If you are a hunter planning to visit Connecticut for the 2023 hunting season, this post is for you. We have list a comprehensive summary of the hunting seasons and rules for 2023 in Connecticut, so you can plan your trip with confidence. Read on to learn more about the hunting seasons and regulations in this state.
Connecticut Hunting Seasons 2023-2024
Content Highlights
Connecticut may not be the largest state in the country, but it packs a punch when it comes to hunting opportunities. This little state has a diverse range of huntable animals, including turkeys, deer, and ducks. Even though bear hunting is prohibited in Connecticut, visitors may still witness these magnificent animals in the wild.
Connecticut offers many advantages, and hunting is only one of them. This state, situated in the center of the Northeast, has some of the most beautiful scenery and mildest weather in the country. Because of its rich historical and cultural aspects, Connecticut offers a unique outdoor experience. Connecticut is a fantastic destination if you like the outdoors, whether you are an experienced hunter or just starting your outdoor adventure quest.
One-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset
Oct 21 - Dec 1, 2023
Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays
One-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset
Jan 13 - March 23, 2024
Mondays through Saturdays
One-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset
CT Migratory Bird Season
Migratory Bird Hunting Update
Migratory Bird Hunting (Connecticut)
Information
Species Included
The hunting season includes ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, rails, and crows.
Zone Definitions
North Zone: The portion of the state north of Interstate 95. South Zone: The portion of the state south of Interstate 95.
Regulation Changes
• Mallard bag limit in the Atlantic Flyway is reduced to 4 birds, with no more than 2 hens.
• AP Canada goose season returns to a 45-day season with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
Required Stamps
Waterfowl hunters 16 and older need a federal Duck Stamp and Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp.
Stamp Purchase
• Various retail locations sell the 2023 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp for $17 ($9 for junior hunters aged 12 to 17).
• On December 31, 2023, the stamp expires.
• Hunters planning early 2024 must buy the 2024 stamp by January 1, 2024.
Conservation Efforts
Proceeds from the Connecticut Migratory Bird Stamp are dedicated to wetland habitat management, acquisition, and improving hunter access.
Hunting and trapping licenses, stamps, and permits are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week via the DEEP’s Online Outdoor Licensing System and certain sporting goods stores and municipal offices (although availability and restrictions may vary). You can sign and store an online hunting or fishing license on your phone, but you’ll need to visit a licensing bureau to get a printed copy.
Licenses are available Monday through Friday at the Wildlife Division’s Sessions Woods, Franklin Field Offices, and the DEEP Western District Headquarters. To find out whether license sales are prohibited, contact the DEEP’s Eastern or Marine Districts. 12 to 15-year-olds pay half the price for license and permit fees, while 16 and 17-year-olds pay the full amount. For young hunters, the Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp is $9. (12-15 years old).
License Category
Note
Resident License Fee
Non-resident License Fee
Firearms Hunting
$19.00
$91.00
Firearms Hunting and Inland Fishing
$38.00
$110.00
Firearms Hunting and All Waters Fishing
$40.00
$120.00
Firearms Hunting and Marine Waters Fishing
$25.00
$94.00
3-day Out-of-state (Non-resident) Bird Hunting
$35.00
Junior Firearms Hunting
Junior (Ages 12 to 15)
$11.00
$11.00
Age 65+ Annual Firearms Hunting License
Senior (Age 65+)
Free
Archery Deer/Small Game
$41.00
$135.00
Archery Deer/Small Game and All Waters Fishing
$65.00
Junior Archery Deer/Small Game
Junior (Ages 12 to 15)
$10.00
$19.00
Trapping
$34.00
$250.00
Resident Trapping
16- and 17-year-old
$17.00
Junior Trapping
Junior (Ages 12 to 15)
$11.00
Age 65+ Annual Trapping License
Senior (Age 65+)
Free
You may review the complete list of licenses on eregulation website.
Hunting Regulations
Sunday hunting is illegal unless you are an archery deer hunter in a Deer Management Zone. Private hunting preserves, certified dog training facilities, and sanctioned field trials are the only exceptions. Bowhunters may kill deer on private property on Sundays in all Deer Management Zones, but they must keep 40 yards away from blazed hiking paths.
During the Private Land Shotgun/Rifle and Muzzleloader seasons, “Antlerless Only” tags are not acceptable in Zones 2 and 4A. Some places just honor “Either Sex.”
It is illegal to intentionally load a hunting weapon to enter or leave a hunting area. During deer and turkey hunting seasons, if there is no live cartridge in the chamber, a person may have a loaded rifle or shotgun one hour before dawn.
Any hunting tool with a live round in the chamber or an attached magazine, such as a rifle or shotgun, muzzle-loaded firearm with a primer, flintlock firearm with powder in the pan, bow and arrow with an arrow notched on the bow, drawn crossbow with a bolt in place, or high-velocity air gun is considered a loaded hunting implement.
It is prohibited to go hunting when intoxicated or high.
It is illegal to hunt or shoot from a public street and aim at a person, building, or animal.
On state property, ATVs and other motorized vehicles are prohibited for hunting, shooting, and other purposes (with some exceptions for disabled hunters).
Hunting is prohibited from October 8 to 1/2 hour before dawn on October 15, except for hunting rails in marshes, waterfowl, squirrels, deer, turkeys, and coyotes, as well as approved private shooting preserves or field trials.
Electronic calling devices may be used to hunt deer, ravens, coyotes, and other small animals.
Westport, Connecticut, has a hunting prohibition.
Trap or target shooting is prohibited on state-owned or public hunting grounds except at an established range. Target shooting, shotgun patterning, and rifle sighting are available at state-maintained shooting ranges.
Wooster Mountain State Park is home to Danbury’s Cooperative Shooting Range. Clay target shooting is available at Wooster Mountain Shooting Range; for hours and fees, contact (203) 794-9821.
In Connecticut’s Naugatuck State Forest, the High Rock Shooting Association, Inc. manages the High Rock Cooperative Shooting Range. Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closures are posted on the website.) You must have a state pistol permit and pay $5 per hour at the range to fire pistols. High Rock Shooting Association may be contacted at (203-720-1101) or their website.
The Meshomasic State Forest shooting range is accessible through Toll Gate Road. Paper targets are free of charge. Reservations are required.
The Nye Holman Field Archery Range is located on South River Road near Tolland. The field course is always open to the public, and only field points are awarded (arrows with broadheads are strictly prohibited).
In Connecticut, falconry requires a permit. Falconers are allowed to attend any small public game or waterfowl shooting place and must follow the same restrictions. Entering private property needs explicit authorization. Like small game and waterfowl hunters, Falconers must wear bright orange and get licenses, stamps, and permits. A falconry permit is required for non-Connecticut citizens.
What are the clothing requirements for hunting in Connecticut?
From September 1st until the end of February, all hunters in Connecticut (even those with deer damage licenses) must wear 400 square inches of neon orange above the waist in order to be legally on the hunt. In addition to a coat or vest, hunters should also wear an orange cap. This regulation is intended to improve hunter security and visibility., make a question for this
Can I hunt pheasants in Connecticut?
Pheasant hunting is legal in Connecticut. With a daily bag restriction of two and a season bag maximum of ten, the pheasant season typically lasts from January to February and October to December. Youth and junior hunters may also shoot pheasants in Connecticut and local birds, including ruffed grouse, quail, and chukar. Please see the Connecticut Hunting Guide for further details about pheasant hunting in Connecticut.
Do I need to complete a hunter and trapper education program in Connecticut?
If you are a novice hunter or trapper in Connecticut, you must finish a hunter and trapper education program. The curriculum provides advanced hunter education courses and guns, bowhunting, and trapping safety lessons. For additional information on how to begin hunting in Connecticut and to register, please go to the Hunting Roadmap.
John Lewis, the passionate founder of HuntingSeasons.org, is committed to promoting responsible hunting and a profound love for the wilderness. With years of expertise, his platform serves as a reliable guide for hunting enthusiasts, advocating ethical practices and nature preservation.
