Hunting Squirrels in East Texas 
Squirrels are a favorite game animal in Texas, with many of its wildlife management areas open for hunting. There are 21 categories of game animals in Texas, each with its own hunting season. In East Texas, you can hunt squirrels in TPWD wildlife management areas. You can hunt these animals for a variety of reasons, including introducing young or new hunters to the sport of hunting.
TPWD wildlife management areas in East Texas are open to squirrel hunting
Though most squirrel hunting in East Texas occurs on private property, the government manages more than 800,000 acres of public land in the region, allowing for a wide variety of hunting options. A $40 annual public hunting permit can be purchased anywhere that sells hunting licenses. These permits are valid for hunting any game species on the state’s public lands. Squirrel meat lends itself to many traditional recipes, including limb bacon.
The State has several wildlife management areas where squirrel hunting is permitted, including numerous wetlands and prairies. Several areas offer year-round hunting, and many of these are located on the outskirts of towns and cities. TPWD has also provided a handy hunting booklet that includes information about hunting seasons and bag limits. Hunting regulations for private property vary, but many of the locations are relatively close to homes and other urban areas.
TPWD has 21 categories of game animals with hunting seasons
Texas has hunting seasons for 21 different categories of game animals. The following are listed for hunters’ reference:
There are no seasons for deer in Texas, but there are several opportunities to hunt these animals. Hunting in Texas is legal for a range of furbearing animals, including gray foxes, raccoons, and opossums. In addition to being legal to hunt, Texas also allows furbearing animals without a license if you are harvesting them for food. There are no bag limits for these species, but hunters should check the seasons to find out whether they are permitted.
Squirrels are a popular game animal in Texas
There are eight species of squirrels in Texas. They are classified as ground squirrels, tree squirrels, or flying squirrels, and two of them are considered game animals. The gray and fox squirrels are the most common types in Texas and weigh up to one and a half pounds. These squirrels prefer open upland forests and wide bottomlands. Hunters can take a squirrel in any part of the state, as long as they have a Texas hunting license.
When hunting for squirrels, you must know the weather conditions. Squirrels prefer bright, sunny days. You should wait for a drizzle if you want to see the squirrels from a distance. They stay close to the base of trees and use the elements to protect themselves. You may also want to keep your distance from other hunters. The last camp is off Texas Highway 7 near Center. You must follow someone to get there. Royce Johnson’s son, Lynn, has been squirrel hunting since he was a youngster. He learned from his father.
Squirrel hunting is a great way to introduce young or new hunters to the sport of hunting
Whether you’re looking for a great family activity or a fun way to get your child interested in the sport, squirrel hunting is the perfect choice. Squirrels are small, under a foot long, and fast-moving. To make the process as simple as possible, use a small game broadhead. Larger ones will simply obliterate the meat. In addition, you may need to adjust your shooting location or retrieve the animal with a different technique.
The best times to hunt squirrels are early in the morning and late at night. You can start by waiting for the animal to come out of its den or crotch, or you can begin stalking the animal through the woods and picking off the squirrel. While you’re waiting for the squirrel to emerge, remember to be patient, as squirrels are skittish creatures, so don’t shoot them at any time, as they can quickly run away into the tree canopy and hide. If you’re new to hunting, use binoculars and make sure to wear camouflage or neutral clothing to minimize your visibility. However, be sure to wear a high-visibility orange vest, as there are some parks that require hunters to wear one.
Squirrels are a challenging target to hit
Squirrels are an excellent target for hunters who want to practice their ranged weapons skills. They are notoriously skittish and will quickly disappear into the forest canopy. The best way to hunt squirrels is to wait until activity dwindles, which may not happen until early afternoon. On a cloudy day, you can expect squirrel activity to continue throughout the day, but they will be more active at the end of the day. It’s best to wait for a slight drizzle to give you a better opportunity of striking a squirrel.
To shoot a squirrel, start at a distance of about 15 to 30 yards. The squirrel’s short attention span makes it difficult to track its movements, but after about 15 to 30 minutes, it will resume its activity. If the squirrel doesn’t return within 15 minutes, a quick shotgun blast can help you locate more of them. Mark the downed ones and scan the trees around them to see if there are any more hiding in a tree.
What is the reasoning behind the squirrel bag limit in TX?
Answer: One of the main reasons for the squirrel bag limit in TX is to help control the population of the species and prevent overhunting.
How many squirrels can you legally bag in TX?
Answer: The limit is five squirrels per day.
What are the consequences for bagging over the limit of squirrels in TX?
Answer: Depending on the severity overhunting can lead to a loss of hunting privilegesheavy fines and even jail time.
What other animals have bag limits in TX?
Answer: bag limits also apply to animals such as deer turkey quail dove and rabbit.
How can bag limits help preserve animal populations?
Answer: By capping the number of animals that can be captured or killed bag limits help to ensure that populations do not become overhunted.
What other methods are used in TX to help control animal populations?
Answer: Some additional methods used to control animal populations in TX include regulated hunting seasons and closed areas.
How can I find out more information about bag limits in TX?
Answer: More detailed information about bag limits can be found in the TX Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual.
Where can I get a copy of the TX Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual?
Answer: The TX Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual is available for purchase at most sporting goods stores or online through the TX Parks and Wildlife Department website.
How often are bag limits revised in TX?
Answer: The bag limits are typically revised every few years in order to ensure that they are still effective in controlling animal populations.
Who makes the decision to revise bag limits in TX?
Answer: The decision to revise bag limits is typically made by the TX Parks and Wildlife Commission.
When was the last time bag limits were revised in TX?
Answer: The last revision to bag limits in TX was made in 2016.
Are there any exceptions to the bag limit for squirrels in TX?
Answer: The only exception to the bag limit for squirrels is if you are hunting with a dog in which case you are allowed to bag up to 10 squirrels per day.
What are some of the other rules and regulations regarding squirrel hunting in TX?
Answer: Some of the other rules and regulations regarding squirrel hunting in TX include having a valid hunting license only using certain types of firearms and obeying all safety regulations.
Where can I find more information about the rules and regulations regarding squirrel hunting in TX?
Answer: More detailed information about the rules and regulations regarding squirrel hunting in TX can be found in the TX Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual.
Is there anything else I need to know before squirrel hunting in TX?
Answer: Yes you also need to be aware of the closed areas and regulated hunting seasons.
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.
