Hunting squirrels in Kansas is a time-honored tradition. The state is home to many different species of squirrel, including the fox squirrel, which is the largest type of squirrel in North America. Squirrel hunting can be a fun and challenging activity for hunters of all ages and experience levels. If you’re planning on heading out to Kansas for a squirrel hunting trip, check out this blog post first. We’ll give you all the tips and information you need to have a successful hunt, including where to find the best squirrel habitat, what kind of equipment you need, and how to properly clean and cook your catch.
Squirrel Hunting Laws in Kansas
Kansas is home to many different species of squirrels, including the eastern gray squirrel, fox squirrel, and red squirrel. Hunting these animals is a popular pastime in the state, and there are laws in place to regulate the activity.
The first step in hunting squirrels in Kansas is to obtain a hunting license. Residents and non-residents can both apply for licenses, which can be obtained online or from a variety of locations around the state. Once you have your license, you’ll need to purchase a permit if you plan on hunting on public land.
There are no closed seasons for hunting squirrels in Kansas, but there are limits on how many animals you can take. The limit is five squirrels per day statewide, with no more than two coming from any one county. There are also limits on the number of permits that can be issued in each county, so it’s important to check with local authorities before heading out to hunt.
Squirrels can be hunted with a variety of weapons in Kansas, including firearms, bows, and crossbows. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the regulations surrounding each type of weapon before heading out into the field.
When hunting squirrels in Kansas, it’s important to be respectful of private property rights. Make sure you have permission from the landowner before setting foot on their property and be sure to clean up any trash or carcasses that you may leave behind.
Related: Raccoon Hunting in Kansas
Do you need a license to hunt squirrels in Kansas?
Yes, you need a license to hunt squirrels in Kansas. A hunting license is required for persons 16 years of age or older to hunt any wildlife, including squirrels, in Kansas. You can purchase a hunting license at any Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism office or from a licensed agent.
Squirrel Hunting Seasons in Kansas
Kansas is home to five species of squirrels: the eastern gray squirrel, the fox squirrel, the red squirrel, the southern flying squirrel, and the white-tailed antelope squirrel. Hunting seasons for these animals vary depending on the species.
The eastern gray squirrel is the most common type of squirrel in Kansas. The hunting season for this animal runs from September 1st to February 28th. The fox squirrel is the second most common type of squirrel in the state. The hunting season for this animal runs from October 15th to February 15th.
The red squirrel is the least common type of Squirrel in Kansas. The hunting season for this animal runs from November 1st to March 31st. The southern flying squirrel is an endangered species and is not hunted in Kansas. The white-tailed antelope squirrel is also an endangered species and is not hunted in Kansas.
Can you hunt squirrels at night in Kansas?
In Kansas, you can only hunt squirrels during the day. However, there are some ways that you can increase your chances of success if you hunt at night. First, use a light-colored decoy to attract the squirrels. Second, use a high-powered flashlight to shine into the trees and look for the eyes of the squirrels. Finally, make sure to be very quiet when you are hunting so as not to scare them away.
Bag limits for hunting Squirrel in Kansas
The daily bag limit for hunting squirrels in Kansas is eight. Hunters are allowed to take no more than two squirrels per day from any one county, and no more than four squirrels from any combination of counties. There is no limit on the number of squirrels that may be taken from a single property, provided that the hunter has the landowner’s permission.
Legal ways to hunt Squirrels in Kansas
There are many ways to hunt squirrels in Kansas, but only some of them are legal. Here are the most popular legal methods for hunting squirrels in Kansas:
- Trapping – This is by far the most popular method for hunting squirrels in Kansas. Trappers will set up cages or live traps baited with food and wait for the squirrels to enter. Once they are inside, the trap door will close, and the squirrel will be caught.
- Calling – This method involves imitating the sounds of a mating or distressed squirrel to lure them in close enough for a shot. This can be done with either a mouth call or an electronic call device.
- Hunting with Dogs – This is another popular method, especially among hunters who also enjoy bird hunting. Hunters will train their dogs to track and flush out squirrels from their hiding spots so that they can get a clear shot.
- Hunting with Birds of Prey – This method takes advantage of the natural predator/prey relationship between birds of prey and squirrels. Hunters will use trained hawks or falcons to flush out and capture Squirrels.
- Shooting from a Blind – This is arguably the easiest way to hunt Squirrels, as it allows you to sit quietly in a hidden spot and wait for them to come to you. You can either set up your own blind or purchase a ready-made one.
Can you use dogs to hunt squirrels in Kansas?
Yes, you can use dogs to hunt squirrels in Kansas. There are a few things to keep in mind when doing so, however. First, the type of dog you use will make a difference. Smaller breeds may have trouble keeping up with squirrels as they dart through trees and brush. Second, be sure to train your dog prior to taking them out into the field. This will help them understand what they should do when they see a squirrel. Finally, be patient when hunting with a dog. It may take some time for them to get the hang of it, but once they do, they can be quite effective at finding and flushing out the game.
Can you hunt squirrels from a vehicle in Kansas?
In Kansas, it is legal to hunt squirrels from a vehicle as long as the vehicle is stationary. However, there are some restrictions on where you can hunt from a vehicle. You cannot hunt within 100 yards of a public road or within 500 yards of a dwelling. Additionally, you must have written permission from the landowner to hunt on their property. If you are hunting on public land, you must follow all state and federal laws.
Final Thoughts
As the sun began to set, I finally had to call it quits. I had seen plenty of squirrels but just couldn’t seem to get a shot off. It was frustrating, but I knew that I’d just have to try again another day.
Even though I didn’t get any squirrels, I had a blast hunting. The fresh air and peacefulness of being in the woods were exactly what I needed. And who knows, maybe next time I’ll actually get one!
