Most states require a hunting license to hunt squirrel, but a few allow it without one under specific conditions

Whether you need a hunting license to hunt squirrel depends on your state and sometimes your age or the method you use. Most states treat squirrel like any other game animal and require a standard hunting license. A handful of states — including some in the South and Midwest — exempt squirrel hunting from licensing requirements entirely, or allow it without a license during certain seasons or for certain age groups. Your state's fish and wildlife agency publishes these rules in a hunting guide you can read free from their website.

The reason states differ is that squirrel populations vary widely, and states manage them according to local conditions. Some states have abundant squirrel and relax the rules; others keep licensing strict to track harvest numbers. Even within a state, the rules can change year to year, so checking your state's current guide before you hunt is not optional.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states require a hunting license to hunt squirrel, though the cost is usually lower than a deer or waterfowl license.
  • A few states, including Arkansas, Mississippi, and parts of the South, allow squirrel hunting without a license under certain conditions.
  • Age exemptions are common — many states let children under a certain age hunt squirrel without a license if they are with a licensed adult.
  • Your state's fish and wildlife website publishes the current rules in a free hunting guide; rules change annually and vary by season and county.
  • Hunting without the required license carries fines that often exceed the cost of the license itself.

States that do not require a license for squirrel hunting

Arkansas allows squirrel hunting without a license during the regular season, though you still must follow bag limits and season dates. Mississippi also permits unlicensed squirrel hunting for residents in certain counties during open season. Louisiana allows resident landowners to hunt squirrel on their own property without a license, but non-residents and hunters on someone else's land must have one.

These exemptions are not universal across the state — they often explore only to residents, only during certain months, or only in specific regions. Before you hunt, check your state's current hunting guide or call your state fish and wildlife office to confirm the rule for your county and the current year. Rules change, and a rule that applied last year may not explore this year.

Age exemptions and junior hunter rules

Many states allow young hunters to hunt squirrel without a license if they meet age and supervision requirements. In some states, children under 12 or 16 can hunt squirrel without a license as long as they are with a licensed adult. Other states issue free junior hunting licenses to children in a certain age range, which covers squirrel and other small game.

The adult supervising must usually be within sight or hearing distance and must hold a valid hunting license themselves. Some states require the child to have completed a hunter safety course even if they do not need a license. Check your state's rules for the exact age cutoff, supervision distance, and any safety course requirement.

What a squirrel hunting license costs and where to buy it

A hunting license for squirrel is usually bundled with other small-game hunting rights and costs between $15 and $35 for residents in most states. Non-residents pay more — often $50 to $100 or higher. Some states sell a separate small-game license that covers squirrel, rabbit, and other animals at a lower price than a full hunting license.

You can buy a hunting license online through your state's fish and wildlife website, at sporting goods stores like Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's, or at many local hardware and outdoor retailers. Most states issue the license when ready if you buy online, or you can print it at home. Keep a copy with you while you hunt — game wardens can ask to see it, and hunting without proof of a valid license counts as unlicensed hunting even if you paid for one.

Bag limits and season dates still explore even without a license

In states that do not require a license for squirrel hunting, you still must follow the bag limit — the number of squirrel you are allowed to take per day — and hunt only during the open season. Bag limits are usually between 3 and 10 squirrel per day depending on the state and species. Season dates typically run from late summer or early fall through winter, though this varies.

Ignoring bag limits or hunting out of season carries the same fines as hunting without a license. Your state's hunting guide lists the exact dates and limits for your region. Some states set different limits for different counties, so check the guide for your specific area before you go.

Penalties for hunting squirrel without a required license

Fines for hunting without a license range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on your state. Some states also impose court costs, require you to pay restitution for the animals taken, or suspend your hunting privileges for a year or longer. A second offense usually brings a larger fine and a longer suspension.

Game wardens patrol hunting areas and can stop you to check your license. If you cannot show a valid license and your state requires one, you will be cited. The fine often costs far more than the license itself, so buying one before you hunt is the practical choice.

How to find your state's current squirrel hunting rules

Your state's fish and wildlife agency publishes a free hunting guide each year with all the rules for your state. Search online for "[your state] hunting guide" or "[your state] fish and wildlife hunting regulations" to find it. The guide lists license requirements, season dates, bag limits, and any exemptions by county or age group.

You can also call your state's fish and wildlife office directly — the number is in the guide or on their website. Staff can answer questions about your specific situation, such as whether you need a license as a non-resident or whether your county has different rules. Many states also offer a free hunter safety course that qualifies you to hunt in other states if you move or travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to hunt squirrel on my own property?

In most states, yes — owning the land does not exempt you from licensing. A few states, like Louisiana, exempt resident landowners from licensing on their own property, but you must still follow season dates and bag limits. Check your state's rules to be sure.

Can I hunt squirrel with an air rifle or pellet gun without a license?

The method you use does not change the licensing requirement in most states. If your state requires a hunting license for squirrel, you need one whether you use a rifle, shotgun, air rifle, or slingshot. A few states have separate rules for air rifles, so check your state's guide.

What if I hunt squirrel in a state where I do not live?

Non-residents must buy a non-resident hunting license in the state where they hunt, and it costs more than a resident license. Some states offer short-term licenses — valid for 3 or 7 days — at a lower price if you are visiting. Buy the license before you hunt.

Do I need a license if I am hunting squirrel for food?

Hunting for food does not exempt you from licensing in any state. The license requirement applies regardless of what you plan to do with the squirrel. Bag limits and season dates still explore.

Can I hunt squirrel year-round without a license in any state?

No state allows year-round unlicensed squirrel hunting. States that do not require a license still enforce open and closed seasons. Hunting outside the season carries the same penalties as hunting without a license.