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Rifles or handguns of any caliber are prohibited on State-leased and Permit-Required Hunting Areas (see Permit-Required and State-Leased Hunting. A person must be at least 12 years old to hunt or to purchase a firearms hunting license or bowhunting permit in Connecticut. Persons 12 to 15 years old must.
 
 

CT Hunting and Trapping.[22cthd] Hunting Laws & Regulations | eRegulations

 
White-tailed deer, black bear, river otter, bobcat, fisher. Amphibians and Reptiles. Eastern box turtle, marbled salamander, northern copperhead. Whalebone Cove. Archery hunting for deer will be permitted this year on approximately 7, acres of designated land located in the Centennial Watershed State Forest. This. Connecticut may be a small state, but it has a large variety of game to hunt throughout the year. Waterfown, turkey and deer are great choices for hunters.

Hunting Laws and Regulations.Questions about Hunting

Entry at Toll Gate Road. Paper targets only, clay targets not allowed. No range fees. Reservations required. Entrance on South River Road. Field course available to public at all times unless posted otherwise. Field points only, arrows with broadheads are strictly prohibited. Individuals wishing to participate in the sport of falconry must obtain a Connecticut falconry permit prior to obtaining a falconry bird.

Falconers are required to abide by the same regulations that pertain to other hunters who hunt small game and waterfowl. Any public hunting area open for small game or waterfowl hunting may also be used by falconers. Verbal permission is required on private lands. Falconers must wear fluorescent orange and must obtain the same licenses, stamps, and permits required for small game and waterfowl hunting. A non-resident falconry permit is required prior to any non-resident practicing falconry in Connecticut.

The holder of a firearms hunting license may use rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, and high-velocity air guns subject to certain restrictions. Landowners, their spouse, and lineal descendants are exempt from this restriction, providing any building involved is their own.

The foot zone does not apply to bowhunting. Firearms in Vehicles – It is prohibited to carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle. This does not apply to persons with handguns who have a valid Connecticut permit to carry pistols or revolvers. Rifles and Handguns – Rifles or handguns using ammunition larger than. The use of rifles or handguns to hunt turkeys, waterfowl, or any other federally regulated migratory game bird except crows is prohibited.

Hunting on private land with ammunition larger than. The use of ammunition larger than. Note: It is legal to use. However, on any lands, waterfowlers hunting from a boat, blind, or stationary position may use up to and including size BB steel shot. The possession of lead shot while hunting waterfowl, rails, and coot is prohibited. The use of shotguns larger than gauge for hunting waterfowl is prohibited. Shotguns must not be capable of holding more than 3 shells 2 in the magazine, 1 in the chamber when hunting waterfowl, other migratory birds except crows , deer on state lands, and turkey.

The exception is that unplugged shotguns are legal to use during the September Canada goose season. The use of shotguns to hunt deer or turkey is subject to additional restrictions see Deer Hunting and Wild Turkey Hunting. Muzzleloaders — Muzzleloaders are authorized for a number of different seasons with regulations as follows:. High-Velocity Air Guns – Are restricted to those that use a single ball or pellet-like projectile. Additional restrictions on the use of air guns are the same as those for rifles and handguns.

During the period September 1 through the last day of February, hunters including persons hunting with deer damage permits are required to wear at least square inches of fluorescent orange clothing above the waist and visible from all sides.

An orange hat, in addition to a coat or vest, is strongly recommended. Archery Deer Hunters hunting during the November 16 to December 31 time period may remove their fluorescent orange clothing when hunting from an elevated stand at least 10 feet above the ground.

Coyote and Fox Hunters when hunting from a blind except during firearms deer seasons and fall firearms turkey seasons. Landowners while hunting deer only on their own property.

Family members are still required to wear fluorescent orange. All hunters are required to have permission from the landowner when hunting on private lands. Verbal permission for the hunting of species other than deer and turkey is sufficient. Connecticut law provides protection from liability to landowners who allow, without a fee, the recreational use of their property. Owner of land available to public for recreation not liable, when b Except as provided in section h, an owner of land who, either directly or indirectly, invites or permits without charge, rent, fee, or other commercial service any person to use such land or part thereof for recreational purposes does not thereby:.

Owner liable when: Nothing in sections f to i, inclusive, limits in any way the liability of any owner of land which otherwise exists;. In accordance with Connecticut General Statute , the payment of a fine, forfeiture of a bond, or a plea or judgment of guilty for fishing, hunting, and trapping violations may result in the suspension of all sport fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses and privileges.

To comply with the provisions of C. Section g , any person having their hunting license suspended for the following safety violations will be required to complete a remedial hunter education course prior to reinstatement of such license following the suspension period. Please note that if enrollment in the Remedial Hunter Education course is less than five individuals, the class will be cancelled and you will be notified beforehand by telephone of the cancellation.

There are changes to HIP permits purchased through third-party license vendors. If you are interviewed by the media, project a positive image.

Connecticut has a hunter harassment law that protects the rights of sportsmen. If you decide to press charges, make sure you have a strong case by:. What Is New for Hunting and Trapping News and Notices — Stay current on hunting-related changes that happen throughout the year, such as new hunting areas and opportunities, changes to hunting areas, and more.

Please check with one of the offices before you go. Hunting and Trapping News and Notices New! Archery Hunting at Centennial Watershed State Forest Archery hunting for deer will be permitted this year on approximately 7, acres of designated land located in the Centennial Watershed State Forest. Instructions for purchasing unsold lottery permits More information on the Deer Lottery , including season dates, lottery areas, hunting hours, and how to apply.

Calf Island Unit, Greenwich : Waterfowl and archery deer hunting only. Great Meadows Unit, Stratford : Waterfowl and archery deer hunting only. Waterfowl may be hunted on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday during the regular state season. After the close of the regular waterfowl season, Canada and snow goose hunting is permitted every day except Sunday. Chimon and Sheffield Islands, Norwalk : Waterfowl and archery deer hunting only. Salt Meadow Unit, Westbrook : Fall archery deer tree stand and turkey hunting only.

Hunting Laws and Regulations The use and possession of firearms, ammunition, and bowhunting equipment is regulated in the interest of public safety and the conservation of wildlife.

Hunting – General Sunday Hunting – Possession of hunting implements in the open on Sunday is prima facie evidence of violation except for archery deer hunters on private land in designated Deer Management Zones. Sunday hunting is allowed on licensed private shooting preserves and regulated dog training areas when the operator has permission from the town.

Hunting may also take place on Sunday at permitted field trial events. All archery deer hunting on Sundays must take place at least 40 yards away from blazed hiking trails. Only the “Either Sex” tag will be valid in Zones 2 and 4A. Prima Facie Evidence of Hunting – Possession by any person of a loaded hunting implement while at or entering or leaving an area where a reasonable person would believe the objective was to take wildlife.

Except that a person may, one hour before sunrise during the regulated deer and turkey firearms hunting seasons, be in possession of a loaded rifle or shotgun provided a live round is not in the chamber of the rifle or shotgun. Loaded Hunting Implement – A a rifle or shotgun with a live round in the chamber or in a magazine which is attached to such rifle or shotgun, a muzzle-loaded firearm with the primer in place, or a flintlock firearm with powder in the pan, B a bow and arrow with an arrow notched on the bow, C a drawn crossbow with a bolt in place, or D a high velocity air gun that is charged with a projectile in the chamber or in a magazine that is attached to such air gun.

Hunting While Under the Influence or Impaired – No person shall engage in hunting while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, or both, or while impaired by the consumption of intoxicating liquor. Hunting Near Roads, Buildings, People, and Domestic Animals – Hunting or shooting from or across the traveled portion of any public roadway is prohibited.

Shooting toward any person, building, or domestic animal when within range is prohibited. The use of all-terrain vehicles is prohibited on state land see exceptions under Hunting Opportunities for the Disabled. Electronic Calling Devices – The use of electronic calling devices is prohibited when hunting wild turkeys and migratory birds except crows.

Electronic calling devices can be used when hunting crows, coyotes, other small game, and deer. Hunting Prohibited in Westport: By special state regulation, hunting within the Westport town borders is prohibited. Public Shooting Ranges Trap or target shooting on any state property or public hunting area is prohibited unless the area is a designated shooting range. Falconry Individuals wishing to participate in the sport of falconry must obtain a Connecticut falconry permit prior to obtaining a falconry bird.

Landowners, their spouse, and lineal descendants are exempt from this restriction, providing any building involved is their own. The foot zone does not apply to bowhunting. Firearms in Vehicles – It is prohibited to carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle.

This does not apply to persons with handguns who have a valid Connecticut permit to carry pistols or revolvers. Rifles and Handguns – Rifles or handguns using ammunition larger than. The use of rifles or handguns to hunt turkeys, waterfowl, or any other federally regulated migratory game bird except crows is prohibited. Hunting on private land with ammunition larger than. The use of ammunition larger than. Note: It is legal to use. However, on any lands, waterfowlers hunting from a boat, blind, or stationary position may use up to and including size BB steel shot.

The possession of lead shot while hunting waterfowl, rails, and coot is prohibited. The use of shotguns larger than gauge for hunting waterfowl is prohibited. Shotguns must not be capable of holding more than 3 shells 2 in the magazine, 1 in the chamber when hunting waterfowl, other migratory birds except crows , deer on state lands, and turkey. The exception is that unplugged shotguns are legal to use during the September Canada goose season.

The use of shotguns to hunt deer or turkey is subject to additional restrictions see Deer Hunting and Wild Turkey Hunting. Muzzleloaders – During Muzzleloader Deer Seasons, a muzzleloader means a rifle or shotgun,. Shotgun converters and telescopic sights are legal. Restrictions on the use of smoothbore muzzleloaders for hunting small game and waterfowl are the same as those for shotguns.

Restrictions on the use of muzzleloading rifles for hunting small game are the same as those for rifles, except that on state-owned land, up to a. High-Velocity Air Guns – Are restricted to those that use a single ball or pellet-like projectile. Additional restrictions on the use of air guns are the same as those for rifles and handguns.

If you have previously purchased a , or later, Connecticut bowhunting license you have already provided such proof. Legal Bows and Arrows – For the purposes of hunting deer and turkey, legal bows include long, recurved, or compound bows with a minimum draw weight of 40 pounds and crossbows. Mechanical string release devices are permitted. Projectiles coated with any drug, poison, or tranquilizing substance are prohibited.

Crossbows: The use of crossbows for hunting deer, turkey, and all other species is permitted. Legal crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of pounds and permanent fixed rifle type stock with a functional mechanical safety device. Adjustable crossbow stocks are permitted, but folding stocks are not.

The bolt arrow length must be at least 18 inches, excluding the broadhead. Crossbows are considered loaded when fully drawn with a bolt in place. Telescopic sights are permitted. Arrowheads that are designed to open on impact are legal provided they meet the above requirement.

Possession of a Firearm – Possession of a firearm while archery hunting is prohibited. Fluorescent Orange Requirement During the period September 1 through the last day of February, hunters including persons hunting with deer damage permits are required to wear at least square inches of fluorescent orange clothing above the waist and visible from all sides.

The exception is that unplugged shotguns are legal to use during the September Canada goose season. The use of shotguns to hunt deer or turkey is subject to additional restrictions see Deer Hunting and Wild Turkey Hunting. Muzzleloaders — Muzzleloaders are authorized for a number of different seasons with regulations as follows:. High-Velocity Air Guns – Are restricted to those that use a single ball or pellet-like projectile. Additional restrictions on the use of air guns are the same as those for rifles and handguns.

During the period September 1 through the last day of February, hunters including persons hunting with deer damage permits are required to wear at least square inches of fluorescent orange clothing above the waist and visible from all sides.

An orange hat, in addition to a coat or vest, is strongly recommended. Archery Deer Hunters hunting during the November 16 to December 31 time period may remove their fluorescent orange clothing when hunting from an elevated stand at least 10 feet above the ground.

Coyote and Fox Hunters when hunting from a blind except during firearms deer seasons and fall firearms turkey seasons. Landowners while hunting deer only on their own property. Family members are still required to wear fluorescent orange. All hunters are required to have permission from the landowner when hunting on private lands. Verbal permission for the hunting of species other than deer and turkey is sufficient.

Connecticut law provides protection from liability to landowners who allow, without a fee, the recreational use of their property.

Owner of land available to public for recreation not liable, when b Except as provided in section h, an owner of land who, either directly or indirectly, invites or permits without charge, rent, fee, or other commercial service any person to use such land or part thereof for recreational purposes does not thereby:. Owner liable when: Nothing in sections f to i, inclusive, limits in any way the liability of any owner of land which otherwise exists;.

In accordance with Connecticut General Statute , the payment of a fine, forfeiture of a bond, or a plea or judgment of guilty for fishing, hunting, and trapping violations may result in the suspension of all sport fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses and privileges.

To comply with the provisions of C. Section g , any person having their hunting license suspended for the following safety violations will be required to complete a remedial hunter education course prior to reinstatement of such license following the suspension period. Please note that if enrollment in the Remedial Hunter Education course is less than five individuals, the class will be cancelled and you will be notified beforehand by telephone of the cancellation.

There are changes to HIP permits purchased through third-party license vendors. Learn how the changes affect you. What is HIP? Its purpose is to improve the estimates of migratory bird harvests throughout the United States. These improved estimates will give wildlife managers the additional information needed to make sound decisions concerning hunting seasons, bag limits, and population management.

HIP became effective in Connecticut and all other states in fall Up until June 30, , any person licensed to hunt migratory birds in Connecticut, including lifetime license holders, was required to purchase a Connecticut HIP permit. Legislation Public Act that took effect July 1, , changed the requirements to hunt migratory birds waterfowl, woodcock, snipe, rails, and crows. This single stamp is required for anyone hunting waterfowl, rails, snipe, woodcock, and crows.

All hunters, regardless of where they hunt, should be prepared for the possibility of being harassed. Your behavior if you are harassed is extremely important. Maintain your composure and do not retaliate. If you are interviewed by the media, project a positive image. Connecticut has a hunter harassment law that protects the rights of sportsmen.

If you decide to press charges, make sure you have a strong case by:. Main Hunting and Trapping Webpage. Hunting – General Sunday Hunting – Possession of hunting implements in the open on Sunday is prima facie evidence of violation except for archery deer hunters on private land in designated Deer Management Zones. Sunday hunting is allowed on licensed private shooting preserves and regulated dog training areas when the operator has permission from the town.

Hunting may also take place on Sunday at permitted field trial events. All archery deer hunting on Sundays must take place at least 40 yards away from blazed hiking trails. Only the “Either Sex” tag will be valid in Zones 2 and 4A.

Prima Facie Evidence of Hunting – Possession by any person of a loaded hunting implement while at or entering or leaving an area where a reasonable person would believe the objective was to take wildlife.

Except that a person may, one hour before sunrise during the regulated deer and turkey firearms hunting seasons, be in possession of a loaded rifle or shotgun provided a live round is not in the chamber of the rifle or shotgun. Loaded Hunting Implement – A a rifle or shotgun with a live round in the chamber or in a magazine which is attached to such rifle or shotgun, a muzzle-loaded firearm with the primer in place, or a flintlock firearm with powder in the pan, B a bow and arrow with an arrow notched on the bow, C a drawn crossbow with a bolt in place, or D a high velocity air gun that is charged with a projectile in the chamber or in a magazine that is attached to such air gun.

Hunting While Under the Influence or Impaired – No person shall engage in hunting while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, or both, or while impaired by the consumption of intoxicating liquor. Hunting Near Roads, Buildings, People, and Domestic Animals – Hunting or shooting from or across the traveled portion of any public roadway is prohibited. Shooting toward any person, building, or domestic animal when within range is prohibited.

The use of all-terrain vehicles is prohibited on state land see exceptions under Hunting Opportunities for the Disabled.