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
Archery | Private 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 Hunt | A Season: Nov. 15-24 Regular Lottery Season: Nov. 15-Dec. 5 |
State Land No-Lottery Hunt | Nov. 15-Dec. 5 |
Private Land Firearms Hunt | No. 15-Dec. 5 |
Landowner Hunt | Nov. 1-Dec. 30 |
State Land Muzzleloader | Dec. 6-19 |
Private Land Muzzleloader | Dec. 6-30 |
Junior Hunt | Nov. 4-11 |
**Season dates vary by zone
Connecticut Turkey Seasons
Fall Archery | Private 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 Firearms | Oct. 7-31 |
**Season dates vary by zone
Connecticut Small Game Seasons
Cottontail Rabbit and European Hare | Jan. 2-Feb. 28 Oct. 21-Dec. 31 |
Gray Squirrel | Jan. 2-Feb. 28 Sept. 1-Dec. 30 |
Snowshoe Hare | Jan. 2-31 Nov. 18-Dec. 30 |
Woodchuck | March 15-Nov. 15 |
Chuckar and Hungarian Partridge | Jan. 2-Feb. 28 Oct. 21-Dec. 30 |
Quail | Oct. 21-Nov. 4 |
Pheasant | Jan. 2-Feb. 28 Oct. 21-Dec. 30 |
Ruffed Grouse | Oct. 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.