When Does Squirrel Season Start in West Virginia? 
There are various restrictions and regulations when it comes to squirrel hunting in West Virginia, but it’s always best to know the rules before you head out into the woods. Here’s a short rundown of when squirrel season starts in West Virginia. The statewide season for squirrel hunting begins Sept. 9 and runs through Dec. 30. The statewide season is also open to novice hunters, with a special one-day season for kids. A youth event will be sponsored by the Division of Natural Resources (DNR) under the direction of Paul Johansen.
Fall
While fall is the best time for hunting squirrels, the early opening of the fall season could put females in the process of nursing late-season litters at risk of being killed. Early September, when leaf cover is still heavy, will make it difficult for hunters to fill the six-squirrel bag limit. However, the season is open until mid-October, when leaf cover will begin to fade. It’s still early September, but the state’s DNR is urging hunters to wait until the fall season opens to limit the number of squirrels killed.
This fall, West Virginia will open its second split of the wild turkey hunting season, which will begin on Oct. 25. The first split, which included all 55 counties, closed on Oct. 17. The second split, however, will open on Oct. 25 in Brooke, Hancock, Marion, Mason, Ohio, Pleasants, Preston, and Wood counties. A hunter will need to be in the woods before the dawn on Oct. 25 to be sure of seeing a squirrel.
Early September
Squirrel season in West Virginia officially begins on Sept. 9, and is designed to introduce newcomers to the sport and to give youth a chance to harvest their first squirrel. The Division of Natural Resources hosts a special youth-only event in the state to get people excited about the sport. The state also offers information and registration on its official website. If you’re planning to go squirrel hunting this fall, check out the following tips.
Squirrel hunting is popular in West Virginia. Squirrel season typically runs from one-half hour before sunrise in September to the end of the season at sunset on Feb. 28. In the past, squirrel season started a week after the traditional opener. In 2018, the state harvested 3541 black bears and 38776 bucks during firearm season. Until recently, archery season in the state began the week following the traditional squirrel season, but is now closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regulations
The regulations for squirrel season in West Virginia allow hunters to harvest gray and red squirrels statewide. In the winter, the season is open for both species. Red squirrels are also harvested on some WMAs in the state. The following WMAs are open for squirrel hunting. Find out more about the regulations for each of these species. The following are the WMAs that allow you to harvest each species. You must be sure to check the regulations before setting out to hunt for squirrels.
During the squirrel hunting season in West Virginia, hunters must purchase a license from the game warden. Buying a license online is easy and fast. Once you have an account with the Game Commission, you can pay online. A license is also necessary if you plan to kill squirrels. If you are on active duty in the military, you can hunt squirrels without a license. Just make sure to have your leave papers with you when you hunt.
Restrictions
If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you might be wondering about the restrictions for squirrel season in West Virginia. The first thing you should know is that the season in West Virginia is the longest in the country. You can hunt squirrels from early September to late January on private or public land, and it’s possible to harvest squirrels on Sunday as well. But this would mean that you would spend 173 days afield!
Several small game species are in season in West Virginia. Raccoon hunting is currently open through Feb. 28. The bag limit for raccoon hunting is four per night. There is no limit for raccoon trapping. However, you should still have some luck in finding raccoons this year, as raccoon numbers were similar to last year. And hound hunters should have success in West Virginia this season.
Flying squirrels
If you’ve ever seen a flyover, you’ve probably wondered how these tiny creatures make their way into your yard. The southern flying squirrel is one of the most common wildlife species in West Virginia, but what makes it so special? These animals glide from tree to tree using their long legs and arms, much like bungee-jumpers. The extra skin connecting their legs and arms acts as a parachute in the wind, helping them glide and stay airborne longer. During the winter, this wildlife species is active on the ground, and their preferred food sources include lichens, fungi, fruit, and insects. The southern flying squirrel, on the other hand, is more aggressive and feeds on beech nuts.
The flying squirrel is one of West Virginia’s most iconic wildlife species. Its habitat is primarily comprised of red spruce forests. But climate change is negatively affecting its habitat. The red spruce are highly vulnerable to drought, and as the temperature continues to increase, the amount of drought is expected to rise in the region. This negative impact of climate change is offset by positive work. The Monongahela National Forest provides the majority of the flying squirrel’s habitat. Fortunately, the Forest Service has committed to long-term forest goals to protect the wildlife.
Ruffed grouse
When does squirrel hunting season in West Virginia start? Squirrel hunting is allowed in many locations in the state during certain seasons. The season for red squirrels and gray squirrels in West Virginia is the first Saturday in September. Squirrels can be killed with a shotgun, but it is prohibited to sell them. In West Virginia, you can hunt red and gray squirrels only during certain seasons, and you can hunt only one per day.
The state’s forests are a great source of food, so West Virginia is a prime spot for squirrel hunting. Red squirrels prefer oak and hickory forests, while snowshoe hares prefer thicker timber stands. Cottontails, on the other hand, prefer lowland, pastures, and old orchards. The season begins a half hour before dawn on Sept. 12 and runs through Feb. 28.
When does squirrel season start in West Virginia?
The start date for West Virginia’s squirrel season is different every year depending on when the animals’ breeding season begins.
The earliest date that squirrel season can start is September 1.
How many squirrels can a hunter kill in one day during squirrel season in West Virginia?
There is no limit to the number of squirrels that a hunter can kill in one day during squirrel season in West Virginia.
What is the minimum age requirement for hunting squirrels in West Virginia?
The minimum age requirement for hunting squirrels in West Virginia is 12 years old.
What is the earliest date that squirrel season can start in West Virginia?
The earliest date that squirrel season can start in West Virginia is September 1.
How many squirrels can a hunter possess at one time during squirrel season in West Virginia?
There is no limit to the number of squirrels that a hunter can possess at one time during squirrel season in West Virginia.
Where can I find more information on hunting squirrels in West Virginia?
More information on hunting squirrels in West Virginia can be found on the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website.
When is the last day of squirrel season in West Virginia?
The last day of squirrel season in West Virginia is different every year depending on when the animals’ breeding season begins.
The latest date that squirrel season can end is January 31.
What is the best time of day to hunt squirrels in West Virginia?
The best time of day to hunt squirrels in West Virginia is early in the morning or late in the evening when the animals are most active.
What should I do if I see a sick or injured squirrel in West Virginia?
If you see a sick or injured squirrel in West Virginia you should contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
I am a visitor to West Virginia.
Can I hunt squirrels while I am here?
You must have a valid hunting license from your home state in order to hunt squirrels in West Virginia.
What type of weapon can I use to hunt squirrels in West Virginia?
You can use a shotgun air rifle or pellet gun to hunt squirrels in West Virginia.
Do I need to wear blaze orange while hunting squirrels in West Virginia?
You are not required to wear blaze orange while hunting squirrels in West Virginia.
How can I get a hunting license in West Virginia?
You can get a hunting license in West Virginia by applying online by mail or in person at a license agent.
I am a landowner in West Virginia.
Can I hunt squirrels on my own property?
You do not need a hunting license to hunt squirrels on your own property in West Virginia.
What are the penalties for hunting squirrels out of season in West Virginia?
The penalties for hunting squirrels out of season in West Virginia include a fine of up to $1000 and up to 60 days in jail.
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.
