Squirrel hunting is a popular pastime in Oklahoma. The state is home to several species of squirrel, including the Eastern gray squirrel, the fox squirrel, and the groundhog. If you’re thinking of going squirrel hunting in Oklahoma, there are a few things you should know first. In this blog post, we will cover the basics of squirrel hunting in Oklahoma, including regulations, seasons, and locations.
Squirrel Hunting Laws in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, there are a few laws and regulations you need to follow in order to hunt squirrels. First, you need to obtain a hunting license. You can do this by purchasing a license at any game warden office or wildlife management area. You can also purchase the license online through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website.
A hunting license allows you to purchase a squirrel Hunting Permit, which is valid for the current calendar year. The permit allows you to take two squirrels per day during the open season, which runs from October 1st through January 31st.
There are some additional regulations regarding taking squirrels with firearms. You can only use rimfire rifles or pistols and shotguns that fire shots no larger than BB size. You also are not allowed to use dogs when hunting squirrels.
If you choose to trap squirrels, there is a limit of 10 traps per person set at any one time. All traps must be labeled with the trapper’s name and address.
The take of fox squirrels is limited to one per day statewide. Gray and black squirrels have no daily limit statewide, but a possession limit of six per person applies after the first day of hunting.
Do you need a license to hunt squirrels in Oklahoma?
If you are planning to hunt squirrels in Oklahoma, you will need to obtain a hunting license from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC). A hunting license is required for any person who wishes to hunt within the state of Oklahoma. The cost of a hunting license varies depending on the type of license and the length of time for which it is valid. In addition to the hunting license, you will also need to purchase a wildlife management area permit if you plan to hunt on any public land managed by the ODWC.
Squirrel Hunting Seasons in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has a long hunting season for squirrels, running from September 1st through February 15th. There are two types of squirrels in Oklahoma, the grey squirrel, and the fox squirrel, and both can be hunted during the season. The bag limit is six squirrels per day. And there is no limit on the number of days you can hunt.
Squirrel hunting can be a great way to get outside and enjoy the fall weather. It’s also a good way to put some meat in the freezer for winter. If you’re thinking about going squirrel hunting in Oklahoma, here are a few things you need to know.
First, you need to make sure you have a valid hunting license. You can buy one at any Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation office or online at the agency’s website. You also need to purchase a game tag for each deer or turkey that you plan to harvest.
Next, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the regulations for squirrel hunting in Oklahoma. These regulations can be found in the Oklahoma Hunting Guide, which is available online or at any wildlife department office. Be sure to read these regulations carefully so that you know what areas you can hunt in and what methods of take are allowed.
Finally, once you have your license and game tag, it’s time to start planning your hunt. Squirrel hunting is often best early in the morning or late in the evening.
Related: Raccoon Hunting in Oklahoma: An Ultimate Guide
Can you hunt squirrels at night in Oklahoma?
Though squirrels are most active during the day, it is still possible to hunt them at night in Oklahoma. There are a few things to keep in mind when hunting squirrels at night, such as using a flashlight or headlamp to spot them and being extra careful not to startle them. Nighttime is also when many predators are active, so be aware of your surroundings and take safety precautions accordingly.
Bag limits for hunting Squirrel in Oklahoma
The bag limit for squirrel hunting in Oklahoma is six per day. This limit applies to all species of squirrels combined. The possession limit is 18. There is no minimum size limit for squirrels in Oklahoma.
Legal ways to hunt Squirrels in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, there are two main ways that you can hunt squirrels legally. The first way is with a shotgun and the second way is with a .22 caliber rifle.
If you want to hunt with a shotgun, you will need to get a hunting license from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. You will also need to purchase a hunting permit from an authorized wildlife management area. The cost of a hunting license for residents is $15 and the cost of a non-resident hunting license is $55. The cost of a hunting permit for residents is $5 and the cost of a non-resident hunting permit is $25.
If you want to hunt with a .22 caliber rifle, you do not need a hunting license or permit as long as you are on your own property or on the property of someone who has given you permission to hunt there. You can also use this method if you are hunting on public land that is designated for small-game hunting.
Can you use dogs to hunt squirrels in Oklahoma?
Yes, dogs can be used to hunt squirrels in Oklahoma. There are a few things to consider when using dogs for this purpose, such as the type of dog and the terrain. Terriers are typically the best type of dog for hunting squirrels. They have a high prey drive and are tenacious hunters. They can also navigate rough terrain well. When choosing a spot to hunt, look for areas with thick brush or trees where squirrels are likely to hide. Be sure to take into account the scent of your dog, as this will alert squirrels to your presence. Dogs can be an effective tool for hunting squirrels, but they should be used in conjunction with other methods, such as still hunting or setting up traps.
Can you hunt squirrels from a vehicle in Oklahoma?
It is legal to hunt squirrels from a vehicle in Oklahoma as long as the vehicle is not being used to chase or herd the animals. The best way to hunt squirrels from a vehicle is to find a spot where they are known to congregate and set up a blind or hunting stand. Then, wait for the squirrels to come to you.
Final Thoughts
Although squirrel hunting is a popular pastime in Oklahoma, there are a few things to keep in mind before heading out into the woods. First, be sure to check the regulations set forth by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, as there are limits on the number and types of squirrels that can be taken. Additionally, it is important to have a good understanding of your firearm and practice shooting in a safe area before heading out on your hunt. Finally, remember to take extra care when cleaning and preparing your catch, as squirrels can carry diseases that are harmful to humans. With a little planning and preparation, you can safely enjoy this fun and challenging sport.
