You can usually hunt squirrels from early fall through late winter, but the exact dates and bag limits depend on your state—so check your local regulations before heading out. Most states kick off squirrel season in September and wrap up between February and March, with daily bag limits often landing somewhere between 5 and 12 squirrels.
If you’re planning to hunt this season, you’ll need to know the specific dates, legal weapons, and license rules for your area. Staying legal and safe isn’t just good advice—it’s essential. The rest of this article breaks down season calendars, state rules, and what permits and methods you’ll need to make the most of your time in the woods.
Squirrel Hunting Season Dates and Regulations
Seasons, bag limits, and license rules can change depending on your state and even your county. You have to know the exact dates, any youth-only times, and whether your area has a year-round or limited season before you grab your gear.
Typical Opening and Closing Dates by Region
Across most of the U.S., squirrel season opens in early fall and goes into late winter. Many non-tropical states start in September or October and finish up by February or March.
Southern or milder states sometimes stretch their seasons later, or even allow year-round hunting in some counties.
Bag limits usually fall between 5 and 12 squirrels per day. Some places with year-round seasons don’t set a bag limit at all. You’ll need a valid small game hunting license if your state requires it.
Licenses and possession limits can shift from state to state, so you really should check the rules before you go.
How to Find Reliable Hunting Season Information
Start with your state wildlife agency’s website for the most accurate season dates and county maps. These pages list opening and closing dates, bag limits, and any youth-only seasons.
For example, Texas posts county-by-county dates and bag limits right on their site. Look for pages titled “season dates,” “bag limits,” or “outdoor annual.” Download any PDFs or official regulations you find helpful.
If you’re hunting on public land, read up on the property’s special rules and see if you need extra permits. When you’re unsure, call your local wildlife office. Keeping a printed copy or screenshot of the regulations on your phone is a smart move.
State-Specific Variations and Examples
States really do their own thing here. Texas splits some counties into East Texas dates and “all other counties,” with East Texas often running Oct 1–Feb 22, while other counties might go from Sept 1–Aug 31.
Arkansas, Kentucky, Michigan, and Alabama all post their specific season calendars and bag limits online. Some states offer youth-only weekends before the general season starts.
Others set rules about which firearms you can use or limit methods to certain calibers or shotguns. Always double-check if your county has a year-round season or special possession rules.
Before you head out, check your state agency’s squirrel season page for the latest dates, bag limits, and license requirements. For example, Texas keeps a detailed list of squirrel hunting season dates and bag limits by county.
Rules, Licenses, and Hunting Methods
You’ll need the right license, know the bag limits, and follow rules about weapons and hunting hours. Licenses and equipment rules change by state, so always check the official regulations before you go.
License Requirements and Bag Limits
Most of the time, you’ll need a small game hunting license to hunt squirrels. Some states roll this into a general hunting license or a hunt/fish combo.
Youth hunters might get free or reduced-fee licenses, but they still have to stick to bag limits.
Bag limits bounce around a lot: many states set daily limits between 5 and 12 squirrels. Some places split limits by species or zone.
If you hunt across state lines, you must follow the laws and limits of the state you’re in. Breaking the rules could mean fines, losing your license, or even criminal charges.
Always keep your license on you while hunting. If you plan to hunt other upland game—like pheasant or bobwhite quail—check combined limits and separate seasons, since those birds usually come with their own tags and rules.
Legal Firearms and Equipment for Squirrel Hunting
Most states let you use .22 rimfire rifles and shotguns for squirrel hunting, and plenty also allow air rifles for small game. Some places set a minimum shotgun gauge or restrict barrel types, while others ban centerfire rifles for safety reasons.
You might see limits on optics, illuminated sights, or certain muzzle devices. Bows are legal for small game in some states, but rules can vary for draw weight and arrow type.
Check if your tree stand or climbing device needs a permit, too.
Hunting pheasant or bobwhite quail usually allows the same firearms as squirrel hunting, but some managed preserves only allow shotguns. Keep your firearm unloaded until you reach your hunting spot, and always follow firearm safety.
Daily Hunting Hours and Seasonal Restrictions
Most days, hunting hours start about half an hour before sunrise and end half an hour after sunset. Some states, though, just set specific legal shooting times.
You usually can’t hunt squirrels at night unless you get a special permit. That rule’s pretty common.
In the South, some seasons kick off as early as mid-August and might stretch into March if the area allows a long season. Up North, shorter seasons are the norm, often because of tougher weather.
Keep an eye out for zone dates, youth-only days, or any sudden closures for disease or population issues. Those details can change fast.
If you head onto private club land or a wildlife management area, check their posted hours and see if they have extra rules. When you spot signs or closures, it’s best to follow them—no one wants to deal with penalties.
