Connecticut Hunting Seasons, 2023-2024




Connecticut may be a small state, but it has a large variety of game to hunt throughout the year. Turkey and deer are popular choices for hunters, but the state’s waterfowl also reign supreme. While Connecticut doesn’t allow bear hunting, outdoors enthusiasts and hunters have the chance to glimpse these magnificent mammals throughout the year.

The Northeast region of the U.S. has some of the best weather, scenery, hunting, and American history. Connecticut is no exception.

Connecticut Deer Seasons

ArcheryPrivate Land: Sept. 15-Dec. 31** and Jan. 1-31**
State Land Bowhunting Only Areas: Sept. 15-Dec. 30
State Land: Sept. 15-Dec. 30
State Land Lottery HuntA Season: Nov. 15-24
Regular Lottery Season: Nov. 15-Dec. 5
State Land No-Lottery HuntNov. 15-Dec. 5
Private Land Firearms HuntNo. 15-Dec. 5
Landowner HuntNov. 1-Dec. 30
State Land MuzzleloaderDec. 6-19
Private Land MuzzleloaderDec. 6-30
Junior HuntNov. 4-11

**Season dates vary by zone


Connecticut Turkey Seasons

Fall ArcheryPrivate Land (Zones 11-12): Jan. 2-31
Private Land: Sept. 15-Dec. 30
State Land Bowhunting Only Areas: Sept. 15-Dec. 30
State Land: Sept. 14-Nov. 14 and Dec. 20-30
Fall FirearmsOct. 7-31

**Season dates vary by zone

Connecticut Small Game Seasons

Cottontail Rabbit and European HareJan. 2-Feb. 28
Oct. 21-Dec. 31
Gray SquirrelJan. 2-Feb. 28
Sept. 1-Dec. 30
Snowshoe HareJan. 2-31
Nov. 18-Dec. 30
WoodchuckMarch 15-Nov. 15
Chuckar and Hungarian PartridgeJan. 2-Feb. 28
Oct. 21-Dec. 30
QuailOct. 21-Nov. 4
PheasantJan. 2-Feb. 28
Oct. 21-Dec. 30
Ruffed GrouseOct. 21-Nov. 30

Connecticut no longer requires separate tags for pheasant hunting, but you must receive a pheasant hunting stamp on your hunting license or small game permit. Stamps are printed directly onto your permit.

Connecticut’s hunting permits vary in cost, but most can be purchased online through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s website. Junior hunters and hunters age 16 and 17 often receive discount prices on permits, stamps and tags.