Rabbits and Squirrels

Gray Squirrel

Rifles and handguns of any caliber permitted in Zones 1-9, prohibited in Zones 10-14. No trapping or netting. Shotgun or bow and arrow only during the pheasant and quail seasons on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail (see WMA regulation #9). Hunting hours ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset except on Wildlife Management Areas where pheasant or quail are stocked during the open season on pheasant and quail (Oct. 19 – Nov. 30), when hunting hours are from sunrise to sunset (see WMA regulation #10,).

RABBIT, HARE, AND JACKRABBIT

Hunting hours 1/2 hour before sunrise to midnight except on certain WMAs (see WMA regulation #9).

Cottontail rabbit

Cottontail rabbit hunters and other conservationists can help DFW study the distribution of cottontail rabbits across the state by participating in the cottontail collection survey. For over 50 years, DFW has conducted periodic assessment of the distribution of the New England cottontail and Eastern cottontail through a review of hunter/citizen collected specimens. Successful hunters can bring harvested cottontails to a DFW District Office or the DFW Field HQ in West Boylston. Submission of cottontails killed by cars, pets, lawn equipment, etc., is also highly encouraged. Please include your contact information, date of harvest or kill, precise location of the animal, and method of hunting harvest if applicable.