Squirrel Program

Squirrel Species in Mississippi

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 most 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).

Learn more about Mississippi's squirrel species.

Squirrel Hunting Season

Youth Season (private lands and authorized state and federal lands): 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)

Squirrel Management Resources

The links below provide information about practices or programs that may be used to enhance squirrel and other wildlife habitat. Technical guidance from wildlife biologists is also available to provide advice on managing land for squirrel habitat. The MDWFP does not have a program to restock squirrels. Select the publication title to view material. Some of the links provided may direct you to web pages outside of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website.

Mississippi Squirrel Species: A brief overview of squirrel species found in Mississippi.

Ecology and Management of Squirrels in Mississippi: A guide to squirrel ecology and management, including descriptions of life history, habitat requirements, habitat management practices, and harvest management. Published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Building Homes for Squirrels: A guide to building artificial den structures for squirrels. Published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Forestry/Wildlife: Myths and Misconceptions: A summary of common misconceptions about forest management as it relates to wildlife habitat management. Published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Prescribed Burning in Southern Pine Forests: Fire Ecology, Techniques, and Uses for Wildlife Management: A guide to using prescribed fire for wildlife habitat management. Prescribed burning can be a beneficial practice to enhance upland fox squirrel habitat. Published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Legal Environment for Forestry Prescribed Burning in Mississippi: A guide to laws and legal considerations pertaining to prescribed burning in Mississippi. Published by the Mississippi State University Forest and Wildlife Research Center.

Disease Concerns

Squirrel Resources

Landowner Assistance

The MDWFP provides technical guidance to private landowners interested in small game and other wildlife management.

Squirrel Hunting

See squirrel hunting season dates and learn about opportunities for hunting squirrel on public lands in Mississippi.

Squirrel Hunting Trends

See the results of the statewide surveys of licensed squirrel hunters that the MDWFP has conducted since the early 1980s.

Rabbit & Squirrel Damage Management

Learn about relatively simple techniques that can be employed to prevent wildlife damage or inconveniences without resorting to lethal control measures.

Wildlife Rehabilitation

Find information about what to do if you come across injured wildlife, as well as wildlife rehabilitation contacts and how to become a permitted rehabilitator.