DEP: Hunting and Trapping

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.

Wildlife Division Email: deep.wildlife@ct.gov

Buy your license online: Online Sportsmen Licensing

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Frequently Asked Questions
Information about hunting, licensing, safety and education requirements for obtaining hunting and trapping licenses.
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2010 Connecticut Deer Program Summary
A summary of white-tailed deer information for 2010, including changes in deer management regulations, harvest statistics, research activities, and population dynamics of Connecticut’s deer population. (pdf, 30 pages)

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.

Submit Sighting Reports
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Wildlife News Wildlife Publications & Forms Wildlife Offices
     

Stories and News of Interest
State Wildlife Management Areas a Benefit of Federal Aid  Connecticut Wildlife (PDF)
2011 Deer Season: Fourth Highest Harvest Ever Reported  Connecticut Wildlife (PDF)
Mild Weather Affected Results of Midwinter Waterfowl Survey  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 May 21, 2012.