INDIANA – Whether you’re an experienced or novice hunter, squirrel hunting season is a sport you can enjoy. The season opens statewide on August 15 and runs through January 31, 2024.
When in the woods, locate oak, hickory, and walnut trees, and you will likely find squirrels in the area.
Squirrel hunting is a simple, affordable, and rewarding way to experience the outdoors in Indiana. There are four species of tree squirrel in Indiana:
Fox and gray squirrels are regulated species in Indiana and can be hunted from Aug. 15, 2023 – Jan. 31, 2024. Hunter orange is required from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31. The daily bag limit is five. The possession limit is 10. Shooting into dreys (leaf nests) is illegal.
American Red Squirrels can be taken year-round with no bag limit. Hunter orange is required from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31. Shooting into dreys (leaf nests) is illegal.
Southern Flying Squirrels are protected and cannot be hunted.
A shotgun with #6 pellets is common for squirrel hunting, especially for early-season hunts. A rimfire rifle can be used in the late season or for those who want noise reduction. Scopes can increase accuracy but are not required.
