INDIANA — Indiana’s squirrel hunting season officially opens on Saturday, August 15, offering both new and seasoned hunters an accessible, budget-friendly way to enjoy the outdoors and harvest sustainable, wild protein.
Running through Jan. 31, squirrel season provides an opportunity to explore Indiana’s timberlands, hone woodsmanship skills, and participate in a long-standing Hoosier tradition.
Preparation and Scouting Tips
Before heading into the woods, hunters should keep the following essential steps in mind:
- Licensure: Ensure you carry a valid Indiana hunting license or hold a valid license exemption before entering the field.
- Regulations: Review state hunting regulations, including daily bag limits and legal harvesting methods.
- Habitat Location: Focus scouting efforts on hardwood forests rich in oak and hickory trees, where squirrels actively feed on hard-mast nuts.
Finding Public Hunting Lands
Indiana provides extensive public access across state forests, fish and wildlife areas, and national wildlife refuges. Outdoor enthusiasts can locate nearby public properties using the Indiana DNR’s interactive Where to Hunt Map.
Tailored squirrel hunting guides and localized resources are also available for urban and suburban hunters near the Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville metropolitan areas.
To access hunter education materials, regulation guides, and regional hunting resources, visit the Indiana DNR Squirrel Hunting Page.
