Regulations adopted in December 2002 established designated days for youth hunting in Connecticut. On these days, licensed junior hunters may hunt when accompanied by a licensed adult hunter 18 years of age or older. The adult mentor may not carry a firearm. These training days will provide junior hunters with an opportunity to learn safe and effective hunting practices from experienced hunters.

SPRING TURKEY  - SATURDAY, May 2, 2009
Private Land: Licensed junior hunter must have a valid spring season private land turkey permit and written consent from landowner. Adult mentor must have a valid spring season turkey permit and written consent from the landowner. Adult mentor may assist in calling turkeys. Harvested turkeys must be tagged and reported (more info).

State Land: Licensed junior hunter must have a spring season state land turkey permit. Adult mentor must have a valid spring season turkey permit. Adult mentor may assist in calling turkeys. Harvested turkeys must be tagged and reported (more info).

PHEASANT - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2009
Private Lands Only: Licensed junior hunters must have valid pheasant harvest tags. Harvest tags must be used except when hunting on lands of a registered private hunting club with a pheasant tagging exemption.

WATERFOWL  - See Migratory Bird Hunting Guide
Participants must be 15 years of age or younger, possess a valid small game junior hunting license and a HIP permit and be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age. Adults must possess a valid hunting license; however, they are not allowed to carry a firearm. Ducks, geese, mergansers and coots may be hunted. Bag limits and shooting hours are the same as for the regular duck and goose hunting seasons.

DEER - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 and SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2009
Private Land: Licensed junior hunter must have a valid private land shotgun/rifle deer permit and written consent from landowner. Adult mentor must have a valid private land deer permit and written consent from the landowner. Harvested deer must be tagged and reported (more info).
State Land: Licensed junior hunter must have a state land shotgun deer permit for the specific area being hunted (Lottery or No-Lottery). Adult mentor must have a valid deer permit of any type. Harvested deer must be tagged and reported (more info).

Junior Hunter Season Access Permits
Junior Hunter Season Access Permits are available for the Babcock Pond, Bear Hill, East Windsor/Enfield, Goshen, Hebron, Higganum Meadows, Nathan Hale, NU- Maromas, NU-Skiff Mountain, Quinnipiac River State Park, Stanley Works, and Woodstock Permit-Required Hunting Areas. These permits allow a licensed junior hunter and their accompanying adult licensed hunter to hunt small game on the designated Permit-Required Hunting Area without having to obtain the normal daily permits required of other hunters on these areas.

Hunting & Trapping Guide Table of Contents