Also known as: Gray squirrel, eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger, similar co-occurring species)
The eastern gray squirrel is slender and smaller than the fox squirrel, with a white belly and tail fringe and gray back and sides, reaching up to 21 inches total length and weighing 0.75-1.5 pounds. Sometimes black individuals occur in the same litter with gray ones, and albino individuals also occur occasionally. The similar eastern fox squirrel is heavy-bodied and larger with a reddish yellow belly and tail fringe, reaching up to 29 inches total length and weighing 1-3 pounds.
Habitat & Range
Gray squirrels are more common in bottomlands and river valleys with a bushy understory, while fox squirrels are more common along higher ridges. In prairie regions, fox squirrels inhabit Osage orange hedge fences, farm woodlots, and timbered fence rows. Both species also live in urban areas, especially where large oak and hickory trees are common.
Life History
Squirrels eat nuts, fruits and buds of hickory, pecan, walnut, elm, and mulberry trees, and field corn. Gray squirrels mate in late December or early January and again from late May to early July, with pregnancy lasting about 45 days. Most litters are born in February/March and July/August, comprising 1-8 young (2-3 most common), and young leave the nest at 6-7 weeks. Squirrels store nuts in the ground, resulting in the germination of many unrecovered nuts and effectively planting trees.
Status, Trends & Threats
From 600,000 to 700,000 squirrels are taken annually in Missouri, providing a large meat supply for hunters. Gray squirrels are more abundant in the Ozark and Mississippi Lowland region. Their populations fluctuate with mast crop success, and automobiles kill many squirrels annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is squirrel hunting season in Missouri?
Missouri squirrel hunting season typically runs from late May through mid-February, with a spring season (late May through August) and a fall season (September through mid-February). This extended season provides abundant opportunity for small game hunters. Hunters should consult current MDC regulations for exact dates.
What is the bag limit for eastern gray squirrels in Missouri?
The daily bag limit for squirrels in Missouri is typically 10 squirrels per hunter (combined for gray and fox squirrels), with a possession limit of 20. This generous limit reflects the abundant squirrel populations across the state.
What are the best methods for hunting squirrels in Missouri?
Popular methods include still-hunting through oak-hickory woodlands in the early morning, sitting quietly near mast-producing trees (oaks, hickories, pecans), and using a .22 rifle or shotgun. Scouting for areas with active cutting sign (fresh acorn cuttings on the ground) is key to locating feeding squirrels.
