When is Squirrel Season in Virginia? 
When is squirrel season in Virginia? The state’s Department of Game and Inland Fisheries recently announced the season’s opening date. The state’s season also includes a season for nongame species, such as squirrel. While you may use dogs to hunt squirrels during the spring, the National Forest Lands are closed for the month of June. During this time, you’ll have to find an alternate outdoor activity in Virginia.
Bag limits
The fall squirrel hunting season in Virginia is open to hunters in the early fall, through the end of February. The spring squirrel hunting season is not so new to the Old Dominion, but is a bit different. It lasts only two weeks, from early June to late June, and allows hunters to take as many as six squirrels per day, in any combination of gray, red, and fox. Virginia’s bag limits for squirrel season are set by state law.
Squirrel hunting is legal in Virginia on all lands, private and authorized state and federal land, and in open-season areas. The bag limit for gray squirrels is five per day and twenty for possession, while the possession limit is twenty. Bag limits for squirrels in Virginia are six per day for adults and eight for youths. In addition, hunters must accompany children under the age of 15 with an adult. This adult cannot carry a firearm and must remain within range to help the young hunter.
Requirements to hunt
The State of Virginia has many different hunting regulations. These regulations have been listed and compiled in a hunting guide published by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. These rules include when and where you can hunt and use a firearm, blaze color requirements, and the use of dogs. It also outlines prohibited methods. There are several things you must know before you can hunt squirrels in Virginia.
If you’re interested in hunting for squirrels in Virginia, the first step is scouting the area. Generally, DWR Wildlife Management Areas are within a half-hour drive of most Virginia residents. Scouting areas can be done with aerial imagery. You should look for areas with hickory trees and oak trees, and search for nut hull shavings to know if there’s been a recent cutting of trees.
Nongame species in Virginia
Virginia’s Nongame Program is designed to protect threatened and endangered wildlife. The Wildlife Action Plan identifies key species and habitats for conservation and implements projects and research to help protect them. Virginians can also designate a portion of their tax refunds to wildlife and birds in need. Donations are greatly appreciated. In addition, Virginia residents can designate funds to help wildlife, turtles, and crayfish in need by writing a check to the Nongame Program.
There are over 1,200 native fish species in Virginia’s freshwater rivers. About 95% of these are nongame species, which feed on insects and serve as prey for sport fish. The Virginia Cooperative Extension offers a PDF or enhanced digital version. Learn about the health and safety of these animals and how to protect them. Whether you want to fish or simply enjoy nature, nongame species are an important part of the ecosystem.
Other states that have squirrel seasons
Most states have squirrel hunting seasons in the fall, from September to January, although some also include a limited spring season. The number of squirrels allowed in most states is six, although western states may have fewer restrictions because the season is more unpredictable. While each state’s regulations vary, the most effective way to harvest these animals is to mix tactics from different hunting styles. In the spring, the season begins shortly after the first nest of the year, when the females attract over 30 males from as far as 500 yards away.
When hunting during this time, hunters should head to the woods early in the morning. They should sit in a tree that is frequently visited by squirrels, and spend the first half of daylight listening to the squirrels. The first squirrel of the day may be shot from a seated position, into the same tree. While it may be tempting to go out and shoot a few more squirrels with a shotgun or a pellet rifle, this isn’t recommended because squirrels are highly unpredictable and prone to predator attacks.
When does the squirrel season begin in Virginia?
The squirrel season begins on the first Saturday in November.
When does the squirrel season end in Virginia?
The squirrel season ends on the last day of February.
How many squirrels can you kill per day in Virginia?
You can kill up to six squirrels per day in Virginia.
What is the minimum age to hunt squirrels in Virginia?
The minimum age to hunt squirrels in Virginia is 12 years old.
Do you need a license to hunt squirrels in Virginia?
Yes you need a valid hunting license to hunt squirrels in Virginia.
What is the penalty for hunting squirrels without a license in Virginia?
The penalty for hunting squirrels without a license in Virginia is a fine of up to $500.
What is the penalty for killing more than the daily limit of squirrels in Virginia?
The penalty for killing more than the daily limit of squirrels in Virginia is a fine of up to $1000.
What is the penalty for hunting squirrels out of season in Virginia?
The penalty for hunting squirrels out of season in Virginia is a fine of up to $2500.
What weapons are approved for hunting squirrels in Virginia?
The approved weapons for hunting squirrels in Virginia are air guns longbows and shotguns.
Where can you hunt squirrels in Virginia?
You can hunt squirrels on public lands and on private property with permission of the landowner.
What are the best times to hunt squirrels in Virginia?
The best times to hunt squirrels in Virginia are in the early morning and late afternoon.
What should you do if you see a bear while hunting squirrels in Virginia?
If you see a bear while hunting squirrels in Virginia you should immediately leave the area.
What should you do if you see a deer while hunting squirrels in Virginia?
If you see a deer while hunting squirrels in Virginia you should not shoot it.
What should you do if you see a human while hunting squirrels in Virginia?
If you see a human while hunting squirrels in Virginia you should stop hunting and leave the area.
What should you do if you find a dead or injured squirrel while hunting in Virginia?
If you find a dead or injured squirrel while hunting in Virginia you should contact a game warden.
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.
