Planning to hunt squirrels in Indiana? You’ll want to know the season dates and rules to keep things legal and safe. Squirrel season for gray and fox squirrels runs from Aug. 15, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2026, while you can hunt red squirrels all year but under different rules.
Let’s sort out which squirrel species you can hunt, what kind of orange you need to wear, and the bag limits you should know. We’ll also get into dates, licensing, gear, and some practical tips so you’re set for your next trip.
Indiana Squirrel Season Dates, Rules, and Species
You need a valid hunting license and have to follow the season dates, bag limits, and species rules set by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Make sure you know when the season opens and closes, how many squirrels you’re allowed to take, and which species are legal.
Season Start and End Dates
Gray and fox squirrel season kicks off August 15, 2025, and wraps up January 31, 2026. These dates cover public and most private land, but some places might post different rules.
Check property regulations before you head out. Some DNR-managed spots ask you to check in or might close hunting for special reasons.
You can hunt American red squirrels year-round, and there’s no bag limit, but you still have to follow general safety and equipment rules. Southern flying squirrels are protected, so leave them alone. Always carry your hunting license when you’re out in the field.
Bag and Possession Limits
You can take up to five gray or fox squirrels a day. The possession limit is ten, so don’t go over that. Conservation officers do check these limits, and they apply to each hunter.
There’s no daily or possession limit for American red squirrels, but use common sense and respect local property rules. Some DNR properties might set tighter limits or restrict hunting to protect squirrel populations.
Legal Hunting Hours
You can hunt squirrels from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. These hours follow small-game rules.
Double-check sunrise and sunset times for your hunting day since legal light changes a bit every day. Never shoot into dreys (those leafy nests), and don’t hunt at night or use artificial lights.
Keep your license and any property-specific permits with you. Conservation officers may ask to see them.
Squirrel Species and Regulations
Indiana recognizes several tree squirrel species. Gray squirrels and fox squirrels are regulated, and you have to follow the season and bag limits for them.
You can hunt American red squirrels year-round, but from November 1 to January 31, you must wear hunter orange. Don’t hunt southern flying squirrels—they’re protected.
If you want the official word, check out the Indiana Department of Natural Resources page before you go: DNR squirrel hunting.
Licenses, Gear, and Best Practices for Squirrel Hunting
You’ll need the right license, safe gear, and some good tactics for legal and ethical squirrel hunting. Stick to state rules for permits, wear hunter orange when it’s required, and pick gear that fits the season and terrain.
Indiana Hunting License and Required Permits
Carry a valid Indiana hunting license or make sure you qualify for an exemption. Out-of-state hunters need to buy a non-resident license before heading out.
Check the Indiana DNR squirrel hunting page for the latest fees and where to buy licenses online. Some properties or special hunts will ask for extra permits or tags.
For certain state-managed hunts, you might need a property permit or an IPLA hunt flyer permit. If you’re hunting migratory birds on the same day, you’ll need your HIP number, but you don’t need a federal duck stamp for squirrels.
Keep your license handy while you hunt. If a conservation officer asks, you’ll want to have it ready.
Essential Gear and Firearms
Wear layered earth tones for comfort and to blend in with the woods. Pack a small backpack, some water, a game pouch or vest, and first-aid basics.
If you use dogs, bring a lead, whistle, and something for tick prevention. For firearms, most folks use a 20-gauge shotgun with #6 shot for close shots in trees.
A .22 rimfire rifle is a favorite for quieter, accurate shots—especially later in the season. Air rifles and silencers are legal in some areas, so check local rules.
Choose a scoped or open-sight setup that you can shoulder quickly, whether you’re sitting or standing. Bring a small tree saw or pruner to clear shooting lanes, and gloves for handling game.
If you hunt with dogs, respect property rules and always keep your hounds under control.
Hunter Orange Requirements
Indiana law says you have to wear fluorescent hunter orange from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31. Put on a solid orange vest, jacket, coat, coveralls, hat, or cap as your outer layer.
Camouflage orange doesn’t count. Make sure the orange stays visible at all times.
Small logos or patches are fine, but most of your outer garment needs to be solid orange. On state-managed properties, check if they require orange at other times or in certain spots.
Wearing orange makes it much easier for other hunters to see you in thick woods or dim light. It’s just safer, even if you’re trying to stay quiet and move slowly through the trees.
Effective Hunting Techniques
You’ll have the best luck spotting squirrels near mast trees like oaks and hickories. Try walking slowly, pausing often—still-hunting really just means moving quietly and keeping your eyes on the treetops and branches.
Listen for their chatter, the sound of cutting, or even nuts dropping. These clues can help you figure out exactly where the squirrels are hanging out.
Sometimes, it’s better to just sit and wait from a high spot or right under a nut-bearing tree. Squirrels tend to get active at certain times, so patience pays off.
If you use calls, keep them soft—a gentle chitter might pull a curious squirrel close, but overdoing it can spook them. Got a squirrel dog? Let your dog work the woodlines and tree bases to sniff out treed game. When your dog finds something, move in slowly so you don’t scare the squirrel off.
Always take shots you know are ethical and make sure there’s a safe backstop. Don’t shoot into dreys (those leafy nests), and skip any shot at a squirrel perched above a deep crotch in the tree—you probably won’t recover it anyway.
Practice quick follow-up so you can tag and carry out your game the right way.
