JACKSON - With the first hint of cooler fall weather, many Mississippi hunters begin thinking about getting into the woods and hunting squirrels. Squirrel hunting is a great way to spend time with family or introduce youth and new hunters to the outdoors.

 

Once again, Mississippi's squirrel season dates are divided into three zones with a daily bag limit of 8 squirrels per day.  Youth squirrel seasons open one week prior to the regular seasons in all zones. Zone 1 includes areas north of US Highway 82 plus those portions of Sunflower County and Washington County south of Highway 82.  Youth season begins September 22, and the regular season opens September 29.  Zone 2 includes areas between US Highway 82 and US Highway 84 plus portions of the state south of Highway 84 and west of Interstate 55.  Youth season opens October 6, and the regular season opens October 13.  Zone 3 includes areas south of US Highway 84 and east of Interstate 55.  Youth season opens October 20, and the regular season opens October 27. Squirrel season in all zones ends on February 28, 2013. 

 

"Squirrel populations are expected to again be abundant in most regions again this year," said Rick Hamrick, MDWFP Small Game Biologist.  "Good hardwood mast crops and a mild winter likely resulted in good squirrel reproduction this summer.  It appears that hardwood mast crops are going to relatively good again this fall."