You can hit the Georgia woods for squirrel hunting from August 15 through February 28, 2026. This long season gives you time to plan trips in late summer, fall, or winter, and you’ll have plenty of chances to hunt both gray and fox squirrels under state bag limits.
If you’re looking for tips on rules, where to hunt, and what to expect from different habitats, just keep reading. I’ll walk through the exact dates, regulations, and some good public lands to check out.
Georgia Squirrel Season Dates and Regulations
Georgia lets you hunt squirrels for several months each year, but you need to follow set dates, bag limits, and species rules. Make sure you know license, property, and weapon restrictions before heading out.
2025-2026 Squirrel Season Start and End Dates
Squirrel season in Georgia opens August 15, 2025 and runs through February 28, 2026. These dates cover both gray and fox squirrels across most of the state.
Before you hunt on public lands, check daily start times and any county-specific closures.
You’ll need the right hunting license for the season. Youth and apprentice rules let younger hunters join in under supervision.
Private and public land seasons usually follow the same calendar, but some wildlife management areas (WMAs) might have separate dates or require special permits.
For official updates and maps of public hunting spots, check the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division online.
Daily Bag Limits for Squirrels
Georgia sets a daily bag limit of 12 squirrels per hunter. That’s the combined total of gray and fox squirrels you can take in one day.
This bag limit helps protect local populations and keeps hunting sustainable.
If you’re planning to hunt for several days, it’s smart to keep a log or tags to track your daily take. Bag limits sometimes change, so double-check current rules before you go.
Carry proof of your license while hunting. Always follow any extra WMA-specific harvest rules.
Fox Squirrel Hunting and Restrictions
Fox squirrels are legal game statewide during squirrel season and count toward your daily limit.
You can hunt both fox squirrels and gray squirrels, but you can’t treat them differently for bag limits. If local regulations or quotas apply, make sure you ID the species correctly.
Some southern counties have more fox squirrels, so you might want to scout those areas. If a WMA or county posts special regulations for fox squirrels, those rules override the general statewide limits.
Use clear optics or get close for clean, ethical shots.
Don’t disturb nests or den trees if you can help it. Always follow firearm or archery rules for the area you’re hunting.
Where to Find Official Regulations
You’ll find rules, maps, and license info at the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division site. Head to the Georgia DNR hunting pages for the official Hunting and Fishing Regulations Guide and season PDFs. (See the Georgia DNR hunting resources at https://georgiawildlife.com/hunting/hunter-resources.)
For online license purchases, property access, and WMA permits, use Georgia’s Go Outdoors portal.
You can also call the Wildlife Resources Division if you have questions about bag limits, species ID, or special area rules before you head out.
Popular Places and Opportunities for Squirrel Hunting
You’ll find squirrels across public lands, private leases, and lots of WMAs. Know where fox and gray squirrels like to feed and nest, and always check license rules and WMA dates before you go.
Hunting on Georgia Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
Georgia Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) offer nearly a million acres of public hunting land. Many WMAs allow squirrel hunting during the statewide season that starts August 15 and goes through late February.
Check each WMA’s specific dates and area rules at GeorgiaWildlife.com so you don’t get caught by closures or special hunts.
When you plan your trip, look for WMAs with mature hardwoods for gray squirrels or mixed pine-hardwood stands for fox squirrels. Use WMA maps and parking info on GeorgiaWildlife.com to find trailheads, access points, and managed food plots.
Pack the basics: blaze orange if required, a small gauge shotgun or .22 rifle, some spare shells, and snacks.
Gray Squirrel vs. Fox Squirrel Habitats
Gray squirrels love hardwood forests, city parks, and mixed stands near oaks and hickories. You’ll usually spot them high in the canopy, especially near nut trees.
They move a lot more in late summer and fall when nuts start dropping.
Fox squirrels prefer mature pine and mixed pine-hardwood habitats. They’re bigger, spend more time on the ground, and like open understory with scattered pines.
On WMAs and private lands, look for the edges between pines and hardwoods, and search for big trees with cavities.
Remember, WMAs and some public lands may limit fox squirrel take on certain units, so check specific bag limits and area rules.
Hunting License Requirements and Resources
You need a valid Georgia hunting license and the right small-game stamps. If you plan on hunting public land, remember that some WMAs ask for extra permits or user fees—it’s best to double-check GeorgiaWildlife.com or GoOutdoorsGeorgia before heading out.
If you’re bringing along a new hunter, look into youth licenses or mentored-hunting options. Buy your license and either print it out or keep a digital copy handy, just in case someone asks.
Always carry your license and any WMA permits while you’re out hunting. For training, WMA webpages show hunter-education classes and give you contact info, so you can confirm things like fox squirrel bag limits on department-managed lands.
