Connecticut Hunting Seasons 2023-2024 New Regulations & Dates

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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

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.

The Connecticut hunting season is listed below:

Deer Season

CT Deer SeasonMethodSeason Start DateSeason End Date
Private Land (Zones 11 and 12)Deer Bowhunting1-Jan31-Jan
Private Land (All Zones)Deer Bowhunting15-Sep31-Dec
State Land Bowhunting Only AreasDeer Bowhunting15-Sep30-Dec
State LandDeer Bowhunting15-Sep14-Nov
No Lottery SeasonDeer Shotgun - State Controlled Areas15-Nov5-Dec
Archery-Only LotteryDeer Lottery15-Sep30-Dec
State Land Lottery “A” SeasonDeer Lottery15-Nov24-Nov
State Land Lottery Regular SeasonDeer Lottery15-Nov5-Dec
Private LandsDeer Shotgun/Rifle/Revolver15-Nov5-Dec
LandownerDeer Shotgun/Rifle/Revolver1-Nov30-Dec
Private LandDeer Muzzleloader6-Dec30-Dec
State LandDeer Muzzleloader6-Dec19-Dec

Turkey Season

CT Turkey SeasonSeason Start DateSeason End Date
Spring Turkey
State and Private Lands26-Apr27-May
Fall Turkey Season
Archery Season-Private Land (Zones 11 and 12)2-Jan31-Jan
Archery Season-Private Land (All Zones)15-Sep30-Dec
Archery Season-State Land Bowhunting Only Areas15-Sep30-Dec
Archery Season-State Land15-Sep14-Nov
Archery Season-State Land20-Dec30-Dec
Firearms Season (State and Private Lands)7-Oct31-Oct

CT Junior Hunter Training Days

Junior Hunter Training DaysSeason Dates
Junior Spring Wild TurkeyApril 15-22, 2023 (excluding Sunday)
Junior WaterfowlTwo Saturdays in fall
Junior Pheasant14-Oct-23
Junior DeerNov 4-11, 2023 (excluding Sunday)

Connecticut Small Game Mammals Season

Squirrel Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End Date
Gray Squirrel2-Jan28-Feb
1-Sep30-Dec

Rabbit Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End Date
Cottontail Rabbit2-Jan28-Feb
European Hare21-Oct30-Dec
Snowshoe Hare2-Jan31-Jan
18-Nov30-Dec

Woodchuck Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End Date
Woodchuck15-Mar15-Nov

Connecticut Furbearer Season

Coyote Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End Date
Coyote2-Jan30-Dec

Raccoon Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End Date
Raccoon2-Jan21-Jan

Opossum Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End Date
Opossum21-Oct30-Dec

Fox Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End Date
Red Fox2-Jan28-Feb
Gray Fox21-Oct30-Dec

Beaver Season

SeasonSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag Limits
Beaver Season (Trapping Only)1-JanMarch 15
No limit
Beaver Season (Trapping Only)1-Dec31-DecNo limit

Otter Season

SeasonSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag Limits
River Otter Season (Trapping Only)1-JanMarch 15
8
River Otter Season (Trapping Only)5-Nov31-Dec8

Mink Season

SeasonSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag Limits
Mink Season (Trapping Only)1-JanMarch 15
No limit
Mink Season (Trapping Only)5-Nov31-DecNo limit

Muskrat Season

SeasonSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag Limits
Muskrat Season (Trapping Only)1-JanMarch 15
No limit
Muskrat Season (Trapping Only)5-Nov31-DecNo limit

Weasel Season

SeasonSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag Limits
Weasel Season (Trapping Only)1-JanMarch 15
No limit
Weasel Season (Trapping Only)5-Nov31-DecNo limit

Skunk Season

SeasonSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag Limits
Skunk Season (Trapping Only)1-JanMarch 15
No limit
Skunk Season (Trapping Only)5-Nov31-DecNo limit

Fisher Season

SeasonSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag Limits
Fisher Season (Carcass collection mandatory)20-Nov31-Dec2

CT Upland Birds

Pheasant Season

SpeciesSeason Start DatesSeason End Dates
Pheasant21-Oct-2330-Dec-23
2-Jan-2428-Feb-24

Quail Season

SpeciesSeason Start DatesSeason End Dates
Quail Season21-Oct-234-Nov-23

Chukar Season

SpeciesSeason Start DatesSeason End Dates
Chukar Season21-Oct-2330-Dec-23
2-Jan-2428-Feb-24

Hungarian Partridge

SpeciesSeason Start DatesSeason End Dates
Hungarian Partridge Season21-Oct-2330-Dec-23
2-Jan-2428-Feb-24

Grouse Season

SpeciesSeason Start DatesSeason End Dates
Ruffed Grouse Season21-Oct-2330-Nov-23

Crow Season

Crow Season DatesAllowed Hunting DaysShooting Hours
Aug 12 - Oct 13, 2023Wednesdays, Fridays, SaturdaysOne-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset
Oct 21 - Dec 1, 2023Wednesdays, Fridays, SaturdaysOne-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset
Jan 13 - March 23, 2024Mondays through SaturdaysOne-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset

CT Migratory Bird Season

Migratory Bird Hunting Update

Migratory Bird Hunting (Connecticut)Information
Species IncludedThe hunting season includes ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, rails, and crows.
Zone DefinitionsNorth 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 StampsWaterfowl 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 EffortsProceeds from the Connecticut Migratory Bird Stamp are dedicated to wetland habitat management, acquisition, and improving hunter access.
Reporting Leg BandsHunters are encouraged to report waterfowl leg bands to the U.S. Geological Survey at www.reportband.gov.
Junior Hunter Training DaysJunior Waterfowl Hunter Training Days will be held on September 30 and November 4, 2023, for participants 17 years and younger.
Ethical and Legal HuntingThe agency discourages poaching and promotes ethical hunting. Report violations to the 24-hour DEEP hotline at 1-800-842-4357.
Additional InformationSeason dates, bag limits, restrictions, and resources are available in the 2023-2024 Migratory Bird Hunting Guide online.

Snipe Season

SpeciesSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag LimitsPossession Limit
Snipe Season1-Sep30-Dec-23824

Woodcock Season

SeasonSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag LimitsPossession Limit
Woodcock Season25-Oct15-Dec-2339

Rail Season

Rail SeasonSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag LimitsPossession Limit
Virginia and Sora Rails1-Sep14-Oct-232575
Virginia and Sora Rails25-Oct30-Nov-232575
Clapper and King Rails1-Sep14-Oct-231030
Clapper and King Rails25-Oct30-Nov-231030

CT Waterfowl Season

Duck Season
Duck SeasonZonesSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag LimitsPossession Limit
EarlyNorth Zone7-Oct14-Oct618
EarlySouth Zone12-Oct14-Oct618
LateNorth Zone10-Nov10-Jan618
LateSouth Zone16-Nov20-Jan618
Coots Season
Coots SeasonZonesSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag LimitsPossession Limit
EarlyNorth Zone7-Oct14-Oct1545
EarlySouth Zone12-Oct14-Oct1545
LateNorth Zone10-Nov10-Jan1545
LateSouth Zone16-Nov20-Jan1545
Mergansers Season
Mergansers SeasonZonesSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag LimitsPossession Limit
EarlyNorth Zone7-Oct14-Oct618
EarlySouth Zone12-Oct14-Oct618
LateNorth Zone10-Nov10-Jan618
LateSouth Zone16-Nov20-Jan618
Scaup Season
Scaup SeasonSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag LimitsPossession Limit
North Zone7-Oct14-Oct13
South Zone12-Oct14-Oct13
North Zone10-Nov18-Dec13
South Zone16-Nov28-Dec13
North Zone19-Dec10-Jan26
South Zone29-Dec20-Jan26
Brant Season
SeasonZonesSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag LimitsPossession Limit
Brant SeasonNorth Zone7-Dec10-Jan13
South Zone18-Dec20-Jan13
Goose Season
CT Goose SeasonZonesSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag LimitsPossession Limit
Canada Goose Season
AP UnitNorth Zone10-Oct14-Oct39
AP UnitNorth Zone10-Nov15-Dec39
AP Late SeasonNorth Zone27-Dec15-Feb515
AFRP UnitNorth Zone10-Oct14-Oct515
AFRP UnitSouth Zone10-Oct14-Oct515
AFRP UnitNorth Zone21-Nov15-Feb515
AFRP UnitSouth Zone21-Nov15-Feb515
NAP-H UnitNorth Zone10-Oct14-Oct26
NAP-H UnitSouth Zone10-Oct14-Oct26
NAP-H UnitNorth Zone10-Nov12-Jan26
NAP-H UnitSouth Zone10-Nov12-Jan26
NAP-H Late SeasonSouth Zone15-Jan15-Feb515
Snow Geese (includes Blue Geese)North Zone2-Oct13-Jan25No limit
Snow Geese (includes Blue Geese)South Zone2-Oct13-Jan25No limit
Snow Geese (includes Blue Geese)North Zone21-Feb9-Mar25No limit
Snow Geese (includes Blue Geese)South Zone21-Feb9-Mar25No limit

CT Trapping Season

CT Trapping SeasonDatesLimits
River Otter1-Jan15-Mar8
River Otter5-Nov31-Dec8
Beaver1-Jan31-MarNo limit
Beaver1-Dec31-DecNo limit
Beaver5-Nov31-DecNo limit
Fisher (Carcass collection mandatory)20-Nov31-Dec2
Mink1-Jan15-MarNo limits
Mink5-Nov31-DecNo limits
Muskrat1-Jan15-MarNo limits
Muskrat5-Nov31-DecNo limits
Weasel1-Jan15-MarNo limits
Weasel5-Nov31-DecNo limits
Coyote1-Jan15-MarNo limits
Coyote5-Nov31-DecNo limits
Gray Fox1-Jan15-MarNo limits
Gray Fox5-Nov31-DecNo limits
Red Fox1-Jan15-MarNo limits
Red Fox5-Nov31-DecNo limits
Raccoon1-Jan15-MarNo limits
Raccoon5-Nov31-DecNo limits
Opossum1-Jan15-MarNo limits
Opossum5-Nov31-DecNo limits
Skunk1-Jan15-MarNo limits
Skunk5-Nov31-DecNo limits

Connecticut Hunting Season
Connecticut Hunting Seasons/ Photo Credit: Pixabay.com

Licenses & Fees

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 CategoryNoteResident License FeeNon-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 LicenseSenior (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 GameJunior (Ages 12 to 15)$10.00 $19.00
Trapping$34.00 $250.00
Resident Trapping16- and 17-year-old $17.00
Junior TrappingJunior (Ages 12 to 15)$11.00
Age 65+ Annual Trapping LicenseSenior (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

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