Hunting is a popular pastime in Texas, with many people taking to the woods each year in pursuit of game. One of the most popular animals to hunt in the state is the squirrel. In this blog post, we will explore squirrel hunting in Texas, including the best times of year to hunt, what kind of gear you need, and how to prepare your catch for dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this guide will help you make the most of your next squirrel hunting trip.
Squirrel Hunting Laws in Texas
In Texas, there are a few laws and regulations you need to know before heading out on a squirrel hunting adventure. Here is a breakdown of the most important things to remember:
-All hunters must have a valid hunting license.
-A permit is not required to hunt squirrels.
-There is no closed season for hunting squirrels in Texas.
-The bag limit for squirrels is 8 per day.
-Squirrels may be hunted with any legal firearm, including air rifles and pistols.
– baiting of game animals, including squirrels, is prohibited in Texas.
Do you need a license to hunt Squirrel in Texas?
In Texas, you do not need a license to hunt squirrels. However, there are some regulations that you must follow in order to squirrel hunt legally. For example, you must comply with the bag limit, which is five squirrels per day. In addition, you must use legal methods of take, which include firearms, archery equipment, and traps. You also must take care to not damage the environment while hunting squirrels.
Squirrel Hunting Seasons in Texas
In Texas, the squirrel hunting season typically runs from early October to late February. There are two main types of squirrels in Texas, the eastern gray squirrel and the fox squirrel. The best time to hunt for either type of squirrel is in the early morning or evening hours when they are most active.
The bag limit for squirrels in Texas is 10 per day, with a possession limit of 30. Squirrels may be taken with any caliber of rifle, shotgun, or air gun that is reasonably sure to kill them humanely. Baiting is not allowed while hunting squirrels in Texas.
If you’re planning on hunting squirrels in Texas, be sure to check the local regulations as seasons and bag limits can vary from county to county.
Can you hunt Squirrel at night in Texas?
Squirrel hunting at night is a popular pastime in Texas. There are no statewide restrictions on hunting squirrels at night, but some localities may have ordinances limiting or prohibiting the use of artificial light for hunting. Always check with your local game warden before hunted squirrels at night to make sure you are following the law.
Bag limits for hunting Squirrel in Texas
The bag limits for hunting squirrel in Texas depend on the county you are hunting in. The bag limit is generally two or four squirrels per day. Some counties have a season limit of 40, while others have a season limit of 60. Contact the local game warden for specific bag limits in your county.
Legal ways to hunt Squirrel in Texas
In Texas, there are a few different ways that you can legally hunt squirrel. The most common way is with a high-powered air rifle or pellet gun. You can also use a BB gun, but it must be 25 yards away from the animal. If you are using a shotgun, the shot must be number 6 or smaller and the gun must be 20 gauge or larger.
Another legal way to hunt squirrel is by bow and arrow. The minimum draw weight for the bow must be 35 pounds. The arrows must also be equipped with sharpened broadheads that are at least 7/8 of an inch wide.
You can also use trapping devices to hunt squirrel, but there are some specific regulations that you need to follow. The trap must have a jaw spread of at least 5 inches and it cannot be set within 50 feet of any public road or trail.
If you choose to use dogs to help you hunt squirrel, they must be under your direct control at all times and they cannot chase the animal into an area where you are not allowed to shoot.
When hunting squirrel, it is important to remember that there is a bag limit of six per day (12 in Possession). It is also illegal to shoot a female squirrel that is carrying young.
Can you use dogs to hunt Squirrel in Texas?
Yes, dogs can be used to hunt squirrels in Texas. Dogs can help flush out squirrels from their hiding spots and chase them up trees, making them easier for hunters to shoot. However, not all dogs are good at hunting squirrels. Some breeds, such as terriers, were bred to go after small animals like rodents and might not have the prey drive needed to pursue a fleeing squirrel. Other breeds, such as hounds, were bred to follow a trail by scent and might not be able to keep up with a nimble squirrel running through the trees. The best dogs for hunting squirrels are those that have been specifically trained for the task, such as Beagles or bassets. These breeds have the energy and tenacity to track and tree a squirrel, making them ideal partners for hunters looking to bag this elusive game animal.
Can you hunt Squirrel from a vehicle in Texas?
In the state of Texas, it is legal to hunt squirrels from a vehicle as long as you are not on a public road or highway. You must have a valid hunting license and follow all other hunting regulations. When hunting from a vehicle, you must be careful not to violate any game laws or put yourself or others in danger.
Final Thoughts
After spending a day out squirrel hunting, it’s easy to see why this activity is such a popular pastime in Texas. Not only is it a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, but it’s also a fun and challenging way to test your skills as a hunter.
Whether you’re new to hunting or a seasoned veteran, there’s no doubt that squirrel hunting is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. So if you’re looking for a fun and exciting hunting adventure, be sure to give squirrel hunting in Texas a try.
