Tennessee’s spring squirrel season will open 30 minutes before sunrise on Saturday, May 12. The season will be statewide and runs through June 10, 2012 according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) with a daily bag limit of 10.
Spring is a good time biologically to hunt squirrels. Females commonly have litters of three to five 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. The number of squirrel hunters has been declining as more hunters pursue deer and turkeys. As a result, squirrels are one of the most under-hunted species in the state.
Several Wildlife Management Areas are also open for spring squirrel hunting during this time. Hunters need to consult the 2011-2012 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping guide for specific regulations and license requirements. Regulations are also available on the TWRA Web Page at www.tnwildlife.org.