You can hunt red, gray, black, and fox squirrels in Ohio from September 1 through January 31 during the 2025–26 season.
Hunting is only allowed from half an hour before sunrise until sunset, and you’re limited to six squirrels per day total.
If you’re looking for the exact rules, where you can hunt, and how to stay legal, you’re in the right place.
This post covers the season dates, important regulations, and some tips for finding public and private hunting spots around Ohio.
Squirrel Season Dates and Essential Regulations
You’ll want to know the season dates, daily bag limits, which squirrel species are legal, and what licenses you’ll need.
Stick to the rules so you don’t end up with a ticket or accidentally harm squirrel populations.
Current Squirrel Season Start and End Dates
Ohio’s regular squirrel season for gray, red, and fox squirrels usually starts September 1 and wraps up January 31.
These dates are statewide for most years, but it’s smart to double-check for any changes before you head out.
Hop over to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources hunting pages or the WildOhio website for the latest info and maps.
If you hunt on public lands or wildlife areas, check for posted dates or special rules—they can be different.
The HuntFish OH app or WildOhio site will show you zone-specific dates and any temporary restrictions.
Bag Limits and Legal Hunting Hours
Ohio lets you take up to six tree squirrels per day, no matter the mix of gray, red, or fox.
Don’t go over the daily or possession limits, or you could end up with fines and lose your hunting privileges.
Groundhogs have different rules and usually no bag limit, but it’s always worth confirming before acting.
Legal hunting hours for squirrels run from half an hour before sunrise until sunset.
If you hunt outside these hours, you’re breaking the law unless you have a specific permit.
Keep your hunting license with you and be ready to show it if a wildlife officer stops you.
Permitted Squirrel Species
You’re allowed to hunt eastern gray, eastern fox, and red squirrels during Ohio’s regular squirrel season.
Don’t hunt or handle flying squirrels—they’re protected and you’ll need special permits for research or rehab.
If you’re not sure which species you’ve spotted, check field marks like size, ear shape, and tail color.
If you see a squirrel that looks unusual, reach out to the Ohio Division of Wildlife through WildOhio before doing anything.
Required Licenses and Permits
You need a valid Ohio hunting license to hunt squirrels—no exceptions.
License types, age requirements, and fees are different for residents and non-residents, and there are youth and apprentice options for beginners.
Complete any required hunter education before you buy certain licenses.
You can buy and manage licenses using the HuntFish OH app or the Ohio wildlife licensing website.
The app is handy for checking season dates, maps, and area-specific rules.
Some wildlife areas need extra permits or passes, so don’t assume your regular license covers everything.
If you’re trapping or dealing with nuisance squirrels outside the regular season, get written permission or permits from local authorities.
Always check permit requirements on WildOhio before you go.
Hunting Opportunities and Land Access in Ohio
You’ll find good squirrel hunting on both public and private land, and there are programs that make access a bit easier.
Knowing where to go, how to get permission, and which tools help you plan is half the battle.
Best Locations to Hunt Squirrels
State forests, wildlife areas, and big private woodlots are usually loaded with squirrels.
Look for mature oak, beech, and hickory trees—these attract gray and red squirrels with their nuts.
Check maps for public access in places like Shawnee, Zaleski, and Wayne National Forest.
On public land, always follow posted rules and bag limits.
The HuntFish OH app can help you find management areas, boundaries, and parking spots.
Scout early in the morning or late in the afternoon when squirrels are most active.
Bring binoculars and a small-game vest for your shells, calls, and maybe a compact tree stand or shooting stick.
Ohio Landowner-Hunter Access Partnership
The Ohio Landowner-Hunter Access Partnership (OLHAP) matches hunters with private land where owners allow limited hunting.
Properties in the program list available hunt dates, allowed species, and any special rules.
You’ll need to register and follow the posted access rules for each property.
OLHAP listings include parcel size, contact info, and hunt types.
This program is a great way to get into larger woodlots that aren’t as crowded as public areas.
Always read the property’s requirements for check-in, license display, and what weapons you can use.
OLHAP can open up some fantastic squirrel hunting spots you probably wouldn’t find on your own.
Youth Hunting Opportunities
Ohio actually sets aside youth-only days and special events just to help young hunters get started. These youth seasons usually let hunters under a certain age head out with less competition and a bit more mentor support.
Always check the hunting regulations booklet for the specific youth dates and age requirements before you plan a trip. If the rules allow, you can bring youth to public wildlife areas and OLHAP properties.
A lot of conservation clubs also host youth squirrel hunts or offer basic hunter education clinics. When you hunt with a young person, make sure to show them safe firearm handling, tree-stand safety, and how to tell the difference between legal species—gray, red, fox, and black squirrels.
For official dates and more details about youth programs, check the Ohio DNR’s hunting season pages at Wild Ohio or look up the rule listings in the administrative code.
