Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Self-Study Firearms Hunter Safety Course 

Connecticut’s self-study format for the Firearms Hunter Safety Course requires at-home completion of hunter education from one of two approved sites (outlined below), and successful completion of an in-person field day. The field day is approximately 8 hours and includes both classroom and field exercises. Registration is mandatory and limited to a pre-determined number of students for each location. Register Here  

  • Completion of online hunter education from one of the following: 
    • NRA (Cost: free): Navigate to nrahe.org and follow the links to Connecticut. 
    • Hunteredcourse.com (Cost: $19.95): Navigate to hunteredcourse.com and follow the links to Connecticut. 
  • After successful completion of online content, register for a self-study field day. You must bring a printed copy of your online course completion certificate from either nrahe.org or hunteredcourse.com with you to the field day; you will not be allowed to participate if you do not have the certificate with you. 
  • Firearms and ammunition will be provided at the field day. DO NOT BRING YOUR OWN FIREARMS OR AMMUNITION OF ANY KIND TO THE CLASS. 
  • Students must demonstrate safe firearm handling skills and pass a 50 question multiple choice exam. 
  • Wear weather and season appropriate clothing. Footwear must be closed toe and suitable for wet and/or muddy conditions. 
  • Minimum age to attend is 10 years old. All students under 18 years of age must be registered and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian must sign the student registration card at the field day. 
  • Many facilities are not located near food options. It is recommended students bring a bagged lunch.

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.

Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration logo and tagline. 

Content last updated on March 3, 2022