Varmint Season 101: What to Hunt, When to Go, and Why It Matters

Online   Jan 06, 2026

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   Varmint Season 101: What to Hunt, When to Go, and Why It Matters

 

Varmint season offers hunters a unique opportunity to stay active in the field while playing an important role in wildlife and land management. Unlike big-game seasons, varmint hunting is often open for extended periods, making it ideal for honing shooting skills, testing new gear, and helping control nuisance animal populations.

What Are Varmints?

In hunting terms, varmints are typically small game or predator species that can cause damage to crops, livestock, property, or native wildlife populations. While species classifications vary by state, common varmints include:

• Coyotes

• Prairie dogs

• Groundhogs (woodchucks)

• Raccoons

• Foxes

• Skunks

• Feral hogs (in some regions)

These animals reproduce quickly and can create significant problems for farmers, ranchers, and landowners if left unmanaged.

When Is Varmint Season?

Many varmint species can be hunted year-round, depending on location.

• Spring & Summer: Active daytime hunting for prairie dogs and groundhogs

• Fall & Winter: Prime time for coyotes and predators

• Early morning & late evening: Best movement in warm weather

• Night hunting: Effective for predators where legal

Why Varmint Hunting Matters

Varmint hunting plays an important role in land and wildlife management by:

• Protecting crops and livestock

• Reducing property and equipment damage

• Supporting healthy wildlife populations

• Helping hunters sharpen marksmanship and field skills

Gear Basics

Successful varmint hunting often includes:

• Accurate rifles in calibers like .17 HMR, .223 Remington, or .22-250

• Quality optics with adjustable magnification

• Stable shooting support such as bipods or sticks

• Calls or thermal optics for predator hunting (where legal)

 

Varmint season is more than just an off-season activity—it’s an opportunity to contribute to wildlife management, protect land, and sharpen your skills behind the rifle. With long seasons, diverse hunting opportunities, and a wide range of gear options, varmint hunting remains one of the most accessible and rewarding pursuits for hunters of all experience levels.

Before heading out, make sure you understand local regulations, prepare your equipment, and hunt responsibly.