Spring Squirrel Season in Tennessee

Tennessee’s spring squirrel season will open 30 minutes before sunrise on Saturday, May 12, 2007. The season is statewide and runs through June 10, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).

The bag limit is 10 squirrels per day.

Spring is a good time biologically to hunt squirrels, according to TWRA. Females commonly have litters of 3 to 5 young twice during the year–in February and from late July to early August. May through June takes advantage of a peak in the population after the first litters have left the nest.

Squirrel populations fluctuate from year to year, but overall have remained stable in Tennessee. Recent abundant mast crops and a relatively mild winter may result in more squirrels in the woods this spring and the TWRA is encouraging hunters to take advantage of the bonanza.

Several Wildlife Management Areas (WMA’s) are also open for spring squirrel hunting during this time. Hunters should consult the 2006-07 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide for more information.