Georgia hunters eager to get into the woods can mark their calendars: squirrel season officially opens on August 15, 2025, promising one of the state’s longest-running small game opportunities. The season will continue through February 28, 2026, offering ample time to pursue this early-season favorite.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), squirrel hunting is more than just a pastime; it’s an ideal entry point for introducing new hunters to the field, a prime chance to scout public lands, and a perfect way to simply enjoy the natural beauty of Georgia’s expansive woods.

“There’s no better entry point into the world of hunting than squirrel season. It’s often a more accessible option and is filled with tradition, woodsmanship, and the art of patience,” said Diana McGrath, Wildlife Biologist with the WRD Game Management Section. “Harvesting small game also plays a big role in helping nature find its balance.”

Hunters can pursue both gray and fox squirrels, with a maximum daily bag limit of 12 per hunter. It’s important for hunters to review specific regulations for any Georgia Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), Voluntary Public Access areas, or other department-managed lands they plan to hunt, as some locations may have different rules, particularly regarding fox squirrel hunting or specific bag limits for fox squirrels (often limited to one per person per day).

Both gray and fox squirrels are native to Georgia and found statewide. The gray squirrel, weighing between 12 ounces to 1.5 pounds, is the more common of the two, abundant in both rural and urban settings and primarily associated with hardwood and mixed pine/hardwood forests. Fox squirrels are generally larger, ranging from one to nearly three pounds, and exhibit a variety of color phases, from silver-gray with a black head to solid black or light brown. They are more frequently found in mature pine and mixed pine/hardwood habitats, especially in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions.

Georgia’s WMAs provide access to nearly one million acres of hunting land, with squirrel hunting permitted on WMAs at specific times during the statewide season. Hunters should consult the current hunting regulations for detailed WMA dates and information available at GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/hunter-resources.

Beyond the thrill of the hunt, squirrels offer a healthy, sustainable source of protein, rich in iron and B Vitamins. Whether prepared fried with gravy, barbecue style, slow-cooked, or in a casserole, squirrel is a delicious addition to any table. Tasty recipes for harvested squirrels can be found at GeorgiaWildlife.blog/2018/08/26/5-squirrel-recipes-youll-ever-taste/.

For more information on the 2025-2026 squirrel hunting season and other hunting resources, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/hunter-resources. To renew or purchase a hunting license, head to GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.