Trashy Squirrel Hunt 2026
We encourage everyone across the state to participate locally and make an impact wherever you can, we will have a few dedicated events in NC this year. Let’s all pitch in and make a difference in 2025!
How does Trashy Squirrel Hunt work?
Here’s the short and snappy version:
Grab your gear, hit the woods, bag some squirrels, and pick up trash. Bring along some new hunters and sign up BHA members. Walk away with respect, gratitude, and the coveted Trashy Trophy.
And now, the full fun breakdown:
Official TSH Rules
Follow all 2025-26 season rules and regs from the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission (NCWRC). Yes, that’s non-negotiable. Use of squirrel dogs is permitted where permitted.
Hunting & Cleaning Rules
Hunt squirrels and clean up trash on any public land—state-owned or federally managed. Your points count toward your chosen district, no matter where you earn them.
Scoring System:
- Squirrel Tails: 1,000 points each
- Trash: 5 points per ounce, capped at 500 points per item (i.e., anything over 6.25 lbs maxes out)
Bonus points for new hunters and BHA sign-ups!
Big trash items like old tires, rusty drums, or soggy carpets max out at 500 points, so do some quick math if you find a heap of hefty garbage.
Bonus Point Breakdown:โ
- New Hunters: 1,000 points for each fresh recruit, but they only count once per tournament. A new hunter is someone without a hunting license or who just got their first one this season. They don’t have to bag a squirrel, but they must stick with the group and follow NCWRC rules.
- BHA Memberships: Rack up 1,000 to 10,000 points for signing up new members or renewing/upgrading existing ones. Just show proof (screenshot or email receipt).
Membership Points:
- 1-year Individual, Military, or Student: 1,000 points
- Family: 2,000 points
- 3-year Individual: 3,000 points
- Supporting: 5,000 points
- 3-year Family: 7,000 points
- Lifetime: 10,000 points
Scoring Example:
Imagine this: Five hunters hit Uwharrie for a morning hunt. One is a new hunter who also became a BHA member. Another upgraded their membership to a 3-year plan. They bag 7 squirrels, collect 33 lbs 8 oz of trash, and haul out five items maxing at 500 points each. Here’s the haul:
- 7,000 points (tails)
- 536 points (bagged trash)
- 2,500 points (big stuff)
- 1,000 points (new hunter)
- 1,000 points (new member)
- 3,000 points (renewing member upgrade)
Grand Total: 15,036 points for the hunt!
Note: If that new hunter/new member joins another hunt later, those bonuses don’t double-dip.
Reporting Your Points
Send your tallies (plus a fun breakdown, if you’re into that) to northcarolina@backcountryhunters.org. Include some great photos of your adventure, with any names, social tags, or cool stories you want to share. Be sure to include the location.
Remember: the Honor System rules, but photos help! Snap shots of:
- Your tail count
- The weight readout on your scale (fish scales, bathroom scales—get creative!)
- Screenshots of new member receipts
- The new hunter with their licensed hunting buddy
Now, go make some memories and rack up those points!
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