Squirrel hunting in Georgia is a time-honored tradition, deeply rooted in the culture of outdoor enthusiasts. The Georgia squirrel season opens on August 15 and closes on the last day of February.
To embark on a successful squirrel hunting expedition, understanding the nuances of the season is key. In this guide, we’ll delve into the details of when squirrel season kicks off in Georgia, ensuring you’re well-prepared for an exciting and fruitful hunting experience.
Squirrel hunting Georgia
Georgia Squirrel Season Dates
Squirrel season in Georgia for the year 2023–2024 is set to commence on August 15, 2023, and will extend through February 29, 2024. This exciting season offers hunters the opportunity to pursue both gray and fox squirrels across the diverse landscapes of the state.
Target Species, Bag Limit, and License Requirements
- Gray and fox squirrels are fair game during this hunting season. With the gray squirrel dominating the scene.
- Distinguished by predominantly gray fur with white underparts, gray squirrels boast a slender physique and weigh between 12 ounces to 1.5 pounds. In contrast, fox squirrels, with their various color phases, inhabit mature pine and mixed pine/hardwood habitats. Larger in size, they range from one to nearly three pounds.
- Hunters can harvest a maximum of 12 squirrels per day, ensuring plenty of opportunities for success.
- To access the domains of squirrel hunting, whether on private or public lands, the essential requirement is obtaining an annual or one-day hunting license. This crucial precursor is the gateway to immersive woodland pursuits.
For more information on the 2023–2024 squirrel hunting season in GA or other hunting seasons, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/hunter-resources. To renew or purchase a hunting license, visit GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.
Legal Squirrel Hunting Weapons:
- Rifles and Handguns: .22-cal. or smaller rimfire, air rifles, or muzzleloading firearms.
- Shotguns: Acceptable if using shotshell size 3.5 inches or smaller, loaded with No. 2 or smaller shot.
- Archery: Crossbows, longbows, recurve bows, and compound bows, free from restrictions on draw weight, let-off, arrow length, or sights.
Primitive Weapons: Air bows, air rifles, and muzzleloaders or muzzleloading shotguns.
Where to Hunt Squirrels in Georgia Squirrels, being versatile creatures, abound across the entire state. Public lands, such as wildlife management areas (WMAs) offering nearly one million acres of hunting opportunities, cater to avid hunters. National Forests and Wildlife Refuges, spanning hundreds of thousands of acres, extend additional small game hunting prospects.
Tips for Squirrel Hunting Success
Understanding Squirrel Behavior: Observe patterns, with peak activity during mornings and late afternoons.
- Silent Stalking: Move quietly; squirrels detect even the slightest sounds.
- Hunting After Rain: Rain dampens leaves, facilitating quiet movement, and prompts squirrels to feed.
- Hunting Along the Edges: Hunt along vegetation transitions for better success.
- Mastering the Call: Utilize squirrel calls, imitating various squirrel sounds.
- Practicing Patience: Sit quietly after disturbing an area; squirrels resume activity after some time.
- Precision Shooting: Practice shooting skills, prioritizing clean and ethical kills.
Wolves in Squirrels Early in the Georgia squirrel season, the presence of “wolves” or warbles on squirrels may deter some hunters. Wolves, the larvae of bot flies, have no detrimental impact on squirrel meat. Hence, despite the visual impact, it’s an opportunity to sharpen skills and secure excellent table fare.
FAQs
Can I shoot squirrels in my yard in Georgia? There are no DNR regulations prohibiting this, but city and county ordinances or safety considerations may apply.
Can you bait squirrels in Georgia? Baiting squirrels is not legally permissible in Georgia; hunters rely on natural food sources.
When is the best time to hunt squirrels? Early morning or late afternoon, post-rain, are optimal times due to heightened squirrel activity.
Final Thoughts Georgia’s squirrel season unfolds as a rewarding odyssey, spanning nearly half the year. With a generous bag limit, hunters can pursue gray and fox squirrels across diverse habitats, contributing to sustainable hunting and a balanced ecosystem. Ethical hunting practices are not just encouraged but vital for fostering a thriving outdoor tradition. Happy hunting!