Squirrel Program

There are two game species of squirrels found in Mississippi: the eastern gray squirrel and the eastern fox squirrel. Both species are found throughout the state, but gray squirrels are the most widely distributed and most numerous.

Fox Squirrels

There are two subspecies of fox squirrels that occur in Mississippi. The Bachman, or "Hill Country," fox squirrel is the subspecies that occurs in more open upland areas throughout the state. The Delta fox squirrel is primarily limited to the Delta region and is most abundant in mature forests. Hill Country fox squirrel populations have declined substantially in many areas because of changes in land use and management.

Gray Squirrels

Gray squirrels are perhaps the most abundant resident small game species and generally offer plenty of hunting opportunities in most areas of the state. However, squirrel populations will often fluctuate from one year to the next in response to the abundance of the previous year's autumn mast crops (acorns, nuts, pine seeds, berries, and fruits).

Learn more about Mississippi's squirrel species.

The MDWFP does not have a squirrel stocking program. Information on managing habitat for squirrels can be found under the Habitat and Population Management section below. Technical assistance is also available for managing land for squirrel habitat.

The links below provide information about practices or programs that may be used to enhance squirrel and other wildlife habitat. By clicking on the links provided, you may be directed to web pages outside of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website. PDF publications can be downloaded and saved either by right-clicking the link or by opening the link in a new window and saving the file using available browser options.

• Mississippi Squirrel Species
  • A brief overview of squirrel species found in Mississippi.
• Ecology and Management of Squirrels in Mississippi
  • A guide to squirrel ecology and management, including descriptions of life history, habitat requirements, habitat management practices, and harvest management. Published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
• Building Homes for Squirrels
  • A guide to building artificial den structures for squirrels. Published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
• Forestry/Wildlife: Myths and Misconceptions
  • A summary of common misconceptions about forest management as it relates to wildlife habitat management. Published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
• Prescribed Burning in Southern Pine Forests: Fire Ecology, Techniques, and Uses for Wildlife Management
  • A guide to using prescribed fire for wildlife habitat management. Published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
• Legal Environment for Forestry Prescribed Burning in Mississippi
  • A guide to laws and legal considerations pertaining to prescribed burning in Mississippi. Published by the Mississippi State University Forest and Wildlife Research Center.

• Botfly Larva (Wolves)
• Tularemia (Rabbit Fever)