Arkansas’ squirrel hunting season is now open until the end of February, making it one of the state’s longest hunting seasons. Hunters can harvest up to 12 squirrels per day.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) recommends hunters use a shotgun for hunting squirrels over a rimfire rifle. Specifically, a 12-guage or 20-guage shotgun with a pocketful of shells loaded with No. 6 shot.
Squirrels can commonly be found near Mulberry trees. These trees typically have broad, pointed leaves that resemble a heart shape with a flat base, though some leaves may also have a depression in their margin that creates multiple lobes.
The main precautions for hunters are ticks, mosquitoes, gnats and other biting insects. A bug suit combined with insect repellent is recommended. For those not using a bug suit, hunters should spray their clothing with permethrin, an insecticide good for deterring insects, especially ticks and chiggers. Hunters sitting in one spot for more than five minutes should use a bug spray using the chemical compound DEET or a Thermocell to protect against mosquitoes.
The AGFC says squirrel meat should be kept cool to prevent spoilage. Harvested squirrels can be carried by hand, in a mesh game pouch like those used during dove season or hung from a game strap to ensure the meat stays fresh.
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