If you have ever wondered when is squirrel hunting season in Illinois, you have come to the right place. The next squirrel season will begin on August 1, 2020 and end on February 15, 2021. There are a few exceptions to these dates, though: November 20-22, December 3 to 6 and December 25. Hunting regulations include a limit of five squirrels per person per day, no alcohol, and no dogs during hunting hours. To participate in a hunt, you’ll need to purchase a license, FOID card, and hunting permit. You can buy a license over the counter or online, and you’ll need to sign a hold harmless agreement if you’re hunting.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) reports that hunters harvest 1.4 million bushytails each year. These squirrels comprise over 60% of the state’s game bag. Gray squirrels make up the rest of the bag. While squirrel populations fluctuate every year, they’re generally doing well and hunters will find plenty of opportunities for success. If you’re curious about when is squirrel hunting season in Illinois 2020, you should check out the official hunting regulations for your county.
The Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet is available now, which includes information on when is squirrel hunting season. Remember that the sunrise/sunset calculations are the same as those for firearms, so be sure to read your hunting license before heading out to the woods. And don’t forget to check the Illinois Hunting Laws and Regulations booklet for the exact date of the next season.
Squirrel hunting is legal in most states, and hunters can legally pursue the animals for several months of the year. Depending on the season, you can usually harvest between four and six squirrels per day. Squirrels also make great dinner, and the meat is very similar to rabbit. You’ll want to cook the squirrel slowly for maximum flavor. And if you’re suffering from cabin fever, squirrel hunting may be just the ticket.
You can scout the area for squirrels by searching for hickory, oak, or beech trees. These trees have dense populations of squirrels. Look carefully for signs of caching. Look for hickory nuts with toothmarks or nutshells – these are signs of an active squirrel. The best way to spot a squirrel is to check for their presence.
Hunting season in Illinois begins in early Fall and ends in late Winter. The state’s Department of Natural Resources also allows hunting for deer during the firearms season. This season is open to hunters and nonresidents alike. The deer firearms season is from Nov. 19 to 21 and Dec. 2 to 5. During these months, archery and small game hunting are suspended. Also, deer firearms season is prohibited in Cook, DuPage, Kane, and Lake counties.
During the fall firearm and archery turkey seasons in Illinois, hunters have harvested 162,575 deer during the last 15 years. That’s a decrease compared to the previous season, but the fall archery turkey season remains an excellent opportunity for dedicated archers. The fall firearm and archery seasons are the best for archery turkey hunting in Illinois. When is squirrel season in Illinois 2020? There are a few exceptions to this rule.
When can you kill squirrels?
When to Hunt Squirrels. The best time of year for squirrel hunting is early- to mid-fall as they begin to stockpile food for the winter. Squirrels are most active early in the day as they scavenge for food, with a lull in activity during the warmest part of the day.
What do you use for squirrel hunting?
The preferred weapon for most experienced squirrel hunters is the . 22 caliber rifle. It is more accurate than a shotgun, allowing for precision kill shots that keep the meat intact. It also offers more of a challenge for hunters looking to keep their skills honed before deer season kicks off.
What is the best caliber for squirrels?
The . 22 Caliber wins as a clean sweep for the best squirrel hunting caliber, even if the . 177 might be a little more accurate or quieter at times, the Gamo technology behind a . 22 caliber can be deadly, quiet, and extremely accurate!J
Do you need a license to hunt squirrel in Illinois?
Licenses & Permits Residents and non-residents will need the following two credentials to hunt rabbits and/or squirrels: Hunting license (unless exempt: see Hunting Licenses: Exceptions) State Habitat Stamp.
Does Illinois have a squirrel season?
The season on Illinois’ most accessible game mammal is nearly upon us. Squirrel season opens statewide on August 1 and runs through February 15.
When can you hunt squirrels in Illinois?
Squirrel season opens statewide on August 1 and runs through February 15. “Forecasting” the season of Illinois’ most accessible game animal is difficult as fox and gray squirrels are very abundant and the season is underutilized. Squirrel season opens statewide on August 1 st and runs through February 15 th.
Is there a season to hunt squirrels?
When to Hunt Squirrels. The best time of year for squirrel hunting is early- to mid-fall as they begin to stockpile food for the winter. Squirrels are most active early in the day as they scavenge for food, with a lull in activity during the warmest part of the day.
Do you need a hunting license to hunt squirrels in Illinois?
Licenses & Permits Residents and non-residents will need the following two credentials to hunt rabbits and/or squirrels: Hunting license (unless exempt: see Hunting Licenses: Exceptions) State Habitat Stamp.
What are the dates for squirrel season in Illinois?
SPECIES DATES POSSESSION LIMIT—————————— ————————————————————————————————– —————- Squirrels (Fox and Gray) 1 Aug 2021–15 Feb 2022 Closed 19-21 Nov and 2-5 Dec 2021 in counties open for firearm deer hunting 10Rabbits (Cottontail and Swamp) 6 Nov 2021–15 Feb 2022
