Peak hunting occurs during early morning and late afternoon, primarily from mid-October to mid-December. Season specific details are on the DEEP website at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Hunting/2022-Connecticut-Hunting-and-Trapping-Guide.
New Hunters: Those who are new to hunting or interested in learning more about hunting should check out the Hunting Roadmap on the DEEP website at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Hunting/Roadmaps/ Hunting-Roadmap. New hunters must complete a hunter safety course. For more information about the Connecticut Conservation Education/Firearms Safety (CE/FS) Program, visit https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Hunting/CEFS/Conservation-Education-Firearms-Safety -Program.
“Hunter Highlights”: Hunting is a great outdoor activity that gives participants the opportunity to source locally sourced, sustainable food. Looking for recipes, how to sign up for a hunter safety course, or other information for new and experienced hunters? Sign up to receive the DEEP Wildlife Division’s quarterly e-newsletter, “Hunter Highlights,” at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP-Hunter-Highlights.
Junior Hunter Training Days – Junior hunters have the opportunity to hunt on special days designated for pheasants (October 8, 2022), waterfowl (October 1 and November 5, 2022), and deer (November 5-12 2022, except Sunday). The Conservation Education/Firearm Safety (CE/FS) Program and several Connecticut sports clubs will once again offer mentored juvenile pheasant hunts in 2022 at the Junior Pheasant Hunter Training Day (October 8). 2022) and additional dates in the fall. These events are held free of charge for hunters ages 12-15. At each event, participants will be trained to shoot clay targets at the trap or clay pigeon range before participating in the hunt. Guided hunts are staffed by certified volunteer hunter safety instructors and experienced hunters, along with a well-trained guide dog and its handler. Youth participants (ages 12-15) must possess a 2022 Juvenile Hunting License and a 2022 Connecticut Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamp and complete a 2022 Juvenile Pheasant Hunt Day application. Submit Applications a This email address is being protected from spambots. You need to enable JavaScript to view it. . Upcoming guided hunts are listed in the DEEP Hunter Registration System at https://he.aspirafocus.com/huntersafety/Account/Register?controllingSpc=9. In addition, “do-it-yourself pheasant hunts” are scheduled for Junior Pheasant Hunter Training Day on October 8 in various state areas. More information is available at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP-Junior-Hunting.
The Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamp is required to hunt all upland game birds (pheasants, wild turkeys, grouse, chukar and partridges, and bobwhite quail), and replaces the pheasant stamp and all permits for wild turkeys. The stamp is $28 for resident and nonresident adults and $14 for Connecticut hunters ages 12-17. All proceeds from the sale of resident game bird conservation stamps are deposited into a dedicated, non-expiring account for the exclusive use of game birds and their habitats.
Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp: The Connecticut Duck Stamp has been merged with the HIP permit into a single Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp, which costs $17 ($9 for residents ages 12-17). It is required for anyone who hunts waterfowl, rails, snipes, woodcocks, and ravens. All proceeds from the Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Seal go into a dedicated account used solely for wetland habitat management and acquisition or to improve hunter access.
The 2022 Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide and the 2022-2023 Migratory Bird Hunting Guide, which contain additional information on laws, regulations and seasonal dates, may be obtained from outdoor equipment vendors, offices from the municipal clerk or on the DEEP website at https: //portal.ct.gov/DEEPHunting. Maps indicating many state-owned hunting areas and most permit-required hunting areas can also be obtained on the DEEP website at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP-Public-Hunting-Areas .
2022 hunting licenses, permits and stamps can be purchased directly online at https://portal.ct.gov/CTOutdoorLicenses or at one of the many participating municipalities or outdoor equipment retailers.
pheasant hunting
Saturday permit-based program will continue ONLY in the Durham Meadows Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Naugatuck State Forest (Hunter’s Mountain Block), Simsbury WMA and Skiff Mountain WMA from October 15 to November 12 . The areas will be stocked on Saturday morning and before each hunting group. All hunters wishing to use these areas on Saturdays before 3:30 pm must have a Saturday permit (or be a junior hunter accompanying a hunter on a permit) and may only be present during the time specified on the daily permit. . Saturday permits for these areas will only be available on the Online Outdoor Licensing System the Monday before Saturday hunts beginning at 7:00 am Check the Pheasant Hunting webpage (https:// portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Hunting/Pheasant-Hunting) frequently, as last-minute changes may occur. This web page also contains additional details such as area assignments and an up-to-date list of all major pheasant storage areas.
Wear Fluorescent Orange: During the period from September 1 to the last day of February, hunters (with a few exceptions; see current hunting guide for details) must wear at least 400 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing above the waist and visible from all sides An orange hat is strongly recommended, along with a coat or vest. All outdoor users are encouraged to wear fluorescent orange clothing or a hat while visiting state forests, wildlife management areas, and other public property where hunting is known to occur (see DEEP website for information on hunting areas).
Hunters: Take Mosquito Precautions and Watch Out for “Dangerous Trees” – The State Mosquito Control Program has warned Connecticut residents of the risk of West Nile virus (WNV) infection this season. Residents are advised to take proper precautions against mosquito bites and avoid being outdoors from dusk to dawn. Precautions include applying insect repellant and covering bare skin.
Several years of storms, droughts, and insect infestations have severely damaged a significant number of Connecticut’s trees. A “hazard tree” has a structural defect that makes it likely to fail in whole or in part. Such a tree can fall without warning!