Is it legal to hunt squirrels is a common question among new hunters preparing to participate in this game. The legality of hunting squirrels is a subject that varies widely based on geographical location and local regulations. Squirrels are a popular game animal, and many people enjoy hunting them. In many regions, hunting squirrels is legal and even encouraged as a means of population control and wildlife management.
However, different jurisdictions have different rules and laws surrounding hunting squirrels. Specific rules regarding hunting seasons, permissible weapons, and bag limits differ from place to place. The rules primarily focus on factors such as ethics, habitat disruption, and population control. These play an important role in shaping hunting policies.
It is important to check your local laws before going squirrel hunting. You must familiarize yourself with local laws and obtain necessary permits before engaging in caregiving. Failure to comply with these laws can result in fines or other legal consequences.
Is It Legal To Hunt Squirrels?
Yes, squirrel hunting is legal in most states in the United States such as California, Ohio, Texas, etc. Governments establish hunting seasons to control population numbers, prevent habitat damage, and support overall ecosystem health. However, the specifics of these regulations, including permissible weapons, bag limits, and licensing requirements, differ widely.
There are some states that have restrictions on squirrel hunting. To find out if it is legal to hunt squirrels in your area, you need to check the hunting regulations for your state. These regulations are typically published by the state fish and wildlife agency.
State Hunting Regulations
Each state has its own set of regulations when it comes to hunting squirrels. These regulations vary depending on the species of squirrel and the area where you are hunting. Some states may have specific seasons for different types of squirrels, while others may have a general season for all species.
In California, the general squirrel hunting season is from the second Saturday in September, extending through the last Sunday in January. So, how many squirrels can you kill a day in this state? The daily bag limit is four squirrels per day and no hunting in certain areas during breeding season. If you obtain any game mammal, even tree squirrels, you must instantly kill it and add it to your daily bag limit.
There are three phases to squirrel hunting season in Mississippi including youth, fall and spring season. Youth season lasts 7 days from September 23 to 29 with a daily bag limit of 8 squirrels (regardless of species). Fall season begins September 30 and ends February 28, 2024 with the same bag limits as youth season. Spring runs from May 15 to June 1 and has a daily bag limit of 4 squirrels (regardless of species).
In Ohio, you are allowed to hunt 3 species of squirrels namely red, gray and fox squirrels. The shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset. However, not all states allow hunting of all three types of squirrels. For example, Florida does not allow fox squirrels hunting. In Florida, gray squirrel season normally begins in early November and concludes in early March.
Texas is open to squirrel hunting year-round and has no daily bag limit. Only in the Panhandle and far West Texas is there no squirrel hunting season.
Federal Regulations
Federal regulations are set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and apply to all states. They include:
- Hunters must have a valid hunting license.
- Hunting is not allowed in national parks or wildlife refuges.
- The use of lead ammunition is prohibited on federal lands.
- Non-toxic shot must be used when hunting squirrels.
Violation of federal laws is prohibited and if you do you are subject to corresponding legal penalties without mercy.
When Is It Legal to Hunt Squirrels?
Legal squirrel hunting seasons vary depending on the species of squirrel and the area you are hunting. But it is mainly in the fall, around September, October to February of the following year. These seasons are typically set by the state fish and wildlife agency.
Fall Season
The fall season is the most common time for squirrel hunting. This is when squirrels are most active and preparing for winter. Usually in the states, the fall season starts in September or October and runs through December or January. Typically in Wisconsin, squirrel hunting begins on September 15 and ends on January 31. This is the prime time for hunting squirrels as they are busy gathering food and their coats are at their thickest.
Winter Season
Winter season runs from December to February and is a great time to hunt squirrels as they are more visible against the snow-covered ground. Some states have a winter season for squirrel hunting such as Alabama. However, in some states, the winter season may be closed to allow for breeding and nesting.
Spring Season
The spring season for squirrel hunting is usually shorter than the fall and winter seasons. It runs from March to May and is a good time to hunt squirrels as they are coming out of hibernation and are actively searching for food. Spring squirrel hunting in Mississippi occurs in the second half of May.
Summer Season
Summer is not a common season for squirrel hunting as it is during the breeding and nesting period. In California, it may be illegal to hunt squirrels during this time to protect the population. However, in states where summer hunting is allowed, it is important to only take male squirrels to avoid disrupting the breeding cycle.
Read more: Six Helpful Tips On How To Train A Squirrel Dog
5 Ideal Places To Hunt Squirrels
There are many fantastic areas in the United States to hunt squirrels, but here are the top five to consider for your next squirrel hunting expedition:
- Midwest
- Appalachian Mountains
- Southeast
- Pacific Northwest
- Northeast
Hunters prefer squirrel hunting because it allows them to appreciate the outdoors while also putting their hunting skills to the test.
Midwest
The Midwest, with its extensive fields and woodlands, is a fantastic spot to go squirrel hunting. Gray and fox squirrels live in the region, with gray squirrels being more abundant in the north and fox squirrels in the south. States such as Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois have numerous opportunities for squirrel hunting, with both public and private land available.
Appalachian Mountains
The Appalachian Mountains, which run from Maine to Georgia, are also ideal for squirrel hunting. The Appalachians, with their varied landscapes of hardwood woods, river valleys, and rolling hills, provide numerous options for squirrel hunting. Gray and fox squirrels can be found in abundance in the area.
Southeast
With its mild climate and plentiful trees, the Southeastern United States is another great spot to go squirrel hunting. Gray and fox squirrels can be found in the Southeast, with gray squirrels being more frequent in the east and fox squirrels in the west. Squirrel hunting is popular in states such as Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, where public land is available in state parks and wildlife management areas.
Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest, with its deep forests and steep terrain, is also an excellent location for squirrel hunting. Gray and Douglas squirrels live in the region, with Douglas squirrels being more abundant in the western half of the province. Squirrel hunting is popular in states such as Oregon and Washington, where public land is available in national forests and state parks.
Northeast
The Northeastern United States, with its hardwood forests and undulating hills, is another great location for squirrel hunting. Gray and red squirrels live in the region, with gray squirrels being more frequent in the southern portion of the Northeast and red squirrels in the northern part. Squirrel hunting is popular in states such as New York, Vermont, and Pennsylvania, where public land is available in state forests and wildlife management areas.