When is Squirrel Season in Pennsylvania?
If you want to go squirrel hunting, you may be wondering when is squirrel season in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania’s regular firearms deer season starts December 11 and is open to anyone. If you want to take on the challenge of identifying different species, you can learn how to differentiate the three. You can harvest all three species within one season if you know how to tell them apart. Listed below are some tips for finding out when is squirrel season in Pennsylvania.
December 11
Pennsylvania has several seasons for hunting squirrels. You can take them from October to December, but the season is closed on December 11. In some counties, such as Chester County, it is even possible to hunt the animals during the winter months. There are certain restrictions and rules regarding the amount of squirrels you can shoot, however. You may also be limited to a certain number of scaup. The bag limit is two per day, or one squirrel per person, depending on the zone in which you are hunting.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has changed the name of the season this year to firearms deer season. Hunters can shoot deer with either a muzzleloader or a bow and are not limited to just one species. There are special days for active duty military and antlerless deer hunters. Hunting is not allowed in certain zones, including 5C, 5D, and 2B, and bear archery is not permitted during these periods.
Early squirrel season
Squirrel hunting in Pennsylvania begins early on September 11, just before the official start of Fall. While you’ll likely have limited visibility during this early squirrel hunting season, you can still get close to these cute little animals. The early morning hours are the best time to look for these creatures, since they stay close to treetops. However, if it’s warm outside, you can still get close. Here are some tips for finding squirrels in Pennsylvania’s forests.
The gray squirrel is the most common type of squirrel in Pennsylvania, though you may also encounter fox and red squirrels. Those who prefer coniferous forests should seek out the gray and red squirrels. The three species are both fast and agile, with large tails that make them easy to balance. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to hunt all three in one season! The gray squirrel is the best bet for early squirrel hunting, but don’t be alarmed if you’re not successful.
Regular firearms deer season
During the regular firearms deer hunting season in Pennsylvania, you can take advantage of two different methods. One method is the antlerless Flintlock. Both of these methods are legal in every county in the state, excluding the city of Philadelphia. It is important to know the exact times of the seasons. The dates for these seasons will be published by the Department of Natural Resources at the beginning of January. Once these dates are released, hunters can start hunting for deer.
The regular firearms deer hunting season in Pennsylvania started on November 27 and ends on December 11. A licensed hunter can only bag one antlered buck, and a deer with no antlers is only allowed to take one. Prior to this change, a maximum of three antlerless tags could be purchased. The season also includes the Sunday following opening day, which is a full weekend for hunters.
Ruffed Grouse season
The Ruffed Grouse nests in dense conifer cover. These species of trees provide excellent roosting habitat. Plants such as eastern white pine and white spruce are suitable for planting in such areas. Healthy hemlock stands should be protected. Although they are fast-dying, they are difficult to replace. Planting conifers in their habitat is a great way to attract ruffed grouse.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has shut down ruffed grouse hunting for the 2018 late season. However, the Pennsylvania early season runs from October 13 to November 24, with a daily bag limit of two. In addition to ruffed grouse hunting, Pennsylvania also has American woodcock season, which lasts from October 14 to November 25 and has a daily bag limit of three. To find out if you can participate in this hunt, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.
Visiting a ruffed grouse nesting site is a great way to see one of Pennsylvania’s state birds. Ruffed grouses are small, brown and tan birds that live in forests and wooded areas. Generally, they are most active during the summer months, although the Ruffed Grouse can also be seen in winter. However, a new study by the National Audubon Society suggests that the state bird may move elsewhere due to climate change.
When is the earliest date that hunting squirrels is allowed in Pennsylvania?
The earliest date that hunting squirrels is allowed is September 1st.
How many squirrels can a person bag in Pennsylvania during hunting season?
There is no limit to the number of squirrels that can be bagged during hunting season.
What are the hours that one can hunt squirrels each day during hunting season in Pennsylvania?
One can hunt squirrels from sunrise to sunset each day during hunting season.
Does a person need a hunting license to hunt squirrels in Pennsylvania?
Yes a person needs a hunting license to hunt squirrels in Pennsylvania.
What type of weapon can be used to hunt squirrels in Pennsylvania?
Squirrels can be hunted with a shotgun air rifle or a bow and arrow.
What is the penalty for hunting squirrels out of season in Pennsylvania?
The penalty for hunting squirrels out of season is a fine of up to $200.
What is the penalty for hunting squirrels without a license in Pennsylvania?
The penalty for hunting squirrels without a license is a fine of up to $200.
What is the penalty for hunting squirrels with a weapon not allowed in Pennsylvania?
The penalty for hunting squirrels with a weapon not allowed is a fine of up to $200.
Where can I find more information about hunting squirrels in Pennsylvania?
More information about hunting squirrels in Pennsylvania can be found on the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.
When does hunting season for squirrels end in Pennsylvania?
Hunting season for squirrels ends on February 28th.
Can I use a trap to hunt squirrels in Pennsylvania?
No it is illegal to use a trap to hunt squirrels in Pennsylvania.
Can I use a dog to hunt squirrels in Pennsylvania?
Yes dogs can be used to hunt squirrels in Pennsylvania.
Can I bait squirrels in Pennsylvania while hunting?
No it is illegal to bait squirrels while hunting in Pennsylvania.
What should I do if I accidentally shoot a deer while hunting for squirrels in Pennsylvania?
If you accidentally shoot a deer while hunting for squirrels in Pennsylvania you should report it to the nearest Game Commission office.
I want to hunt on state game lands in Pennsylvania.
Do I need a permit?
Yes you need a permit to hunt on state game lands in Pennsylvania.

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.