About Hunting Squirrels in Mississippi

There are a number of public lands that are open to squirrel hunting in Mississippi, including Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lands (see links below). Practically all areas offer squirrel hunting opportunities. Hunters seeking gray squirrels (and fox squirrels in the Delta region) will likely find best hunting in areas with large amounts of hardwood forestland. Those looking for the upland or hill country fox squirrel will likely find better hunting in areas with pine and upland hardwood forests that have an open structure.

Always check area regulations for open season dates and bag limits. A Wildlife Management Area User Permit (may be purchased anywhere hunting licenses are sold) is required of anyone using a WMA, unless exempt from purchasing a hunting and fishing license. For other public lands, consult the administrative agency for information on regulations and permits that may be required.

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Squirrel Hunting Season

  • Youth Season (see details below): September 24, 2025 - September 30, 2025; daily bag limit: 8 squirrels (regardless of species)
  • Fall Season: October 1, 2025 - February 28, 2026; daily bag limit: 8 squirrels (regardless of species)
  • Spring Season: May 15, 2026 - June 1, 2026; daily bag limit: 4 squirrels (regardless of species)

Youth Season Rules & Regulations

Youth Season Rules & Regulations

Squirrel youth season is applicable on private lands and authorized state and federal lands--including lands managed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers--that designate the squirrel youth season in their regulations, as well as open U.S. Forest Service National Forest lands.

Age & License Requirements
  • Persons eligible to participate in this special hunt are those who are 15 years of age or younger.
  • A child at least 12 years of age and under 16 years of age must have a certificate of satisfactory completion of a hunter education course approved by the department before hunting alone in this state; otherwise, they must be in the presence and under the direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter at least 21 years of age when hunting.
  • A child under the age of 12 must be in the presence and under the direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter at least 21 years of age when the child is hunting.
  • A licensed hunter supervising a child as provided in this section must hold a valid Mississippi license for the species being hunted.
Concern about young squirrels during Spring Season

We sometimes get questions about concerns over negative effects on young squirrels during the spring squirrel hunting season. This is understandable since many wildlife have young during this period. This was taken into account when evaluating date recommendations for a spring season. By mid-May, a large proportion of young squirrels born in late winter are weaned. From past studies in Mississippi and Alabama, the proportion of female gray squirrels in a given breeding status each month were found to be: 

Month, % Lactating, % Pregnant/Estrus
January, 5%, 22% 
February, 19%, 43% 
March, 44%, 22% 
April, 39%, 11% 
May, 21%, 6% 
June, 6%, 22% 
July, 13%, 49% 
August, 45%, 34% 
September, 57%, 22% 
October, 37%, 4% 
November, 19%, 3% 
December, 7%, 7%

Biweekly Gray Squirrel Breeding Status - Mississippi Data
Biweekly Gray Squirrel Breeding Status - Mississippi Data

Spring harvest is much smaller than in the Fall-Winter season. Many hunters that hunt with treeing dogs use this time to get some extra work with their dogs. We are able to provide this additional hunting opportunity without negative effects on the resource. 

Contact Information

For more information on squirrel hunting opportunities, email Rick Hamrick at rick.hamrick@wfp.ms.gov, or contact our Jackson Office at (601) 432-2199, Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm.