Connecticut hunting regulations

Connecticut Hunting Regulations

Connecticut is primarily a deer and turkey hunting state. Some public lands are available for hunters but private land access is ideal here. There are state land access areas for hunters and they can be productive but are also popular.

Connecticut Hunting License Fees

There is a 50-percent discount on license fees for residents aged 12-17.

Residents:

  • Firearms Hunting – $19
  • Inland Fishing, Firearm Hunt Combo – $38
  • Marine Fishing and Firearm Hunt Combo – $25
  • All fishing and firearm hunting combo – $40
  • Junior Firearm hunting – $11
  • Age 65+ hunting – Free
  • Archery Deer/Small Game  – $41
  • Archery Deer, Small Game and All Waters Fishing – $65
  • Junior Archery Deer, Small Game – $10
  • Trapping – $34
  • 16 & 17 Year Old Trapping – $17
  • Junior Trapping – $11
  • Resident game bird conservation stamp – $28
  • Connecticut migratory bird conservation stamp – $17

Non-resident:

  • Firearms Hunting – $91
  • Inland Fishing, Firearm Hunt Combo – $110
  • Marine Fishing and Firearm Hunt Combo – $120
  • All fishing and firearm hunting combo – $94
  • 3 day bird hunting – $35
  • Junior Firearm hunting – $11
  • Archery Deer/Small Game  – $135
  • Junior Archery Deer, Small Game – $19
  • Trapping – $250
  • Resident game bird conservation stamp – $28
  • Connecticut migratory bird conservation stamp – $17

Connecticut Hunting Season Dates

The seasons are different on private and public lands. The State land archery season starts Sept 15 and ends Nov 14. There is another block of open season from Dec 20-30. The private land season tends to run a little longer with dates going through January. Shotgun and muzzleloader seasons are also set each year for private lands.

Bird seasons run from roughly October 21 through the end of February. Pheasant hunting is popular here. Birds are released on some public WMA’s and several preserves also operate around the state. While Pheasants are popular, some preserves also have quail and chukar hunting in Connecticut.

Hunters can also chase migratory birds and small game. Woodcock, Snipe, Rails and Crows, Ducks, Seaducks, Canada geese and snow geese are available. You can view the 2017 guide with dates here – http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/hunting_trapping/pdf_files/mbguide1718.pdf

Small Game:

  • Gray Squirrel – Sept 1 – Feb 28, 8 daily, 40 per season
  • Rabbit – Oct 20 – Feb 28 – 3 daily, 25 per season
  • Snowshoe Hare – Nov 17 – Jan 31 – 2 daily, 10 per season
  • Woodchuck – March 15 – Nov 15, No limits

Fox and Coyote:

  • Red and Gray Fox – Oct 20 – Feb 28, 3 daily, 20 per season
  • Coyote – Jan 1 – Dec 31 – No limits

Raccoon and Opossum:

  • Raccoon – Oct 20 – Jan 20 – 5 daily, no season limit
  • Opossum – Oct 20 – Jan 20 – No limits

The Connecticut hunting regulations are pretty easy to interpret. The state has a good locals game and produces some quality whitetails. Having access to private lands is a huge bonus here. Otherwise, the state has some nice sized Wildlife Management Areas.

Return to all Hunting Regulations.