South Dakota Gray Squirrel Hunting -
Regulations 2026

Eastern gray squirrels are the quintessential tree squirrel and most common small game animal in eastern forests. They display grizzled gray fur above, white below, with a long bushy tail edged in white. An all-black (melanistic) color phase is common in some populations — this is the same species. They cache thousands of nuts each fall, helping regenerate oak forests. Adults weigh 14-25 oz. The traditional .22 and small-bore shotgun pursuit is a gateway hunting experience for millions of hunters.