Start your hunting journey with this beginner-friendly season
If you didn’t grow up hunting, getting started as an adult can feel intimidating. Maybe you’ve always been curious about harvesting your own wild game, spending more time in the woods, or learning a skill that connects you more deeply with nature. But where do you begin? West Virginia’s squirrel season is one of the easiest ways to start your hunting journey. Not only is it affordable and accessible, but it’s a great way to build skills and confidence while enjoying the beauty of the fall forest.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll cover the basics of planning your first squirrel hunt — from understanding squirrel behavior and what gear you’ll need, to where you can hunt and the regulations you need to follow. Whether you’re hunting for food or sport, this is your invitation to take that first step.
Understanding Squirrel Behavior and Hunting Basics
Squirrels are active, abundant and found all over West Virginia, which makes this small game species a great target for new hunters. The most common species you’ll see are gray and fox squirrels, both of which can be hunted in the fall and early winter.
Squirrels are most active in the early morning and late afternoon and like to hang out around hard mast trees, such as hickories and oaks. Early in the season, focus on hickory trees. As fall progresses and leaves start to drop, shift your attention to oak stands where acorns become their primary food source. You’re in a good spot if you find a patch of woods with several mature mast trees and signs of squirrel activity, like cut nut shells.
There are two main tactics for squirrel hunting:
- Walk and Stalk: Walk slowly through the woods, pausing every few steps to look and listen for rustling leaves and squirrel chatter.
- Sit or Stand: Sit or stand quietly near a food source and wait for squirrels to move into view. This method requires patience, but it’s effective, especially when squirrels have been spooked and are hiding nearby.
New hunters often overlook the importance of being still. If you hear squirrels but can’t see them, sit tight. They usually return after a few minutes if the woods go quiet again.
Where to Hunt Squirrel in West Virginia
West Virginia has nearly 1.5 million acres of public hunting land across 96 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), nine state forests and sprawling national forest lands, so you’re never too far from a great place to hunt.
Many WMAs and state forests offer excellent small game habitat, with plenty of hardwoods where squirrels feed and nest. These areas are managed by the WVDNR and are open to the public during squirrel season. To plan your hunt, use our interactive hunting map, which makes it easy to find public land near you.
And if you are invited or want to hunt on private land, make sure to get written permission from the landowner before the season starts.
West Virginia Squirrel Hunting Gear Guide
You don’t need expensive equipment or a lot of experience to go squirrel hunting. Here are a few essentials to get started safely and comfortably.
Firearms
When leaves are still on the trees and squirrels are harder to spot, use a shotgun, which gives you a wider shot pattern and more margin for error. A .22 caliber rifle is a lightweight, quiet and accurate option, best used when leaves start to fall and visibility improves.
Always practice safe firearm handling and ensure you’re confident using your equipment before heading into the field.
Clothing and Gear
Less is more when it comes to squirrel hunting. Camouflage or earth-toned clothing will help you blend in with the woods. Sturdy boots will keep you steady and comfortable as you walk through the woods and over uneven terrain. Also, consider carrying a small backpack with water, snacks, extra ammo, binoculars and your phone or compass for navigation.
West Virginia’s squirrel season runs concurrently with many deer firearms seasons, so make sure you also have a blaze orange garment of at least 400 square inches.
Rules and Regulations to Remember
West Virginia’s 2025-2026 squirrel season runs from September 13 to February 28. A youth season is also scheduled for September 6-7 for hunters ages 15 and younger.
Before you head into the woods, you’ll need a valid hunting license and, depending on which license you buy, you also may need to buy a Conservation Stamp (Class CS). You’ll also need to complete a hunter education course, which is required for all hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1975. During this class, you’ll learn about firearm safety, wildlife conservation, basic hunting skills and West Virginia’s hunting regulations. Completing this class is your first step toward becoming a responsible and confident hunter.
Always check the current Hunting Regulations Summary for updates, including season dates, legal hunting hours and public land-specific rules.
Your Hunting Journey Starts Now
With minimal gear, plenty of public land and a long season to hone your skills, West Virginia’s squirrel season is a great time to start your hunting journey. Whether you’re heading out solo or with a mentor, now’s the time to take that first step.
✅ Enroll in a hunter education course.
✅ Buy your West Virginia hunting license and stamps.
✅ Start scouting and planning your first squirrel hunt.
The woods are waiting. Let the adventure begin!