Kansas · Public land & water · No lottery
Hillsdale Wildlife Area · squirrel and rabbit
Fox squirrels, gray squirrels and cottontail rabbits
KDWP describes abundant rabbits in brushy grasslands and squirrels in mature oak-hickory woods on the public wildlife area.
- Area / county
- Hillsdale Lake
- Access
- Open during listed seasons
License and access permit
Carry a Kansas hunting license unless exempt and meet hunter education requirements. Hunters must check in and out through the agency system using their licensing credentials.
When you can go
2026–27 squirrel: June 1, 2026–February 28, 2027. Cottontail and jackrabbit seasons are open year-round under the current state schedule.
Area restrictions
The waterfowl refuge is closed to all activities October 1–January 15. Youth-Mentor and Novice areas have eligibility restrictions. Non-toxic shot is required at designated dove fields; no off-road vehicles or target shooting.
Plan with the official agency
The official area page describes public squirrel and rabbit hunting with mandatory check-in, rather than a lottery. The state sells ordinary hunting licenses directly; limited deer and turkey permits are excluded.
No lottery is required for the described access and species. Other hunts on the same property may require a drawing. Check current seasons, closures, check-in and capacity before traveling; open access does not reserve an exclusive spot.
Agency sources reviewed 2026-10-07. License source: https://www.ksoutdoors.gov/licenses-permits-fees/hunting-furharvester-licenses-permit-fees-280. The Corps information center is closed to public services, but the area page explicitly states no closures at Hillsdale Wildlife Area. Public entry is arranged with the agency, with no Back40 booking fee.
More hunts in Kansas