Connecticut’s woods and waters provide habitat for an abundance of wildlife, including many species, such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and waterfowl. To allow for responsible, sustainable use of these precious wildlife resources, hunting and trapping are carefully regulated. Mandatory hunter safety and trapper training courses, are in place to ensure that Connecticut’s hunting heritage remains strong.

Over the past half-century, we have seen the recovery of many species of wildlife. In fact, hunting and trapping have been expanded for some species, such as deer and beaver, to manage burgeoning wildlife populations. Research, management, and habitat improvement projects, funded by license and permit fees paid by sportsmen and special excise taxes on hunting equipment, are largely responsible for this recovery.

Wildlife Division Email: deep.wildlife@ct.gov

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Hunting & Trapping Season Information

NEW! Deer Lottery Permit Application System: The Department will be launching its new system for distributing deer lottery permits on Thursday, June 6 at 8:00AM.  Paper applications will no longer be used.  Applications can be submitted online, or at select DEEP locations (79 Elm St, Hartford; Franklin WMA; Sessions Woods WMA, Burlington; Eastern District HQ, Marlborough; Marine HQ, Old Lyme; Western District HQ, Harwinton). more info
NEW! Centennial Watershed State Forest Bowhunting: Bowhunting for deer will be permitted this year on approximately 4,080 acres of land located in the Centennial Watershed State Forest. The hunt, which is part of a deer management program, will take place from September 16 through December 31, 2013. Season framework will follow state regulations. A limited number of access permits will be issued free of charge on a first come, first served basis. In order to receive an access permit you must have a valid 2013 State of Connecticut archery deer permit. The Aquarion Water Company will issue the access permits and related materials via U.S. mail. Please complete an application form and send it, along with the required documents, to: Aquarion Water Company, ATTN: Deer Management Program, 714 Black Rock Road, Easton, CT 06612. If you have questions concerning the program please send an email to watershed@aquarionwater.com
Young Forest and Shrubland Initiative The Wildlife Division in cooperation with other partners has initiated the Young Forest and Shrubland Initiative to help restore important habitats. Projects associated with this initiative include: 1) New England cottontail restoration, 2) upland shrubland bird monitoring, and 3) American woodcock habitat use and survival.
Continuing Ruffed Grouse Research: To obtain distribution and harvest information, the Wildlife Division is asking the public for ruffed grouse sighting and grouse parts. Grouse sightings may consist of actual bird observations or drumming activity. Individuals are also asked to send in grouse wings and tails from hunter harvested or road-killed birds. These items are used to determine the age and sex of grouse, which will assist in assessing productivity and harvest composition. To report grouse sightings and/or donate grouse parts, please contact Michael Gregonis at michael.gregonis@ct.gov or 860-642-7239.
2011 Connecticut Deer Program Summary A summary of white-tailed deer information for 2011, including changes in deer management regulations, harvest statistics, research activities, and population dynamics of Connecticut’s deer population. (pdf, 34 pages)
	Connecticut Duck Stamp Art Contest NEW! Wildlife artist John Brennan's painting of three hooded mergansers won first place in the Connecticut Duck Stamp Art Contest. The image will be featured on the 2014 Connecticut Duck Stamp. View a slideshow of the 19 pieces of artwork that were entered in the contest.
	Frequently Asked Questions Information about hunting, licensing, safety and education requirements for obtaining hunting and trapping licenses.
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Lead Bullet Fragments in Wild Game
There have been recent concerns about the potential risk of exposure to lead fragments in deer meat harvested with lead ammunition. These considerations have prompted the DEEP, in consultation with the Department of Public Health, to provide additional guidance for hunters and consumers of venison. (read more)

Tree Stand Safety
Improper use of tree stands is one of the most common causes for injuries and death to hunters in the field. For free online instruction on the proper use of tree stands and safety harnesses, go to www.hunterexam.com/treestandSafety.

Falconry - Information about the sport of falconry in Connecticut.

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Stories and News of Interest
The North American Waterfowl Management Plan  Connecticut Wildlife (PDF)
Mating Season Movements of CT Cervids  Connecticut Wildlife (PDF)
New England Cottontail Projects on State & Private Lands  Connecticut Wildlife (PDF)
WSFR Past, Present, and Future  Connecticut Wildlife (PDF)
Waterfowl Hunter Water Survival Tips  Connecticut Wildlife (PDF)
Deer Program Update 2012  CT Wildlife (PDF)
Restoring the Wild Turkey to Connecticut  Connecticut Wildlife (PDF)
The Wood Duck Success Story  Connecticut Wildlife (PDF)
An Alternative Approach to Monitoring CT's Deer Population  Connecticut Wildlife (PDF)
Celebrating 75 Years of Partnership for American Wildlife  Connecticut Wildlife (PDF)
Migratory Gamebird Management Throughout the Years  Connecticut Wildlife (PDF)
CT's Role in Restoring the New England Cottontail  Connecticut Wildlife (PDF)
2010 Deer Program Summary (PDF)
2009-2010 Turkey Program Summary (PDF)

More Wildlife News 

Content last updated on June 10, 2013.