An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Every expert hunter was once a beginner. And if you ask the best of the best, they’ll tell you: squirrel hunting is where it all began. Kentucky is home to two huntable tree squirrel species—fox squirrels and eastern grey squirrels—and offers some of the best small game opportunities in the country. It’s affordable, accessible, and packed with lessons that’ll sharpen your skills for life in the woods. So if you’re looking for a reason to step outside this season, this is it.
In Kentucky, there are two seasons. A Spring Season that is mid-May through mid-June and a Fall Season that is mid-August through the end of February, with a break on the first weekend of Deer Gun Season (check below for this year's season dates). Learn more about getting started with squirrel hunting on our Learn to Squirrel Hunt page. Read below for a summary of the rules and regulations (Small Game 301 KAR 2:122 and Public Land Hunting 301 KAR 2:049) for hunting this very active animal.
A large group of hunters showing off their harvest after a Squirrel Hunting Field-to-Fork event.
Image Caption - The following animals are considered small game: northern bobwhite (quail), squirrels, rabbits, and grouse. All species have their own hunting bag limits.
Rabbits and squirrels can be trapped with the same legal equipment and restrictions as found on our Furbearers Hunting and Trapping page. Quail and grouse may not be trapped. A trapping license is required for individuals 12 years of age or older. Trappers must harvest squirrels and rabbits upon capture unless they possess a captive wildlife permit from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. Seasons on WMAs and other public lands may differ from statewide seasons. See our Public Hunting Lands page.
Daily limit is six (6); possession limit is twelve (12).
Hunters may only use the following to take small game during all seasons:
Hunters are not allowed to trap squirrels during the spring season. Blowguns are prohibited for hunting all year.
How To Process a Squirrel - Becky Bloomfield
Resident and nonresident youth hunters and trappers ages 15 and younger may hunt and trap small game without a hunting or trapping license for seven consecutive days starting the Saturday after Christmas.
All hunters must wear hunter orange clothing during the first weekend after Christmas, as youth hunters are also permitted to hunt deer with firearms at that time.
Youth hunters must comply with all equipment regulations and bag limits. Hunter education is not required for license-exempt hunters.
The limit is two small game or furbearer species per falconer per day. Falconers must possess a falconry permit and valid hunting license unless exempt.
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