Squirrel hunting is a popular small game hunting activity in North Carolina, offering hunters the chance to enjoy the state’s woodland areas. The extended season for gray and red squirrels, running from fall through winter, provides ample opportunities for hunters to pursue these species.
Additionally, the spring squirrel season for gray squirrels on private lands offers an extra hunting period for those interested in pursuing this species.
It’s important for hunters to note that regulations may vary depending on the specific location and type of land (public or private) where they plan to hunt. Always check the most current regulations and obtain the necessary licenses before hunting.
In the great state of North Carolina, a squirrel hunter can hunt one of three species:
- Gray squirrels
- Fox squirrels
- Red squirrels
I’ve lived in N.C. most all my life and can’t recall ever seeing a Red squirrel, but I have plenty of experience with Gray and Fox squirrel species.
The information below was sourced from the NC Wildlife website and from the E-regulations website.
Gray and Red Squirrel Season Statewide (Fall)
Season Dates: October 16th, 2024 – February 28th, 2025
Daily Limit: 8
Possession Limit: None
Season Limit: None
Spring Season Statewide (Gray Squirrels Only on Private Land Only)
Season Dates: May 13th – May 27th, 2024
Daily Limit: 8
Possession Limit: None
Season Limit: None
Fox Squirrels Statewide
Season Dates: October 13th, 2024 – January 31st, 2024
Daily Limit: 1
Possession Limit: 2
Season Limit: 10
While Gray squirrels are found all across the state, Fox squirrels seem more prevalent in the Piedmont and eastern portion of the state.
Squirrel Hunters Also Ask
Here are some of the questions or inquires I see regarding the N.C. squirrel hunting season:
When is squirrel season in NC?
Since North Carolina is how to few different squirrel species, most questions are asking about the hunting season for gray squirrels, which are the most common species in North Carolina.
Typically, squirrel season in North Carolina begins around the middle of October and ends on the last day of February. Over the last few years, the NC squirrel season has started on the Monday following the opening day of gun season for deer in the Northeastern deer zone. However, that could always change.
There’s always some overlap between the fall squirrel season and the NC deer season. That overlap will vary by deer hunting zone as each zone has a different start date for the muzzleloader and gun season.
When does squirrel season end in North Carolina?
Generally, the NC squirrel hunting season ends on the last day of February. That being said, it’s always a good idea to check the NC Wildlife web site or seasons booklet to be certain.
Can you hunt squirrels in NC on Sunday?
A complete response is really a two part answer divided up between hunting on private land and hunting on Game Lands (public hunting land):
Private Land
Squirrel hunters can hunt on private land on Sundays, but have to adhere to the following rules:
- No hunting with firearms between the hours of 9:30AM and 12:30PM.
- No hunting with a firearm within 500 yards of a place of worship or any accessory structure.
Public Hunting Land (Game Lands)
You can hunt squirrel on Sunday during the season on some NC Game Lands, but not all. It’s also worth noting that some of the North Carolina Game Land areas do NOT allow squirrel hunting.
Currently, the two types of NC Game Land that allow Sunday hunting are the Game Lands open for hunting 4 days a week and the ones open 7 days a week. I suggest checking the respective Game Land area you planned to hunt to ensure that squirrel hunting is allowed at all.
However, when squirrel hunting on NC public hunting land that does support Sunday hunting, the same restrictions on private land also apply to Game Lands. Those restrictions include the same two listed above on private land.
