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: dep.wildlife@ct.gov
Report a Black Bear Sighting Report a Moose Sighting
Report Turkey Brood Sightings
{New} Deer Hunters - Need someplace to sight in your gun?
Weekend shooting hours have been extended at the Glastonbury Shooting Range. The range, which is located off Toll Gate Road in the Meshomasic State Forest is normally open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. The new hours will extend supervised shooting to 4:00 pm each weekend day, with the 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm time period reserved specifically for deer hunters that have a valid 2009 firearms deer hunting permit. No advance reservations will be required or taken. But, shooters must show proof of a valid firearms deer permit. The range will continue to be staffed by certified Range Safety Officers through November 29. The Range Safety Officers will assign shooting positions to deer hunters on a first-come, first-served and walk-in basis starting at 2:00 pm.
{New} Antlerless Private Land Deer Tags Increased in Some Zones
Deer hunters who hunt on private land in deer management zone 7 (New Haven County area) are allowed to take 1 additional antlerless deer during the shotgun/rifle season and 1 additional antlerless deer during the muzzleloader season. In zones 11 and 12 (Fairfield County area and shoreline towns), hunters on private land are allowed to take 2 additional antlerless deer during the shotgun/rifle season and 2 additional antlerless deer during the muzzleloader season. (See Zone Map, 2009 Deer Seasons)
{New} Tagging and Reporting of Deer and Turkey
The regulations concerning the tagging and reporting of deer and turkeys harvested by hunters have undergone significant changes. The new regulations are designed to make the purchase of deer and turkey permits more convenient for sportsmen, save money on the printing and distribution of permits and tags, and to improve the methods of monitoring the harvest of deer and turkeys. One of the most significant changes is that the department has done away with the Tyvek tags that used to come with deer and turkey hunting permits. Instead, hunters are now required to use newly designed Kill Tags (pdf) to record information about deer or turkeys they kill. (more info)
Deer Lottery Notification Cards
Prior to the season, hunters who have paid for their lottery permits will be receiving a post card in the mail indicating the Area and Season they are authorized to hunt. The card will also provide instructions on how to tag and report any deer taken. The hunter should carry this card while hunting as proof they are authorized to hunt the area.
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.
Stories and News of Interest
2009 Hunting Season Outlook Connecticut Wildlife
How Annual Waterfowl Regulations Are Set Connecticut Wildlife
New Tagging and Reporting Regulations Connecticut Wildlife
2008 Deer Program Summary
2008 Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Connecticut Wildlife
Observations of Northern Bobwhite Wanted Connecticut Wildlife
2009 Pheasant Season Is On Connecticut Wildlife
New Estimates for Deer Densities in Fairfield County Connecticut Wildlife
DEP Biologists Make Historic Moose Capture Connecticut Wildlife
2007-08 Turkey Program Summary
The Year in Review 2008 Connecticut Wildlife
Increased Hunting Opportunities Connecticut Wildlife
Wintering Black Duck Study Enters into Second Year Connecticut Wildlife
The National Archery in the Schools Program Connecticut Wildlife
Testing for Chronic Wasting Disease Continues Connecticut Wildlife
2007 Deer Program Summary
Using GIS to Assess CT's Changing Deer Habitat Connecticut Wildlife
Wild Turkey Brood Habitat Project at Griggs Pond Connecticut Wildlife
A Special Thanks to the CWA Connecticut Wildlife
2006-07 Turkey Program Summary
Volunteer CE/FS Instructors Recognized Connecticut Wildlife
Where Have All the Muskrats Gone? Connecticut Wildlife
Surveying CT's Midwinter Waterfowl Populations Connecticut Wildlife
Hemorrhagic Disease Documented in Deer in New York Connecticut Wildlife
2006 Deer Program Summary
2005-06 Turkey Program Summary
Emergency CWD Regulation Now Permanent Connecticut Wildlife
Getting HIP -- The Harvest Information Program Connecticut Wildlife
Remote Camera at Bear Trap Connecticut Wildlife
More Wildlife News
Falconry - Information about the sport of falconry in Connecticut.
