Hunting and Trapping
Connecticut’s woods and waters provide habitat for an abundance of wildlife, including {White-tailed Deer} 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.
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{New} MDC Nepaug Reservoir Deer Hunt
The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC), in cooperation with the DEP, will be opening part of the Nepaug Reservoir property to shotgun deer hunting this fall. A separate lottery is being administered to select 106 hunters (53 for "A" season and 53 for "B" season). The area open to hunting is 1,075 acres bordering the western shore of the Nepaug Reservoir. Applications will only be accepted on-line. To participate in the hunt, selected hunters will be required to attend a mandatory pre-hunt meeting and to pass a background check administered by the MDC. Apply for the MDC Nepaug Reservoir Deer Hunt On-line.
Bowhunting at Centennial Watershed State Forest
The Aquarion Water Company has filled its quota of permits for the 2009 season. Applications are no longer being accepted.
Stories and News of Interest
2007-08 Turkey Program Summary (PDF 657k)
The Year in Review 2008 Connecticut Wildlife (PDF 2mb)
Increased Hunting Opportunities Connecticut Wildlife (PDF 1.8mb)
Wintering Black Duck Study Enters into Second Year Connecticut Wildlife (PDF 1.8mb)
The National Archery in the Schools Program Connecticut Wildlife (PDF 1.8mb)
Hunting Season Outlook 2008-2009 Connecticut Wildlife (PDF 1.6mb)
Testing for Chronic Wasting Disease Continues Connecticut Wildlife (PDF 1.6mb)
2007 Deer Program Summary (PDF 434k)
Using GIS to Assess CT's Changing Deer Habitat Connecticut Wildlife (PDF 1.6mb)
Wild Turkey Brood Habitat Project at Griggs Pond Connecticut Wildlife (PDF 1.6mb)
A Special Thanks to the CWA Connecticut Wildlife (PDF 1.6mb)
Annual Breeding Waterfowl Survey Completed Connecticut Wildlife (PDF 1.6mb)
2006-07 Turkey Program Summary (PDF 378k)
Volunteer CE/FS Instructors Recognized Connecticut Wildlife (PDF 1.5mb)
Results for the 2007 Fall Turkey Season Connecticut Wildlife (PDF 1.5mb)
Where Have All the Muskrats Gone? Connecticut Wildlife (PDF 1.5mb)
Surveying CT's Midwinter Waterfowl Populations Connecticut Wildlife (PDF 1.5mb)
The Year in Review 2007 Connecticut Wildlife (PDF 1.6mb)
Hemorrhagic Disease Documented in Deer in New York Connecticut Wildlife (PDF 1.6mb)
2006 Deer Program Summary (PDF 574k)
2005-06 Turkey Program Summary (PDF 481k)
Emergency CWD Regulation Now Permanent Connecticut Wildlife (PDF 1.2mb)
Getting HIP -- The Harvest Information Program Connecticut Wildlife (PDF 1.4mb)
Remote Camera at Bear Trap Connecticut Wildlife (PDF 840k)
More Wildlife News
Falconry - Information about the sport of falconry in Connecticut.
