Squirrel Program
Photo by MSU Ag Communications/Kat Lawrence
There are two game species of squirrels found in Mississippi, the eastern gray squirrel and the eastern fox squirrel. Both species are found throughout the state, but gray squirrels are the most widely distributed and most numerous.
Fox Squirrels
There are two subspecies of fox squirrels that occur in Mississippi. The Bachman, or "Hill Country," fox squirrel is the subspecies that occurs in more open upland areas throughout the state. The Delta fox squirrel is primarily limited to the Delta region, and is mostly abundant in mature forests. Hill Country fox squirrel populations have declined substantially in many areas because of changes in land use and management.
Gray Squirrels
Gray squirrels are perhaps the most abundant resident small game species, and generally offer plenty of hunting opportunities in most areas of the state. However, squirrel populations will often fluctuate from one year to the next in response to the abundance of the previous year's autumn mast crops (acorns, nuts, pine seeds, berries, and fruits).
The squirrel program does not stock squirrels. Information on managing habitat for squirrels can be found under the Habitat and Population Management section below. Technical assistance is also available for managing land for squirrel habitat.
Small Game Program Leader
Rick Hamrick
(662) 617-1445
rickh@mdwfp.state.ms.us
Habitat and Population Management
Squirrel Hunting
Injured Squirrels
Additional Resources
- Botfly Larva (Wolves)
- Tularemia (Rabbit Fever)
- Delta Wildlife
- Mississippi State University, College of Forest Resources
- Mississippi State University Extension Service
- Natural Resources Enterprises Website
- USDA - Farm Service Agency
- USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Wildlife Mississippi
