When Does Squirrel Season Start in NY?
The first question you may have is “When does squirrel season start in New York?” Red squirrels have different seasonally-based appearances, depending on which molt is completed. A winter molt begins in the hindquarters, moves forward to the head, and is completed by the end of the year. A summer molt starts at the nose region and progresses to the tail. It is usually completed by early June, but you should still watch for a tail molt.
Red Squirrels are omnivores
Despite the name, red squirrels are omnivores and they eat a variety of foods. They don’t hibernate and spend late summer and early autumn gathering nuts and evergreen cones. They also store these foods in underground burrows and hollow trees. Although they may seem hidden from view, you can spot them by their constant chatter. Read on to learn more about the lifestyle of red squirrels!
These omnivorous creatures are primarily omnivorous and prefer nuts and seeds, but will also eat the eggs of nesting birds, small snakes, and insects. Red squirrels are capable of living for 18 years in captivity, but most will be killed by predators before reaching adulthood. Red squirrels are recognizable by their hairless, red-colored upper half and white or gray underside.
They molt twice a year
Red squirrels molt twice a year, resulting in seasonal differences in their appearance. The winter molt begins at the hindquarters and proceeds towards the head and tail. In New York, it usually takes about one month to complete. In the summer, they molt from the nose region to the tail and complete it by the middle of June. The tail molt happens only once a year.
Grey squirrels are known for their black, gray, white, or orange fur. These rodents can be found in a variety of outdoor habitats. Grey squirrels give birth to one or two kits per litter. A female squirrel has between two and four babies, but sometimes more. She cares for her babies until they reach about 10 weeks old. It takes about a month for the baby squirrels to learn how to hunt and move to a new area.
They defend their territory
Red Squirrels are highly vocal. They have five distinct calls – rattle, screech, growl, and buzz. When they perceive an intruder, they immediately respond with vocalization. During squirrel season, this vocalization can last for an hour. These aggressive critters also use scolding calls. You can hear them making them defend their territory while hiking the Logger’s Loop Trail in New York.
Red Squirrels and Gray Squirrels are small rodents. They can reach a length of eleven to thirteen inches and weigh up to five ounces. Red Squirrels have large dark eyes and thick white eye-rings. Their legs are either gray or brownish red. Their bodies are white on the belly and chest. They are often found in solitary trees, where they will protect their territory.
They are small game
In New York, the best time to hunt squirrels is during early-mid fall, when they are stocking up on food for the winter. These creatures are most active early in the morning, and lull in activity during the warmest part of the day. Squirrel hunting is legal year-round in New York, but red squirrels are the only species that is protected from harvesting by humans.
Hunting squirrels is legal in many parts of the state, but the season for red squirrels is typically the same as for gray squirrels. In most parts of the state, red squirrels are harvested from Sept. 1 through Feb. 28. There is no daily bag limit for hunting red squirrels, but you can only harvest up to 30 during the hunting season. The season limits for harvesting red squirrels are lower than the daily limits for gray squirrels, which are protected by law.
They are protected by law
Squirrels are a great introduction to hunting because they can be hunted throughout the state. Squirrel season begins Sept. 1 in Upstate New York and Oct. 1 on Long Island. They are protected under New York State law, but not in all areas. Snowshoe hare season begins Oct. 1 in the Northern Zone, and varies throughout the rest of the fall. When you see one, report it to DEC.
In areas with low population densities, you may find that the law protects squirrels from hunting. You may also try using a shotgun, but make sure you are hunting in an area where there are few people. While a shotgun will not kill a squirrel, it will scare away many others. If you’re in an area that is semi-populated, try aiming for the head to preserve more meat.
When is squirrel hunting season in New York?
The season starts on October 1 and runs through February 28.
How many squirrels can a hunter bag per day?
The bag limit is six.
Is hunting with dogs allowed?
No dogs are not permitted for hunting squirrels.
What is the minimum age for hunting squirrels in New York?
The minimum age is 16.
What is the best way to hunt squirrels?
Squirrels can be hunted with a shotgun air rifle or .
22 caliber rimfire rifle.
What is the best time of day to hunt squirrels?
Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to hunt.
What type of ammunition is best for hunting squirrels?
.
22 caliber rimfire cartridges are the best type of ammunition for hunting squirrels.
What is the best bait to use for squirrel hunting?
The best bait to use is shelled corn.
What is the best way to clean a squirrel after killing it?
The best way to clean a squirrel is to skin it.
What should you do with the squirrel meat after cleaning it?
The meat should be cooked as soon as possible after cleaning.
How long does it take to cook a squirrel?
It usually takes about 45 minutes to cook a squirrel.
What is the best way to cook a squirrel?
The best way to cook a squirrel is to fry it.
What should you do if you cannot eat all the squirrel meat at one meal?
Squirrel meat can be frozen and eaten at a later time.
What is the best way to store squirrel meat?
The best way to store squirrel meat is to wrap it in freezer paper and then place it in a freezer bag.
How long can squirrel meat be stored in the freezer?
Squirrel meat can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.