When Does Squirrel Hunting Season Start in Illinois?

In Illinois, squirrel hunting season typically opens on August 1 and runs through February 15. For the 2026–26 season, the scheduled dates are August 1, 2026, through February 15, 2026. Hunters should confirm dates, bag limits, legal hours, and site-specific rules in the latest Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) regulations before heading out, since regulations and public-land access rules can change.

Illinois Squirrel Season Dates

Illinois generally sets its statewide squirrel season from August 1 through February 15. That long season spans late summer, fall, and winter, giving hunters several opportunities to pursue gray and fox squirrels. The dates apply statewide unless a particular area has additional restrictions or is closed to hunting.

The season’s start date is not the same as an opening-day event with a short window. August 1 marks the beginning of the regular season, and hunting may continue through the published closing date, subject to applicable daily limits, legal hunting hours, licensing requirements, and land-access rules.

For the 2026–26 season, hunters should use these dates as a planning reference:

Dates for later seasons should be checked in the current Illinois hunting regulations and season information. A familiar annual schedule is useful, but the official rules for the specific season take precedence.

Which Squirrels Can Be Hunted?

Illinois’ regular squirrel season covers fox squirrels and gray squirrels. Both species are common across much of the state, although their abundance and habitat use vary by location. They are often found in mature woodlands, wooded river corridors, oak-hickory forests, and areas with nut-producing trees.

Hunters should identify their target before taking a shot. A clear view of the animal and its surroundings matters for both lawful hunting and safety. When identification is uncertain, the responsible choice is not to shoot.

Bag Limits and Possession Limits

Illinois’ commonly listed squirrel limit is five squirrels per day, with a possession limit of 10. The daily limit applies to the combined number of fox and gray squirrels, rather than five of each species. Limits can be revised, so hunters should verify the current season’s figures in the IDNR digest before hunting.

A daily bag limit is the maximum that may be taken in one day. A possession limit generally governs how many may be possessed after taking them in the field, subject to the specific definitions and conditions in state regulations. It is not permission to exceed the daily limit on a later day or to disregard tagging, transport, or other applicable rules.

Hunters should also check whether special rules apply to a particular property. Public hunting areas may have site-specific limits, check-in requirements, or other conditions that are more restrictive than statewide rules.

Hunting Hours and Legal Methods

Legal hunting hours are set by Illinois regulations and may vary by species or season. Before a trip, consult the current IDNR hunting digest for the squirrel-season hours that apply. Hunters should not assume that general daylight, sunrise-to-sunset, or another species’ hours automatically apply to squirrels.

Permitted equipment and methods are also governed by state law and may be subject to additional property rules. The IDNR’s current regulations provide the authoritative details on lawful firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, and other methods. Local rules can restrict equipment even where it is allowed under statewide regulations.

Whatever equipment is used, safe handling is essential. A hunter should identify the target and what lies beyond it, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and follow the firearm or archery safety rules that apply. When hunting with others, clear communication about positions and shooting lanes reduces risk.

Licenses and Hunter Education

Most hunters need the appropriate Illinois hunting license, unless they qualify for a specific exemption. License requirements can depend on residency, age, land ownership, and other circumstances. Hunters should review the IDNR’s current licensing information rather than rely on another person’s license or an exemption that may not apply.

Some hunters must complete an approved hunter education course before purchasing or using a hunting license, depending on age and prior qualifications. Illinois provides information about hunter safety and education through IDNR. Proof of course completion or an accepted credential may be required.

Licenses and permits can be purchased through official IDNR channels and authorized vendors. Before leaving home, hunters should confirm that their license is valid for the current season and that they can access any required digital or printed documentation. Rules for license display, possession, and presentation are set by the state.

Where Squirrel Hunting Is Allowed

Squirrel season being open statewide does not mean every wooded place is open to hunting. Private property requires the landowner’s permission, and public lands may be open only under particular conditions. Some areas permit hunting by registration or reservation; others may prohibit it or restrict access to designated locations and dates.

IDNR-managed sites can have individual rules covering check-in, parking, access hours, ammunition, firearms, and allowable hunting areas. A property’s posted notices and official site page should be checked alongside the statewide regulations. Other public lands, including municipal or federal properties, may have separate rules administered by their managing agency.

Before hunting private land, obtain permission directly from the owner or authorized occupant. Hunters should respect boundaries, gates, crops, livestock, homes, and neighboring properties. Permission to enter land does not automatically remove the need to follow state licensing, season, and bag-limit rules.

Planning a Successful Illinois Squirrel Hunt

Choose habitat with food and cover

Squirrels are commonly associated with hardwood stands that provide nuts, den trees, and escape cover. Oak, hickory, and walnut trees can be productive places to look, particularly when seasonal food is available. Wooded edges and stream corridors can also hold squirrels, but habitat quality and local pressure vary.

Scouting helps identify feeding areas, travel routes, and trees with signs of activity. Look for fresh feeding remains or movement, while minimizing disturbance to wildlife and respecting property boundaries. Weather, food availability, and hunting pressure can influence where squirrels are active on a particular day.

Adjust plans through the season

Early-season hunting can coincide with warm weather and leafy cover, which may make squirrels harder to spot. As leaves fall, visibility can improve, though changing food sources and weather may shift activity. Late-season conditions can include cold temperatures, snow, or icy footing, so clothing and travel plans should match the forecast.

Season timing also affects access. A property may have other hunting seasons, habitat work, or temporary closures. Checking the site’s current notices before each visit helps avoid conflicts and wasted trips.

Use a safety-first approach

Hunters should wear clothing that makes them visible to other people when required by law or site policy, and should know where companions are positioned before shooting. Firearms should be unloaded during transport and handled according to the manufacturer’s instructions and accepted safety practices. A first-aid kit, charged phone, water, and a plan for checking in with someone can improve preparedness.

Hunting from or near roads, trails, buildings, and other occupied areas can be restricted by state law or property rules. Hunters should know the applicable setback and discharge restrictions before taking a position. If visibility is poor or another person may be in the line of fire, do not shoot.

What to Check Before Heading Out

Rules can change, and the statewide season dates are only one part of a legal hunt. Before each outing, verify the following information in the current IDNR publications and the rules for the property:

• Season dates: Confirm the opening and closing dates for the current license year.
• Bag and possession limits: Check the combined limit for fox and gray squirrels.
• Legal hours: Confirm the squirrel-specific hunting hours.
• License and education: Make sure all required credentials are valid.
• Equipment and methods: Review statewide rules and any site restrictions.
• Access conditions: Check whether the land is open, whether registration is required, and where hunting is permitted.
• Local notices: Look for closures, special regulations, and temporary safety advisories.

The IDNR hunting page is the best starting point for official dates and regulations. Property-specific information should be checked with the agency or landowner responsible for the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does squirrel hunting season start in Illinois?

Illinois squirrel season typically starts on August 1. The 2026–26 season is scheduled to open August 1, 2026, and close February 15, 2026. Hunters should verify the current season’s official dates before going afield.

When does squirrel season end in Illinois?

The regular season generally ends February 15. The current official regulations should be consulted for the applicable season and any area-specific restrictions.

Can hunters take both fox and gray squirrels?

Both fox and gray squirrels are covered by the regular season. The daily limit is commonly five squirrels combined, not five of each. Check the current IDNR regulations for the applicable limit.

Is squirrel hunting allowed on all public land?

No. Public-land access depends on the managing agency and the individual property’s rules. Some sites require registration or restrict hunting to designated areas, while others may be closed to squirrel hunting.

Does an open season mean a hunter can use any equipment?

No. State regulations define lawful methods and equipment, and individual properties may impose additional restrictions. Hunters should review both sets of rules before selecting equipment.