Hunter Education Requirements
No hunting or trapping licenses will be issued to any person unless proof is provided that they have held a RESIDENT license in the respective sport within the last 5 years OR the person has a certificate indicating successful completion of a Connecticut Conservation Education/Firearms (CE/FS) course (or recognized equivalent) in the respective sport for which they are applying. Courses are available year round. To become certified in firearms or bowhunting, a person must be 10 years or older. All bowhunters must show proof when purchasing a small game/deer archery permit that they have completed the CE/FS bowhunting course (since 1982) or its equivalent from another state or country. Certifications from another state or country must specify Bowhunter Education. If you have previously purchased a 2002, or later, Connecticut bowhunting license you have already provided such proof. Obtain course listings online or by contacting the CE/FS program at (860) 675-8130 (Western CT) and (860) 642-7239 (Eastern CT).

Handicapped Hunting Opportunities
Connecticut laws provide special provisions for handicapped hunters as do many programs administered by the Department of Environmental Protection. Questions concerning special permits should be directed to the Wildlife Division's Hartford Office (860-424-3011).

• Handicapped License - CGS Sec. 26-29b - provides a free hunting license (permits and tags not included) to individuals who have permanently lost the use of a limb. These licenses are available at town clerk offices. Non-residents are eligible for this free license if their state provides the same privilege to Connecticut residents. Verification of the disability, signed by a licensed physician, must be presented.
• CGS Sec. 26-74 - allows a person to obtain a special permit to hunt legally from an all-terrain vehicle so long as they do not possess or shoot a loaded weapon while the vehicle is in motion. Note: 4-wheel drive trucks, vans, SUV’s, etc. are not considered all-terrain vehicles. Eligible persons must be paraplegic or suffer from the loss of or the loss of the use of both lower extremities and be unable to walk without the assistance of a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, or be confined to a wheel chair. Application deadlines are February 15 and August 15.
• State Land Access - Designated portions of state forests and wildlife management areas are accessible to handicapped hunters with DEP permits granted under CGS Sections 26-74 and 23-11 for use of all-terrain vehicles for hunting. Prior to access, approval by the unit/forest manager in charge of the specific area will be required.
• Use of Crossbow for Deer and Turkey Hunting-A person who has a permanent physical disability to the degree that they cannot physically operate a long, recurved, or compound bow may apply for a permit to take deer or turkey with a crossbow. They must also show proof of having successfully completed the Connecticut Conservation Education/Firearms Safety bowhunter education course, or its equivalent, and certification from a licensed physician.
• Improved Access Hunting Areas
  There are several public hunting areas throughout the state which have been made more accessible for physically disabled sportsmen. In the listing of public hunting areas, these areas are denoted by the universal handicapped symbol. A brochure detailing the hunting opportunities for sportsmen with disabilities may be obtained by calling (860-675-8130) or writing the American Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area, P.O. Box 1550, Burlington, CT 06013-1550.

Hunting by Minors - a person must be 12 years of age or older to hunt. Persons 12 through 15 years of age must be licensed and accompanied by a licensed hunter 18 years of age or older while hunting. A person may not supervise more than 2 minors at one time while hunting. Minors are entitled to their own bag limits.

Trapping by Minors - There is no minimum age requirement for trapping, but persons under age 16 must purchase a Junior Trapping License.

Armed Forces - any active full-time member of the U.S. armed forces may purchase a Connecticut hunting, fishing or trapping license for the same fees as a resident. Proof of full-time membership during the calendar year must be carried while using the license.

Lost License - you can log on to the Online Sportsmen Licensing System and print your license for free. 

ARCHERY PERMITS - PHEASANT TAGS - WATERFOWL STAMPS

Small Game and Deer Archery Permit - Valid for Calendar Year Purchase Online

(Fees: $60 Resident $200 Non-Resident $26 Junior Resident or Non-Resident)
Available online, at most town clerks, and at some sporting good stores and DEP offices. Must show proof of completion of the CE/FS bowhunting course (since 1982) or its equivalent from another state or country when purchasing a small game/deer archery permit. A previous bowhunting license, permit or stamp no longer qualifies. Photocopies of certificates will be accepted as proof of course completion. Do not send original certificates. This permit is required for all forms of archery hunting. It allows bowhunting for deer on both state and private land. Junior permits available for persons ages 12 to 15.

Pheasant Tag Series   - Valid from October through January  Purchase Online

(Fees: $28 Resident $28 Non-Resident)
Current firearms hunting license or Small Game and Archery Deer Permit required. Available online, at most town clerks, and at some sporting good stores and DEP offices. Stamp portion of tag series must be signed in ink and affixed to license by issuing agent or as otherwise instructed. Pheasant Tag Series (10 tags) are valid from October through January of the next year. Junior license holders are required to purchase their own Pheasant Tag Series. Only one Pheasant Tag Series per year may be purchased.

Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp - Valid from July 1 through June 30  Purchase Online

(Fees: $15 Resident $15 Non-Resident)
Available online, at most town clerks, and at some sporting good stores and DEP offices. Junior hunters ages 12-15 exempt.

Connecticut HIP Permit - Valid for Calendar Year Purchase Online (Information about HIP)

(Fees: $4 Resident $4 Non-Resident)
Available online, at most town clerks, and at some sporting good stores and DEP offices.

Federal Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp - Valid from July 1 through June 30

(Fees: $15 Resident $15 Non-Resident)
Available at most Post Offices. Also available by telephone and online at www.fws.gov/duckstamps. Stamp must be signed in ink across its face. Junior hunters ages 12-15 exempt.

APPLYING FOR DEER LOTTERY PERMITS

• You may apply for Deer Lottery Permits after January 1.
• Application Deadline for Deer Lottery Permits is March 15.
• Postmarks (not metered mail stamps) are used to determine if lottery applications meet deadlines.

Hunting & Trapping Guide Table of Contents