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What more could one ask for in a hunting season? Plentiful game, a long season, thousands of acres of public access, challenging shooting – squirrel hunting has it all. Running May 15 through Jan. 31, squirrel season is one of the longest running, and most underused, hunting seasons available in Oklahoma.
Public hunting opportunities abound in Oklahoma for squirrel hunters and both the gray and fox squirrel are abundant on many of the Department's wildlife management areas. Excellent squirrel hunting can be found on Keystone, Spavinaw Hills, Deep Fork, Hickory Creek and many other wildlife management areas. Just about any tract of oaks, hickory or pecan trees can be a productive area for hunters and you would be hard-pressed to find a small crowd of squirrel hunters anywhere.
Squirrel hunting is a perfect opportunity to introduce someone new to hunting. In fact, the more eyes the better. With their sharp eyesight and hearing, squirrels have a tendency to disappear in the tree tops.
A generous 10-squirrel limit offers a challenge to those going afield with a .22 caliber rifle. Other sportsmen prefer carrying a shotgun while going after squirrels. Another option that is increasing in popularity are pellet rifles, which through the years have become adequately powerful to deliver squirrels to the bag.
To hunt squirrels in Oklahoma, you need a resident or non-resident hunting license unless exempt and a $5 Fishing and Hunting Legacy Permit, unless exempt. Resident hunters younger than age 16 can hunt squirrels without a license. For a complete list of squirrel hunting regulations consult the “2006 Oklahoma Hunting Guide” or log on to the Department's Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com.
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