Open season is just a few weeks away for most of the US. It’s an exciting time of year for veteran hunters and beginners alike. But before heading out to your first hunt, make sure you’re familiar with Connecticut hunting laws and regulations. Most seasoned hunters may be well aware that hunting laws evolve on an almost yearly basis. The governments’ main objective is to address public safety for the benefit of the hunter and the hunted.

Connecticut Hunting Laws and Regulations

It’s a must to keep up to date on Connecticut hunting laws and regulations before heading out to your first hunt. Studying your state’s (or any state’s) hunting laws might be a bit time consuming, and we know you’re impatient to get out there and start shooting. But breaking the law and having to pay a fine can put a serious damper on your hunting season.

Keep reading to learn about Connecticut hunting laws including dates, which animals you’re allowed to hunt, which weapon you’re allowed to use, how to get a hunting license, and much more.

1. Deer Hunting Season

image via Trophy Mule Deer

Bowhunting

• Private Lands (Zones 11–12):              Jan. 1 – Jan. 31
• Private Lands (All Zones):                   Sept. 15 – Dec. 31
• State Land:                                              Sept. 15 – Nov. 15; Dec. 21 – Dec. 31
• State Land Bowhunting Only Areas: Sept. 15 – Dec. 31

For seasons on rifle, shotgun and muzzleloader hunting season dates, please click here.

Firearms Hunting

image via Arrows in the Square

The use of rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, and high-velocity air guns are subject to certain restrictions for any holder of a valid firearmS hunting license. For more details on hunting laws and regulations, click here.

Licenses and Firearms Deer Hunting Permits

image via eregulations

In order to purchase a firearms deer permits, current firearms hunting license is necessary.

For other specific details on deer lottery details, fees and more, click here.

2. Duck Hunting Seasons

image via ct

Ducks, Mergansers and Coots:

Early Season:         NORTH ZONE – October 8 to October 15SOUTH ZONE – October 8 to October 11

SOUTH ZONE – October 8 to October 11

Late Season:           NORTH ZONE – November 10 to January 10

SOUTH ZONE – November 16 to January 20

For other details such as sea ducks hunting seasons, new legislation acts and more, click here.

Federal Regulations & Restrictions

image via guneyav

Unless specifically authorized for a special season, no person shall take migratory game birds:

• With a trap, snare, net, crossbow, rifle, pistol, swivel gun, shotgun larger than 10-gauge, punt gun, battery gun, machine gun, fishhook, poison, drug, explosive or stupefying substance.
• With a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells, unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler which is incapable of removal without disassembling the gun.

For more specific details on the manner of taking of migratory birds and more, click here.

Licenses and Permits

Image via CT Post

These are made available online for those that want to hunt and trap in the state of Connecticut.

For more elaborate details on licenses and permits click here and turn to page 8.

3. Turkey Hunting Seasons

image via nodakangler | Josh Wolfe

Spring Season:              April 27 – May 28

Fall Season Archery:   January 1 – 31 (Private Land Zones 11-12)

September 15 – December 31 (Private Land All Zones)

For additional details on other seasons, on state land and firearms, click here.

 Firearms Hunting

image via immohunt

The use of rifles or handguns except crows is prohibited.

For specifics on rifles, handguns, shotguns, muzzleloaders and more, click here (page 12).

Licenses and Permits

image via LoadoutRoom

The acquiring of a hunting license and various hunting permits for turkey may be quite meticulous but will surely be worth all the effort. You can read up on the state’s requirements and processes for permits by clicking here.

Watch this Giant 165″ Marsh Buck | Public Land WI video by Behind the Bow, where he leads us back to the roots of why we go hunting in the first place.

So there you have it: a short, but detailed, overview of the Connecticut hunting laws and regulations. I must advise my fellow hunters out there to always follow the law because they are meant to benefit both hunters and prey. For those visiting Connecticut, please consult with their local hunting authorities on the permits/registrations that you need to get before you go out hunting.

As long as you are knowledgeable with the hunting laws in the state of Connecticut and abide by them to the letter, you and your hunting buddies will surely enjoy every minute of hunting.

Hunt safe and hunt proud!

Other states apply different laws and if you want to know about them, just click here to know more.

Featured image via CT Post

from SurvivalLife http://survivallife.com/connecticut-hunting-laws-and-regulations/