, but the exact dates depend on what the Pennsylvania Game Commission sets for that year.
If you want the official 2025–26 dates, go straight to the season calendar. It’ll tell you exactly when hunting opens, pauses, and closes.
Plan your trips around those dates and the rules that come with them. This guide covers the 2025–26 calendar, licensing and safety rules you’ll need to follow, and a few tips to help you get more out of your time in the woods.
2025-26 Squirrel Hunting Season Dates in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania splits squirrel season between early fall and late winter. There’s also a special junior period and clear daily bag limits.
It’s important to know the start and end dates, the junior hunt window, what you can take each day, and which Sundays open for small game.
Fall and Winter Season Start and End Dates
The fall squirrel season across the state opens September 13 and runs through November 28. Then, after a short break, it reopens December 15–24, takes a brief pause for the holidays, and resumes December 26 through February 28, 2026.
These dates cover red, gray, black, and fox squirrels all together.
Before you head out, check for any calendar exceptions. Some special zones and youth hunts might change access days.
If you’re hunting on state game lands, always check for posted closures or area-specific rules. Bring a copy of the season dates—either printed or on your phone—especially if you’re out of cell range.
Junior Hunt and Youth Opportunities
A special junior squirrel season runs from September 13–27, 2025. During these two weeks, eligible junior hunters can get out with or without an adult license, depending on the rules for that year.
Mentored hunting programs sometimes let youth hunt on different dates or under different supervision rules.
It’s best to double-check age and permit requirements before you plan a trip. Mentored hunters and families often get early access to small-game events, so check local Game Commission updates for youth-only days and registration info.
Daily Bag Limits and Hunting Methods
You can take up to six squirrels per day (red, gray, black, and fox combined) and hold up to 18 after the second day. Legal hunting methods include shotguns, rimfire rifles, and archery gear—just make sure you follow any weapon-specific rules for public lands.
Stick to shooting hours and respect property boundaries. Always carry your hunting license and ID if needed, and tag your harvested squirrels if the state requires it.
Keep an eye out for any temporary changes to bag limits; the Game Commission updates these as needed.
Sunday Hunting Days
Pennsylvania now allows small-game hunting on select Sundays for the 2025-26 season. For squirrels, you’ll get a few Sundays in November, but the exact dates can shift each year.
Before you make plans, check which Sundays are open in your Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). Local restrictions and private land permissions still matter, but migratory-bird Sunday bans don’t affect squirrel hunting.
Always confirm with WMU postings and the official Seasons and Bag Limits page before you go.
Essential Rules and Licensing for Squirrel Hunting
You need the right licenses, follow area rules, and hunt with legal methods. Know where you’re allowed to go, what gear is approved, and what permits you’ll need for trapping or taking furbearers.
Required Hunting Licenses and Furtaker Permit
If you want to hunt squirrels, you have to carry a valid Pennsylvania hunting license. Licenses run from July 1 to June 30, so double-check your license year before heading out.
If you plan to trap or take fur-bearing animals as well as hunt, you’ll need a licensed furtaker permit from the Pennsylvania Game Commission. This covers you if you set traps or use devices regulated under furbearer rules.
Nonresident hunters need a nonresident small-game license. Youth and seniors can get discounts, so check your eligibility on the Game Commission website.
Keep your license handy and be ready to show it if someone asks.
Legal Hunting Hours and Safety Regulations
Small game hunting hours usually start at sunrise and end at sunset, unless your county says otherwise. Always confirm the daily times with the Game Commission—daylight hours can shift by season.
Use firearms or archery equipment that meet state safety standards. Shotguns are limited to certain gauges, and some areas have lead shot restrictions.
Wear visible clothing when others hunt nearby. Always keep your muzzle pointed safely and know what’s behind your target.
On public game lands, follow posted safety zones and any area-specific rules.
Important Wildlife Area Restrictions
Some areas have special limits you need to follow. Wild pheasant recovery areas and certain state game lands may restrict small-game hunting to protect restoration projects.
Check maps and signs before you enter to avoid restricted zones.
Public land can also have seasonal closures or special bag limits. You’ll need landowner permission to hunt on private property.
If you plan to trap, keep in mind that cable restraints and some other devices are restricted in many wildlife management areas. You might need certification, or the devices could be banned in certain zones.
Ethical and Responsible Hunting
Stick to bag limits and respect species protections—these rules are there for a reason, and they help keep squirrel populations healthy. If you trap as a licensed furtaker, use humane methods and check your traps regularly.
If you want to use certain cable restraints, you’ll need to get certified first. Don’t skip that step.
When you wound an animal, track it down right away and make sure you use quick, humane methods to dispatch it. If you spot something odd in the wildlife or see someone breaking the rules, let the Pennsylvania Game Commission know.
Always try to leave the land cleaner than you found it. Listen to landowners and respect their wishes if you want to keep coming back.
