About Hunting in Connecticut
Connecticut has some densely populated areas as well as some nice rural areas. It has a large amount of coast so it has great fishing but it also has some great hunting in parts of the state, especially the northwest.
2021 Active Hunting Seasons in Connecticut
Ct has a dear season as well as migratory bird and small game.
Key Hunting Season Dates
In general bird season starts October 23.
Archery Deer season starts Sept 1 in Delaware.
Connecticut Archery Deer Hunting Seasons 2021
| Season | Dates | Info |
| Archery | Sept 1 – Jan 31 | Must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material displayed on the head chest, and back. |
| Crossbow | Sept 1 – Jan 31 | Must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material displayed on the head chest, and back. |
Connecticut Firearm Deer Hunting Seasons 2021
| Season | Date | Info |
| Muzzleloader | Oct. 9 – 18 Jan. 25 – 31 | Muzzleloaders can have scopes. |
| Shotgun | Nov. 13 – 22 Jan. 16 – 24 | May be equipped with scopes |
| Handgun | Jan. 2, 4 – 9 | Authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles |
Understanding Connecticut’s hunting season
Before hunting in CT, you will need the following:
- A Connecticut hunting license (resident vs non-resident)
- Applicable permits (deer, goose, etc)
Connecticut Hunting License Costs
| License | Resident | Non-Resident |
| Firearms Hunting License | $19 | $91 |
| Archery Deer/Small Game Hunting License | $41 | $135 |
| Trapping | $34 | $250 |
Permit & Tag Costs
| Permit | Resident | Non-Resident |
| Deer ‘A’ Season | $19 | $68 |
| Deer Regular Season | $19 | $68 |
| Private Land Shotgun/Rifle | $19 | $68 |
| Private Land Muzzleloader | $19 | $68 |
| State Land Muzzleloader | $19 | $68 |
Tips for Hunting in CT
- If hunting with a Free Landowner Permit or are aConnecticut resident hunting with a Private Land Shotgun/Rifle Permit you can use a revolver rather than a rifle or a shotgun to hunt deer on private lands of at least 10 acres in size.