Hunting Regulations in Connecticut (2025-2026) – Tags, Weapons, Zones & Rules
Ready to explore Connecticut’s abundant hunting opportunities? The 2025-2026 season brings exciting changes, including new Sunday hunting provisions and adjusted regulations. Whether you’re a first-time hunter or a seasoned outdoorsperson, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting licensed, understanding the gear requirements, knowing where you can hunt, and staying within seasonal limits throughout the Nutmeg State.
Big News for 2025: Thanks to Public Act 25-138, Sunday hunting on private land with any approved implement opens beginning October 1, 2025. Migratory bird hunting remains closed on Sundays, and hunting on Sundays won’t be allowed within 40 feet of blazed public trails.
Important Dates
Key season openings include archery deer (Sept 15), turkey seasons, and waterfowl dates.
Licenses & Permits
Connecticut requires specific licenses and permits based on species and hunting method.
Zones & Areas
Connecticut is divided into specific deer management zones with varying regulations.
License & Tag Requirements in Connecticut
Before heading into Connecticut’s forests and fields, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper documentation. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need based on your situation:
Who Needs a Hunting License?
Connecticut Residents
- All hunters 16 years and older must purchase the appropriate license
- 16 and 17-year-olds qualify for 50% discounted license fees
- Junior hunters (ages 12-15) need a Junior Hunting License ($11 for residents)
- Seniors age 65+ qualify for free annual firearms hunting licenses (permits and stamps not included)
- Residents with disabilities may qualify for free licenses (requires physician verification)
Non-Residents
- All non-residents 12 years and older must purchase appropriate licenses at non-resident rates
- 3-day non-resident bird hunting licenses are available for short visits ($35)
- Active military members can purchase licenses at resident rates
Important: All first-time hunters must complete a Connecticut Conservation Education/Firearms Safety (CE/FS) course or recognized equivalent before purchasing a license. Bowhunters need additional bowhunter education certification.
License Types & Fees (2025)
| License Type | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Firearms Hunting | $19.00 | $91.00 |
| Firearms Hunting & Inland Fishing | $38.00 | $110.00 |
| Archery Deer/Small Game | $41.00 | $135.00 |
| Junior Firearms Hunting (Ages 12-15) | $11.00 | $11.00 |
| Junior Archery Deer/Small Game (Ages 12-15) | $10.00 | $19.00 |
| 3-Day Non-resident Bird Hunting | N/A | $35.00 |
| Trapping | $34.00 | $250.00 |
Required Stamps & Permits
Game Bird Conservation Stamp
Fee: $28 (residents), $14 (ages 12-17), $28 (non-residents)
Required for hunting pheasant, ruffed grouse, quail, partridge, and wild turkey
Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp
Fee: $17 (residents), $9 (ages 12-17), $17 (non-residents)
Required for hunting waterfowl, rails, snipe, woodcock, and crows
Federal Duck Stamp
Fee: $25 (all hunters)
Required for waterfowl hunting (exempt for hunters ages 12-15)
Deer Lottery Permits
Fee: $19 (residents), $68 (non-residents)
Required for specific state land deer hunting opportunities
Where to Purchase Licenses
- Online: Connecticut’s Online Outdoor Licensing System (available 24/7)
- In-person: Town clerk offices, select outdoor equipment retailers, and DEEP offices
- DEEP Offices: Sessions Woods (Burlington), Franklin Field Office (North Franklin), Western District Headquarters (Harwinton)
Pro Tip: Licenses purchased online are signed electronically, allowing you to keep a digital copy on your smartphone instead of needing a printed copy!
Legal Weapons & Season Methods
Connecticut regulations specify what hunting implements can be used for each season and game species. Using the right equipment isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s essential for ethical, effective hunting.
Firearms
Shotguns
- Cannot be larger than 10-gauge
- Limited to 3 shells (2 in magazine, 1 in chamber) for waterfowl, migratory birds, deer on state lands, and turkey
- Shot size restrictions apply depending on game species
- Shotgun ammunition larger than #2 shot prohibited on state lands (except for waterfowlers who may use up to BB steel shot)
Rifles & Handguns
- Rifles/handguns larger than .22 caliber rimfire prohibited on state-owned land
- Allowed on private land during deer season with valid permit
- Minimum 10 acres required for rifle/revolver deer hunting on private land
- Prohibited for turkey, waterfowl, and migratory bird hunting
Muzzleloaders
- Must be .45 caliber minimum for deer hunting
- Powder and projectile must be loaded from the muzzle
- Shotgun converters and telescopic sights are legal
- Special deer season with additional opportunities
Air Guns
- Restricted to single ball or pellet-like projectiles
- Subject to same restrictions as rifles and handguns
Archery Equipment
Bows
- Long, recurved, or compound bows permitted
- Minimum draw weight of 40 pounds for deer and turkey
- Mechanical string release devices permitted
- Broadheads must have at least two blades and be at least 7/8 inch wide
- Expandable broadheads permitted if they meet width requirements
Crossbows
- Legal for all hunting seasons where bows are permitted
- Minimum draw weight of 125 pounds
- Must have permanent fixed rifle-type stock with functional safety
- Adjustable stocks permitted; folding stocks prohibited
- Bolt length must be at least 18 inches (excluding broadhead)
- Telescopic sights permitted
Important: Possession of a firearm while archery hunting is prohibited.
Safety Requirements
Fluorescent Orange Requirements
During the period from September 1 through the last day of February, hunters (including those with deer damage permits) must wear at least 400 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing above the waist and visible from all sides.
Exemptions to the orange requirement include:
- Archery deer hunters hunting from September 15 to November 18 and from January 1 to January 31
- Archery deer hunters hunting from elevated stands (at least 10 feet above ground) during November 19 to December 31
- Turkey hunters (firearms and archery)
- Waterfowl hunters in boats, blinds, or stationary positions
- Crow hunters in blinds or stationary positions
- Raccoon and opossum hunters hunting from 1/2 hour after sunset until 1/2 hour before sunrise
- Landowners hunting deer on their own property (family members still require orange)
500-Foot Safety Zone
It’s prohibited to hunt with, shoot, or carry a loaded firearm within 500 feet of any building occupied by people or domestic animals, or used for storage of flammable materials, unless written permission for lesser distances is obtained from the owner.
Note: The 500-foot zone does not apply to bowhunting. Landowners, their spouse, and lineal descendants are exempt from this restriction on their own property.
Prohibited Methods
- Hunting or shooting from a motor vehicle
- Hunting or shooting from or across public roadways
- Hunting while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Using electronic calling devices for wild turkeys and migratory birds (except crows)
- Hunting with the aid of artificial light
- Using drones to assist in hunting
- For turkey hunting: use of bait, live decoys, or participating in cooperative drives
Hunting Zones & Units in Connecticut
Connecticut divides its hunting areas into different management zones to help regulate game populations effectively. Understanding these zones is essential because regulations, seasons, and bag limits can vary by zone.
Deer Management Zones
Connecticut is divided into 12 Deer Management Zones, each with specific regulations:
Zone Highlights:
- Zones 1-10: Standard management areas throughout the state
- Zones 11-12: Special management zones with extended January archery season
- Zones 2 and 4A: Special restrictions during firearms seasons – “Antlerless Only” tags are NOT valid
Zone-Specific Regulations:
- Bag limits may vary by zone
- Archery season dates may differ (Zones 11-12 have extended January hunting)
- Some zones have higher deer densities requiring different management approaches
Find Your Zone: Check the official Connecticut Deer and Turkey Management Zone Map to determine which zone(s) you’ll be hunting in.
Types of Hunting Areas
State Land
- State Forests: Open to hunting with appropriate permits
- Wildlife Management Areas: Specifically managed for wildlife habitat and hunting
- State-Owned Areas: Typically require State Land Permits for deer hunting
- Bowhunting Only Areas: Designated sections where only archery hunting is permitted
- Permit-Required Areas: Special areas requiring specific access permits
- Lottery Areas: Limited-access areas requiring successful application in the deer lottery system
Note: Rifle hunting with ammunition larger than .22 caliber rimfire is prohibited on state-owned land.
Private Land
- Written Permission Required: All deer and turkey hunters must have written landowner permission on the official DEEP form
- Sunday Hunting: Beginning October 1, 2025, Sunday hunting with any approved implement is allowed on private land
- Verbal Permission: Sufficient for hunting species other than deer and turkey
- Minimum Acreage: 10+ acres required for rifle/revolver deer hunting
- No Minimum Acreage: For shotgun, muzzleloader, or archery equipment
New for 2025: Sunday hunting on private land will be allowed with any approved implement starting October 1, 2025, but is not permitted within 40 feet of blazed public trails.
Special Hunting Areas
Public Shooting Ranges
Connecticut has several state-owned public shooting ranges available for target practice, sighting in rifles, and patterning shotguns:
- Wooster Mountain State Park Cooperative Shooting Range (Danbury)
- High Rock Cooperative Shooting Range (Naugatuck State Forest)
- Glastonbury Public Shooting Range (Meshomasic State Forest)
- Nye Holman Field Archery Range (Tolland)
Note: Target or trap shooting on any state property or public hunting area is prohibited unless the area is a designated shooting range.
National Wildlife Refuges
Connecticut has federal National Wildlife Refuges that offer hunting opportunities with special regulations:
- Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge: Offers archery deer hunting on 4 units, archery turkey hunting on 1 unit, and waterfowl hunting on 3 units
- Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge: Limited hunting opportunities with specific regulations
Important: Hunters must have a signed USFWS Hunt Brochure with them at all times when hunting on federal refuge lands.
Find Public Hunting Areas: Use the CT Interactive Hunting Area Map to locate state-owned hunting areas and see what types of hunting are permitted at each location.
Season Timing & Bag Limits (2025-2026)
Connecticut offers diverse hunting opportunities throughout the year. Here’s a high-level overview of the major hunting seasons and their limits:
Deer Seasons
Archery
- Private Land (Zones 11-12): Jan. 1 – Jan. 31, 2026
- Private Land (All Zones): Sept. 15 – Dec. 31, 2025
- State Land Bowhunting Only Areas: Sept. 15 – Dec. 31, 2025
- State Land: Sept. 15 – Nov. 18, 2025 and Dec. 24 – 31, 2025
Firearms (Shotgun/Rifle)
- State Land Lottery “A” Season: Nov. 19 – Nov. 28, 2025
- State Land Lottery Regular Season: Nov. 19 – Dec. 9, 2025
- State Land No-Lottery Season: Nov. 19 – Dec. 9, 2025
- Private Land: Nov. 19 – Dec. 9, 2025
Muzzleloader
- State Land: Dec. 10 – Dec. 23, 2025
- Private Land: Dec. 10 – Dec. 31, 2025
Bag Limits:
- Specific tag system with Either-Sex and Antlerless tags
- Zones 2 and 4A: “Antlerless Only” tags NOT valid during firearms seasons
Turkey Seasons
Spring Turkey
- State Land & Private Land: April 30 – May 31, 2025
- Junior Turkey Hunter Training Days: April 19 – 26, 2025 (excluding Sunday)
- Bag Limit: 5 bearded birds (state land, private land, or combination)
Fall Archery Turkey
- Private Land (Zones 11-12): Jan. 1 – Jan. 31, 2025
- Private Land (All Zones): Sept. 15 – Dec. 31, 2025
- State Land: Same as deer archery seasons
- Bag Limit: 2 either sex
Fall Firearms Turkey
- State Land & Private Land: Oct. 4 – Oct. 31, 2025
- Bag Limit: 3 either sex
Small Game Seasons
Pheasant
- Season Dates: Jan. 1 – Feb. 28, 2025 and Oct. 18 – Dec. 31, 2025
- Bag Limit: 2 daily, 10 season
Squirrel
- Season Dates: Jan. 1 – Feb. 28, 2025 and Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 2025
- Bag Limit: 8 daily, no season limit
Rabbit & Hare
- Season Dates: Jan. 1 – Feb. 28, 2025 and Oct. 18 – Dec. 31, 2025
- Bag Limit: 3 cottontail, 1 snowshoe daily
Coyote
- Season Dates: Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2025
- No daily or season limit
Migratory Bird Seasons
Waterfowl
Season dates vary by zone and species. Requires:
- Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp ($17)
- Federal Duck Stamp ($25)
- Appropriate hunting license
Woodcock
- Season: Typically mid-October to November
- Bag Limit: 3 daily, 9 possession
Crow
- Season: Jan. 1 – Apr. 4, 2025 and Aug. 9 – Dec. 31, 2025
- Hunting Days: Monday-Saturday (closed Sundays)
- No bag limits
Tagging & Reporting: Connecticut requires immediate tagging and reporting of harvested deer and turkeys. Complete and sign a harvest tag immediately upon taking a deer or turkey and report your harvest within 24 hours via the online system or telephone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hunt on Sundays in Connecticut?
Yes, but with limitations. Beginning October 1, 2025, hunting on Sundays on private land with any approved implement will be allowed. Sunday hunting will not be permitted within 40 feet of blazed public trails. Migratory bird hunting remains closed on Sundays on all land types. Additionally, archery deer hunters can hunt on private land on Sundays in all Deer Management Zones throughout the archery season.
Do I need written permission to hunt on private land?
Yes, for deer and turkey hunting you must have written permission from the landowner on an official DEEP consent form for the current season. The form must include the landowner’s original signature and indicate which hunting implements are authorized. For hunting other species, verbal permission is sufficient. Landowners and their lineal descendants are exempt from the written permission requirement when hunting deer or turkey on their own land.
What fluorescent orange clothing is required while hunting?
From September 1 through the last day of February, most hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing above the waist and visible from all sides. There are exemptions for certain types of hunting, including archery deer hunters during specific periods, turkey hunters, and waterfowl hunters in blinds or boats. An orange hat in addition to a vest or coat is strongly recommended.
Can I use a crossbow for hunting in Connecticut?
Yes, crossbows are legal for hunting deer, turkey, and all other species where bows are permitted. Legal crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds, a permanent fixed rifle-type stock with a functional mechanical safety device, and a bolt length of at least 18 inches. Adjustable stocks are permitted, but folding stocks are not allowed.
What do I need to do after harvesting a deer or turkey?
Immediately upon harvesting a deer or turkey, you must complete and sign a harvest tag and keep it with the carcass at all times until it is processed for consumption. Within 24 hours, you must report your harvest online through the DEEP website or by phone. The Conservation ID number from your hunting license is required for reporting.
Helpful Resources & Official Links
Official Department Resources
License & Education
Season & Species Information
Conclusion
Connecticut offers diverse and rewarding hunting opportunities across its varied landscapes. The 2025-2026 season brings exciting changes, particularly with the new Sunday hunting provisions on private land beginning October 1, 2025.
As you prepare for your hunting adventures, remember these key requirements:
- Proper licensing – Ensure you have the correct base license and any required species-specific stamps and permits
- Landowner permission – Obtain written permission for deer and turkey hunting on private land
- Know your zones – Different regulations apply in different deer management zones
- Safety first – Follow all fluorescent orange requirements and safety zone restrictions
- Report your harvest – Tag and report deer and turkey harvests within 24 hours
Hunting regulations can change, so always check the latest information on the Connecticut DEEP website before heading out. The complete details of Connecticut’s hunting regulations can be found in the 2025 Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide.
Whether you’re pursuing whitetails in the hardwoods, calling spring gobblers, or following your bird dog through upland cover, Connecticut’s diverse habitats provide excellent hunting opportunities. By understanding and following the regulations outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared for a safe, legal, and enjoyable hunting season.
Want to stay updated on Connecticut hunting regulations?
Regulations can change throughout the year. For the most current information, regularly check the What’s New for 2025 webpage, especially before hunting seasons start.
