Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

DEEP is excited to be getting back to our new normal consistent with the direction of Governor Lamont and as a result of the rapidly improving COVID-19 situation in Connecticut. Starting no later than June 1, all customer facing services will resume normal business operations. For detailed information for what this means at DEEP and for the public we serve, visit our "New Normal" website: DEEP New Normal Information

Connecticut's Conservation Education/Firearms Safety Program

FIREARMS, BOWHUNTING, AND TRAPPING SAFETY CLASSES
Due to safety requirements necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, changes have been made to the Hunter Education Program. To maintain the standards and curriculum of our program, several portions have been moved to online delivery methods, with a mandatory modified field day. Students are required to complete all online prerequisites PRIOR to registering for a modified field day. Please see full details HERE.

Questions about COVID-19 Hunter Education Modified Field Days? Visit our FAQ page.

Hunting and Trapping Education

 
Welcome to Connecticut's Conservation Education and Firearms Safety (CE/FS) Program – for the education of hunters and trappers.

Conservation Education/Firearms Safety courses are administered by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Wildlife Division and are taught throughout the year by a dedicated corps of certified volunteer instructors. Certifications are offered in the disciplines of Firearms Hunting, Bowhunting, and Trapping.

Licenses and Permits: Online Sportsmen Licensing 

For more information about the CE/FS Program, contact the Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011 (deep.franklinwildlife@ct.gov)

Hunter Safety Manual CoverConnecticut Hunter Safety Manual: The hunter safety course manual is available for download in two ways. You can download the entire manual in one large zip file or you may download individual chapters.

Tree Stand Safety: Improper use of tree stands is one of the most common causes for injuries and death to hunters in the field. For free online instruction on the proper use of tree stands and safety harnesses, go to www.huntercourse.com/treestandsafety.

 

The Connecticut CE/FS Program receives 75% of its funds from the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program. The remaining 25% state match is derived by using the value of the services provided by the volunteer instructors. The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program is funded by the excise tax paid by sportsmen on rifles, shotgun, ammunition, handguns, and archery equipment.

Partnering to fund conservation and connect people with nature.

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Content last updated on March 12, 2021.