Connecticut Hunting Seasons Information and Regulations, 2023 – 2024

*All information listed below is disclosed based on research we have conducted. We do our best to ensure that all information is up to date and accurate. However, rules and regulations are changing every day. Please make sure to verify your state-specific regulations prior to your hunt.

Connecticut Game Bird Seasons

Pheasant	Jan. 1 – Feb. 28, Oct. 15 – Dec. 31
Chuktar and Hungarian Partridge	Jan. 1 – Feb. 28, Oct. 15 – Dec. 31
Ruffed Grouse	Oct. 15 – Nov. 30
Quail	Oct. 15 – Oct. 31
Crow	Jan. 8 – Mar. 26, Aug. 13 – Oct. 7, Oct. 15 – Nov. 30
Woodcock, Snipe, Rails	Dates Not Yet Released
Waterfowl: Duck, Mergansers, Geese, Coot	Dates Not Yet Released

*Connecticut is a small state so does not have as many zone specific regulations as many other states. However, some animals do have extended seasons based on area. Also, many migratory birds carry specific regulations. Check the official Connecticut State Website for more information.

Beautiful Connecticut has some wonderful opportunities for hunting season in CT game bird. Remember when hunting waterfowl that you will need both a state and a federal license to do so. Hunting woodcock, snipe and rails only requires a state license.

Connecticut Deer Season

Deer Bowhunting Private Land	Sep. 15 – Dec. 31
Deer Bowhunting State Land Bowhunting Only Areas	Sep. 15 – Dec. 31
Deer Bowhunting State Land	Sep. 15 – Nov. 15, Dec. 21 – Dec. 31
Deer Shotgun State Controlled Areas	Nov. 16 – Dec. 6
Deer Archery Only Lottery	Sep. 15 – Dec. 31
Deer State Land Lottery “A” Season	Nov. 16 – Nov. 25
Deer State Land Lottery Regular Season	Nov. 16 – Dec. 6
Deer Shotgun/Rifle/Revolver Private Lands	Nov. 16 – Dec. 6
Deer Shotgun/Rifle/Revolver Landowner	Nov. 1 – Dec. 31
Deer Muzzleloader Private Land	Dec. 7 – Dec, 31
Deer Muzzleloader State Land	Dec. 7 – Dec. 20

*Connecticut is a small state so does not have as many zone specific regulations as many other states. However, some animals do have extended seasons based on area. Deer specifically, have a number of regulations surrounding private land, state land, and the local lottery system. Check the official Connecticut State Website for more information.

Connecticut provides hunters with a plethora of opportunities to harvest deer. As in the majority of the states, each season is based on the equipment/weapon used. For example, Connecticut has a total of five deer seasons including: archery, public land shotgun, private land shotgun/rifle/revolver, landowner, and muzzleloader. The legal bag limit is a total of four deer: two either sex and two antlerless. Crossbows are legal during the archery season.

Doe Tags

Hunters are permitted two antlerless deer during archery season.

Connecticut Small Game Seasons

Gray Squirrel	Jan. 1 – Feb. 27, Sep. 1 – Dec. 31
Cottontail Rabbit, European Hare	Jan. 1 – Feb. 28, Oct. 15 – Oct. 31
Snowshoe Hare	Jan. 1 – Jan. 31, Nov. 19 – Dec. 31
Woodchuck	Mar. 15 – Nov. 15
Chuckar Partridge	Oct. 17 – Dec. 31
Quail	Oct. 17 – Nov. 2
Pheasant	Oct. 17 – Dec. 31
Ruffed Grouse	Oct. 17 – Nov. 30

*Connecticut is a small state so does not have as many zone specific regulations as many other states. However, some animals do have extended seasons based on area and each species has its own bag limit. Check the official Connecticut State Website for more information.

When hunting small game in Connecticut, there is no minimum draw requirement for archery. Additionally, small game hunting is not permitted on Sundays. Different species all carry different bag limits. Pheasant hunting tags also need to be included on your hunting license in Connecticut, so don’t forget if you’re shooting birds.

Connecticut Furbearer Seasons

Coyote	Jan. 1 – Dec. 31
Raccoon, Opossum	Jan. 1 – Jan. 15, Oct. 15 – Dec. 31
Red and Gray Foxes	Jan. 1 – Feb. 28, Oct. 15 – Dec. 31

Connecticut Turkey Season

Spring Turkey Hunting State & Private Lands	Apr. 27 – May 28
Fall Archery Turkey Hunting Private Land	Sep. 15 – Dec. 31
Fall Archery Turkey State Land Bowhunting Only Areas	Sep. 15 – Dec. 31
Fall Archery Turkey State Land	Sep. 15 – Nov. 15, Dec. 21 – Dec. 31
Fall Turkey Firearms State & Private Land	Oct. 1 – Oct. 31

Connecticut hunters may hunt turkey with a crossbow during the spring and fall archery season. The spring season begins April 28^th and ends May 29^th. A hunter is allotted five bearded birds per spring season. Turkey hunting is broken up into a Spring and a Fall season. The fall bag limit is two either sex.

Crossbow Regulations

Something cool about crossbow hunting in Connecticut is that the weapons are legal for deer hunting during the archery season.

Minimum draw weight of 125 pounds.
All crossbows must be equipped with a permanent stock and a functioning mechanical safety device.
Adjustable stocks are allowed, folding stocks are not.
Arrow length must be a minimum of 18”, not including the broadhead.

There are some additional regulations surrounding crossbows that are species specific, and we’ve tried to mention them earlier in this article so make sure to reference the specific animal you’re planning on hunting.

Hunting Licenses in Connecticut

Hunters must be 12 years of age or older to hunt or to purchase a firearm hunting license or bowhunting permit. The only stipulation for crossbow hunters is to complete a test course through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). For a deer/small game archery license a resident must pay $41.00 and $135.00 for a non-resident.

Hunting licenses are free to those who are disabled.

Bear hunting is also not permitted in Connecticut.

If you want to check out the next state on our list, click here to see Delaware.

Or, you can check out the last state on our list, Colorado