Squirrel season in Georgia kicks off on August 15 and runs through February 28. You can hunt both gray and fox squirrels during that window.
Want to get out there early? Mark your calendar for August 15, but don’t forget the daily bag limit of 12 per person and any special WMA rules.
Here’s what you need to know about the exact dates, bag limits, and fox squirrel rules. I’ll also share a few tips on access, gear, and how to tell the two squirrel species apart.
Squirrel Season Dates and Regulations
In Georgia, you can hunt gray and fox squirrels from mid‑August through late February. Make sure you know the season dates, daily limits, and any special WMA rules before heading out.
2025-2026 Season Schedule
Squirrel season in Georgia runs from August 15, 2025 to February 28, 2026. These dates cover most places statewide for both gray and fox squirrels.
Some Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) might open or close on different dates. Always check the specific WMA calendar before you make plans.
August and September usually bring warmer weather and more active squirrels. By winter, things slow down, but you’ll often spot squirrels hanging around mast or shelter.
You need a valid hunting license for the 2025-2026 season. Don’t forget that.
Daily Bag Limits and Species Rules
You can harvest up to 12 squirrels per hunter each day, combining both gray and fox squirrels unless a specific WMA says otherwise.
Some WMAs set a separate fox squirrel bag limit of one per person per day. That means you could take 12 squirrels total, but only one fox squirrel on those lands.
Make sure you correctly identify the species before field-dressing or transporting your harvest. Gray squirrels are smaller, while fox squirrels are bigger and come in more colors.
Check for any tagging or reporting requirements if your WMA or hunt calls for it.
Georgia Wildlife Management Areas Rules
WMAs offer almost a million acres for hunting, but each one can set its own dates, species rules, and bag limits.
Some WMAs don’t allow fox squirrel hunting at all, or they might limit you to one fox squirrel per day. Other WMAs go with the statewide 12-squirrel daily limit and don’t restrict fox squirrels.
Before you step onto a WMA, look over the posted rules, permitted hours, and any area closures. You might need extra permits or have to follow special access rules, especially on Voluntary Public Access areas.
Check WMA maps for parking spots, access trails, and hunter check stations.
Where to Find Official Information
You’ll find official rules, season dates, and WMA info at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division: GeorgiaWildlife.com.
Use their hunter resources and WMA pages to double-check dates, bag limits, and any fox squirrel restrictions for your hunting spot.
For licenses and permits, head to GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com. To see the official announcement for the 2025-2026 season, look for the Georgia DNR news release on their site.
Hunting Tips, Access, and Squirrel Species
Let’s talk about where to hunt, what permits you need, how to spot the difference between gray and fox squirrels, and a few tips if you’re new to squirrel hunting.
Popular Places to Hunt Squirrels
Start with Georgia Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). They offer nearly a million acres statewide, each with posted dates and rules.
Check individual WMA pages before you go. Some restrict fox squirrel hunting or set special bag limits.
You can also use public hunting maps and access programs like Voluntary Public Access to find properties that allow hunting. If private land is more your thing, consider a hunting lease in the Piedmont or Coastal Plain—leases often mean quieter woods and permission to set up stands.
For maps and licenses, GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com keeps things up to date.
Hunting License and Permit Requirements
You need a valid Georgia hunting license. Nonresidents have to get the correct nonresident license.
Some WMAs require a WMA permit on top of your state license. Double-check before you hunt.
Regulations for youth hunters can differ. Hunters under certain ages might need mentored-hunter permits or have to follow special rules. Buy or renew your license at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, and check current season dates and limits there too.
Always carry ID and review local WMA rules for any extra restrictions.
Gray Squirrel and Fox Squirrel Identification
Gray squirrels are smaller and more slender, usually weighing 12 ounces to about 1.5 pounds. Their fur is mostly gray with white underparts.
You’ll spot them in hardwood and mixed forests, and they’re pretty common near parks and even city neighborhoods.
Fox squirrels are bigger, from about 1 to nearly 3 pounds. Their colors vary—some are silver-gray with dark heads, others are solid black or reddish-buff.
Fox squirrels usually stick to mature pine and mixed pine/hardwood stands, especially in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. Watch for size, body shape, and habitat when you’re trying to tell them apart in the woods.
Squirrel Hunting for Beginners
Grab a small-caliber rifle, like a .22 LR, or maybe a shotgun loaded with birdshot. If you prefer, a .22 rimfire handgun works well for those short-range shots under 50 yards.
Wear some light camouflage and try to move quietly—squirrels pick up on noise and movement surprisingly fast. Find a spot near mast-producing trees and just sit still for a bit, or walk slowly along the edges of oak, hickory, or pine stands.
Always keep safe shot angles in mind. Aim for a quick, humane kill—nobody wants a wounded animal running off.
Pack a small game bag, a sharp knife, and a little field dressing kit. Planning to cook your catch? Simple recipes like frying or tossing them in a slow cooker keep the flavor front and center.
Definitely check the local hunting rules. Think about trying a public WMA or maybe a private lease. And if you can, follow advice from Georgia Wildlife Department folks like Diana McGrath—they know their stuff.
