You can hunt gray and fox squirrels in Missouri from late May through mid-February. The exact dates change every year, but squirrel season usually opens in late May and runs through February 15. That gives you plenty of time to plan trips, practice your aim, and just get outside in the woods.
Check the state rules for specific start and end dates, bag limits, and which squirrel species you can hunt. The rest of this article covers the current and upcoming season dates, legal hunting methods, and any permits or limits you need to know about.
Squirrel Season Dates and Species in Missouri
Missouri allows hunters to go after eastern gray and fox squirrels during a set season with clear limits. Make sure you know the dates, which squirrel is which, and how many you can take. That way, you’ll stay on the right side of the Missouri Department of Conservation’s rules.
Current Squirrel Season Start and End Dates
Missouri’s squirrel season opens in late May and closes in mid-February. For the last few years, the Missouri Department of Conservation has picked opening days around May 24–27, with February 15 as the end. The opening day can shift a little each year, so check the MDC’s announcement to be sure. You’ll find their latest season info here: Missouri Department of Conservation season announcement (https://www.ozarkradionews.com/local-news/mdc-announces-start-of-squirrel-and-black-bass-seasons-on-may-24).
Some special rules kick in during firearms deer season or in certain counties. For example, equipment restrictions might change for part of November. Always double-check the MDC’s official page for the latest dates and rules before you head out.
Fox Squirrel vs. Eastern Gray Squirrel
You’ll spot fox squirrels by their larger size and reddish-brown or orange fur. They like open woodlands and farm edges. Eastern gray squirrels look, well, gray or sometimes dark, and they prefer mixed hardwood forests and even city parks.
Both species are legal game in Missouri, and the MDC groups them together in hunting regulations. Fox squirrels tend to forage more on the ground, so you might see them in open spots. Eastern grays dart through the treetops and can be trickier to call or spot. Knowing which is which helps you follow the rules, since the MDC’s limits apply to “eastern gray and fox squirrels.”
Bag Limits and Possession Limits
The daily bag limit in Missouri is 10 squirrels, and you can’t have more than 20 squirrels in your possession at any time. That’s a combined total for both eastern gray and fox squirrels. If you’re hunting several days in a row, keep track so you don’t go over the limit.
During some firearm deer seasons, you can only use .22 rimfire or shot no larger than No. 4 for squirrels. Trapping is allowed with cage-type traps, but you’ll need to label them and follow size rules if you have a small-game permit. Always review the MDC rules for any seasonal or county-specific changes before you go.
Regulations, Legal Methods, and Permits
You need to follow rules about what gear you use, how you trap, and which licenses you need. Check the details below so you don’t end up with a fine or lose your hunting privileges.
Allowed Firearm and Archery Methods
You can use rifles that meet size rules during special seasons. During deer firearms season and the elk firearms portion, you’re limited to shotguns (with shot no larger than No. 4) or .22-caliber or smaller rimfire rifles, pistols, or revolvers for other wildlife. Fully automatic weapons aren’t allowed for hunting in Missouri.
For archery, you can use longbows, compound bows, recurve bows, and crossbows if they’re allowed in your area. Slingshots and atlatls are also legal for small game. Missouri doesn’t let you use electronic or night-vision devices with your firearm or bow, except for certain coyote seasons or if you have written permission.
Trapping and Cage-Style Traps Regulations
You can use cage-style traps for squirrels and other small game, but you have to set them so you don’t disturb dens or nests. Don’t use poisons, tranquilizers, chemicals, or explosives—those are off-limits.
If you use Conibear-type traps, you can only set them next to public roads if they’re underwater in permanent water. You can’t use motor-driven vehicles or drones to chase, take, or bother wildlife. Dogs are okay for some furbearer hunts, but not for deer, elk, turkey, muskrat, mink, river otter, or beaver. Artificial lights are only allowed for certain species and times, and you can’t use them to spot or harass other wildlife.
Required Permits and Hunting Licenses
If you want to hunt squirrels in Missouri, you’ll need a valid small game hunting permit or some other appropriate license. Bag limits and season dates still apply—take a look at your permit for the daily and possession limits.
When you’re transporting or storing game, you have to label certain species with your name, address, permit number, and the date you took them. Deer, elk, turkey, and bear come with even more labeling rules, so definitely double-check those.
If you buy, sell, or even gift pelts or parts, both the seller and buyer should hang on to a bill of sale that lists their names, addresses, and the details of what’s changing hands. Breaking the rules about licenses, bag limits, or hunting methods can get you fined, cost you your hunting privileges, or bring other penalties.
Want the full details? Check out the Missouri Department of Conservation’s hunting regulations or the Missouri Code of State Regulations.
