This post may contain affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you’re wondering, “Can you hunt chipmunks?” The answer is yes.

Hunting chipmunks is legal in most states as federal regulations don’t protect this rodent. Nonetheless, in a few states, chipmunks are protected, and hunting them is illegal.

This post will provide you with a list of states that protect chipmunks. More importantly, we’ll guide you on how and when to hunt these animals.

What Are the States That Protect Chipmunks?

Unlike in most other states, hunting chipmunks is illegal in the following states:

That said, it’s always worth checking your state’s regulations for any updates regarding hunting animals.

Why Is Hunting and Trapping Chipmunks Allowed in Most States?

Hunting chipmunks is permitted in most states because these animals are considered nuisance mammals.

They can potentially cause damage to your property by uprooting your flowers or creating holes around your lot. They can even invade your home.

In addition, the International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies chipmunks as abundant animals. This means that hunting them doesn’t significantly affect their species’ existence.

This is true for all chipmunk species except Palmer’s chipmunks, which are endangered.

However, Palmer’s chipmunks are exclusively found in southern Nevada, where hunting chipmunks isn’t allowed.

Since regulations are constantly being updated, checking your state’s current rules regarding chipmunks is crucial. This is to avoid engaging in illegal activity.

Further, it’s also worth mentioning that you need it to obtain a license to hunt chipmunks.

Are Chipmunks Edible?

Yes, chipmunks are edible. They have meat similar to that of chicken with a slightly tougher texture.

If you plan to cook chipmunks, you can use any of the widely available squirrel recipes. However, replace every squirrel with 1.5 chipmunks in the recipe.

When Is Chipmunk Hunting Season?

Most states that allow chipmunk hunting don’t have a specific hunting season for these animals. In these states, you can hunt chipmunks all year round.

However, these mammals are more active during spring, summer, and fall than in winter.

Chipmunks spend most of the day inactive during winter. That way, it’s hard to hunt them during that season.

Where to Find Chipmunks for Hunting?

You’ll likely find chipmunks at persimmon, oak, apple, and tulip trees. You may also find them hiding in fallen trees, old logs, or rocky outcrops.

Luckily, they’re not hard to detect. If you don’t spot them visually, try listening to their sounds. Chipmunks are loud creatures; their sounds will help you identify their location.

They make a noise similar to that of a bird chirp.

Further, if chipmunks notice a human watching or trying to hunt them, they make an alert noise. This noise warns other nearby chipmunks that there’s a source of danger in the area.

When Is the Best Time of Day to Hunt Chipmunks?

There are specific times of the day when chipmunks are most active. At these times, it’s much easier to spot them.

Ensure that you schedule your hunting time within these periods. Here they are:

From Dawn Until 10:00 A.M.

Chipmunks wake up early at dawn and start searching for food. They continue feeding until 10:00 A.M. After that, they usually become inactive, but you might still find a few.

An Hour Before Dusk

The second-best time to hunt chipmunks is about an hour before dusk. At this time, chipmunks go out again to search for food.

Nevertheless, shortly after dusk, chipmunks start to become inactive.

What Weapon Should You Use for Hunting Chipmunks?

Here’s a list of the most common weapons that hunters use to hunt chipmunks:

.22 Long Rifle: This is the ideal weapon for hunting chipmunks. It has a long range that enables you to shoot the animal from a far distance.
Shotgun: Shotguns can be a good weapon for hunting chipmunks. Nonetheless, using a shotgun might significantly damage the chipmunk meat.
Pellet gun: This can be the best option to avoid damaging the chipmunk meat. However, you’ll need to use it at a closer distance compared to the .22 LR.
Arrows: Although it’s the least efficient of the four, many hunters use this tool.

What Is the Best Place to Shoot Chipmunks?

The best place to shoot a chipmunk is in its head. Headshots provide the quickest kill and don’t cause any damage to the meat.

It’s not always easy to headshot a chipmunk, especially when using a shotgun or an arrow. Nonetheless, try to achieve it as much as you can.

Final Thoughts

Can you hunt chipmunks? Yes, you can hunt chipmunks in most US states. These mammals are only protected in Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Nevada.

If you plan to hunt chipmunks, try to schedule the hunting time from dawn until 10:00 A.M. Alternatively, you may also set the hunting time to an hour before dusk.

These are the times when these animals are most active.

Ben Esman

Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.

--

If you want more backyard tips including recipes, how-tos and more, make sure you subscribe to my youtube channel