Squirrel Hunting Seasons & Laws by State (2025 Guide)

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One of the first things I tell new hunters: “Check your state regulations.” Squirrel seasons, bag limits, and legal weapons vary widely across the country.

Here’s a snapshot:

(and so on — linking to each state page you’ll publish)

Pro Tip: Always double-check your state’s official wildlife website. Regulations can change yearly.

When I first started squirrel hunting, I honestly didn’t pay much attention to the regulations. I just grabbed my .22, walked into the woods, and figured if I saw a squirrel, it was fair game. I quickly learned that was the wrong approach. Every state has different seasons, bag limits, and even rules about what kind of firearm you can use.

Over the years, I’ve gotten into the habit of checking the regs before every season. It’s not just about staying legal — it’s about making the most of your opportunities. Some states open as early as August, while others don’t start until September. Some allow air rifles, while others don’t. The more you know, the better you can plan your hunts.

This guide will give you an overview of squirrel hunting seasons across the U.S. in 2025, plus links to detailed state-specific guides.

Why Regulations Matter

I can’t stress this enough: squirrel hunting is fun, affordable, and accessible — but you need to know the rules.

  • Bag limits: These are in place to keep populations healthy. Most states allow between 5–12 squirrels per day.
  • Season dates: Early season hunts feel completely different from late winter hunts. If you want to maximize your time in the woods, learn your state’s calendar.
  • Legal weapons: Some states allow air rifles, others don’t. Some limit shotgun gauges or even ban night hunting outright.
  • License requirements: In most states, you need a small game hunting license. Youth hunters may qualify for special programs.

General Season Patterns

While every state is different, here’s the general pattern I’ve noticed:

  • Southern states (like Alabama and Mississippi) often open in mid-September and run well into February or March.
  • Midwestern states (like Ohio, Indiana, and Missouri) usually start in September and close by the end of January.
  • Northern states (like Michigan and Pennsylvania) may have shorter seasons due to winter weather, though some offer split fall and winter seasons.
  • Western states (like California) often have limited or regional seasons, and bag limits tend to be lower.

👉 Related: Squirrel Hunting in Alabama
👉 Related: Squirrel Hunting in Ohio
👉 Related: Squirrel Hunting in Michigan

Example State Seasons (2025)

Here are some examples for 2025 (always confirm with your state’s official wildlife agency):

Alabama

  • Season: September 15 – March 8
  • Bag Limit: 8 per day
  • Notes: One of the longest seasons in the country. Great state for small game.
    👉 Read more: Squirrel Hunting in Alabama

Texas

  • Season (Eastern Zone): October 1 – February 28
  • Season (Western Zone): Year-round
  • Bag Limit: 10 per day
    👉 Read more: Squirrel Hunting in Texas

Ohio

Michigan

  • Season (Lower Peninsula): September 15 – March 31
  • Season (Upper Peninsula): September 15 – March 31
  • Bag Limit: 5 per day
    👉 Read more: Squirrel Hunting in Michigan

Georgia

(You’d create individual articles for each state and link them here. Each one can target “squirrel hunting in [State]” + year, which are easy-to-rank local keywords.)

Tips for Planning Your Hunts

  • Start early: In the South, squirrels are abundant and easier to spot in leafy trees.
  • Try late season: In Northern states, late season squirrels can be tougher, but with fewer leaves, spotting them is easier.
  • Use state-by-state differences: If you live near a border, you may be able to extend your season by hunting across state lines.

👉 Related: Morning vs. Evening Squirrel Hunting: When’s Best?
👉 Related: How Weather Affects Squirrel Movement

Where to Find the Most Up-to-Date Info

Even though I track seasons every year, I always recommend double-checking with your state’s official fish and game agency. Regulations can change quickly. For example:

  • Some states may temporarily close a season if populations dip.
  • Bag limits can change year to year.
  • Legal weapon rules may be updated as new hunting technology (like air rifles) becomes more popular.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to squirrel hunting, knowing your season dates and bag limits is just as important as knowing where to hunt or what rifle to use. If you play by the rules, you’ll not only stay legal — you’ll also help keep squirrel populations healthy for future generations.

If you’re just starting out, here’s what I’d recommend:

  • Get your small game license.
  • Mark your state’s season dates on a calendar.
  • Plan a couple hunts for early season and a couple for late season — the experience is totally different.

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