Georgia’s small-game hunters will have another opportunity to head into the woods beginning this weekend, as squirrel season opens statewide on Saturday.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division says the 2026-27 squirrel season will run through February 28, 2027. Hunters may take both gray and fox squirrels, with a statewide daily limit of 12 squirrels per hunter.
However, special limits apply on public lands. On Georgia Wildlife Management Areas, Voluntary Public Access properties and other department-managed lands, hunters are limited to one fox squirrel per person per day.
Wildlife Resources Division Assistant Chief of Game Management Tina Johannsen says squirrel hunting can be an especially good introduction to the sport for people who are new to hunting.
“For those looking into becoming a hunter or introducing someone new to hunting, squirrel season is a great way to start,” Johannsen said.
She noted that squirrel hunting can be less intimidating for beginners because hunters don’t necessarily have to remain completely still or silent throughout the hunt. Squirrels are also widespread across Georgia, providing new hunters with plenty of opportunities to encounter wildlife.
Both gray and fox squirrels can be found throughout the state. Gray squirrels are the more common species and are frequently found in hardwood and mixed pine-hardwood forests, as well as some urban areas.
Fox squirrels are generally larger and can vary considerably in color. They are more commonly associated with mature pine and mixed pine-hardwood forests, particularly in Georgia’s Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions.
Hunters looking to try squirrel hunting for the first time can find a virtual “Squirrel Hunting 101” course through the Wildlife Resources Division’s hunter education resources.
Georgia’s Wildlife Management Areas provide access to nearly one million acres of public hunting opportunities. Squirrel hunting is permitted on WMAs during designated portions of the statewide season, although individual properties may have additional dates or regulations.
Hunters are encouraged to review current regulations before heading into the field.
For more information about squirrel hunting regulations, public hunting lands and hunter resources, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com. Hunting licenses can be purchased or renewed through GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.
And for hunters planning to bring their harvest home, the Wildlife Resources Division also offers recipes for preparing squirrel, including fried, barbecue, slow-cooked and casserole dishes.