You get to hunt fox and gray squirrels in Oklahoma from May 15 through February 28. That’s a long season—plenty of spring and fall days to plan a trip. The daily bag limit is 25, and after the first day you can have up to 50 in possession.
Don’t forget your hunting license, and keep track of legal hours: you can hunt from half an hour before sunrise until sunset. You’ll need to know which weapons are allowed, what the bag limits are, and the rules for public and private land.
We’ll cover the exact dates, important rules, and legal hunting methods so you can plan safe outings and get the most out of the season. For the official word, check the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s small game rules.
Oklahoma Squirrel Season Dates and Key Details
You can hunt squirrels almost all year in Oklahoma, but you need to pay attention to limits, hours, and legal methods. Make sure you know the season dates, how many you can take, and when you’re allowed in the field.
Current Squirrel Season Dates
Regular squirrel season in Oklahoma runs from May 15 through February 28 statewide. These dates cover both fox and gray squirrels, including the eastern gray squirrel if you’re in their range.
The season opens in mid-May, which gives you late spring and summer hunting, plus the main fall and winter months when squirrels seem to be everywhere.
Before you head out, check for local changes or updates from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Sometimes rules change, so it’s smart to verify if you’re planning a trip in early May or late February.
Daily Bag Limits and Possession Limits
You can take up to 25 squirrels per day in Oklahoma. After your first day, you’re allowed to possess up to 50 squirrels.
These limits count both fox and gray squirrels together, so keep track if you hunt in different spots or with a group.
Write down what you take or tag your squirrels to keep things clear. Dogs can help you hunt, but they don’t raise your bag limit.
Always follow any tagging, transport, or reporting rules the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation sets.
Legal Hunting Hours
You can hunt squirrels from half an hour before sunrise until sunset every legal day. These hours apply statewide and cover the usual small game hunting gear—shotgun, rifle, handgun, muzzleloader, bow and arrow, air-powered devices, and raptors if you’re into falconry.
Don’t hunt outside these hours. If you use a firearm, pay attention to safe shooting times and always know what’s beyond your target in daylight. For the latest legal methods, check Oklahoma’s official regulations before heading out.
Squirrel Hunting Regulations and Legal Methods
You need to know which squirrels you can hunt, what license you need, and which weapons and areas are allowed. Read the rules carefully so you stay on the right side of Oklahoma law and avoid any fines.
Squirrel Species You Can Hunt
Oklahoma lets you hunt the eastern fox squirrel and the eastern gray squirrel. The fox squirrel is bigger and lives across most of the state except the far western panhandle.
The gray squirrel hangs out in eastern Oklahoma and looks grayer on the back with white underneath.
Both eat acorns, hickory nuts, and seeds, and both can have two litters a year. Don’t target any other squirrel species or protected wildlife. If you’re not sure which species you see, double-check before you shoot.
Required Licenses and Permits
You’ll need an Oklahoma hunting license to hunt squirrels. Licenses depend on whether you’re a resident, nonresident, or your age, so make sure you get the right one before you go.
Some areas or special hunts might need extra small-game permits or stamps.
Keep your license on you while hunting and follow the daily bag limits. State law limits possession to two days’ bag limit after your second hunt.
Always check Oklahoma’s hunting regulations online for the latest season dates and bag limits.
Approved Equipment and Hunting Methods
Oklahoma law lists several legal ways to hunt squirrels. You can use a shotgun, rifle, handgun, archery gear, airgun, or even a slingshot.
Muzzleloaders are fine if they meet the legal rules. You can use raptors for falconry in places where it’s allowed.
Night hunting isn’t allowed—stick to half an hour before sunrise to sunset. Don’t cut down den trees unless you have permission.
Choose safe calibers for small game, follow firearm safety, and respect any local restrictions.
Hunting on Public vs. Private Lands
When you hunt on public wildlife management areas, you need to follow state seasons, bag limits, and any specific rules posted by the land manager. Some public areas ask for reservations, permits, or special access passes—so it’s smart to double-check the rules before heading out.
If you’re hunting on private land, always get written permission from the landowner first. You still have to stick to Oklahoma hunting license laws, season dates, and approved methods.
Don’t cut or remove trees used as nests unless the owner says it’s okay. Also, respect any posted trespass signs and weapon restrictions.
