Deer Hunting Roadmap

What you need to know to deer hunt in Connecticut

Required Firearms Safety Training

Complete or have completed a Traditional or Self-Study Firearms Class

Reciprocal certification from another state

-or-

Required Bow Hunting Training

CT Bow Hunting course

-or-

Certification is reciprocal from many states.

Learn more here!

Call 860-424-3011 for assistance.

Legal Equipment

Shotgun

• 12, 16, or 20 gauge
• Rifled or smoothbore

Muzzleloader

• .45 caliber minimum
• Legal during shotgun season
• Optics OK
• Inline OK

Rifle

• .246/6mm or larger
• Private Land Only

Revolver

• .357 or larger
• Private Land Only
• Requires Pistol Permit

Bow/Crossbow

• 40 lb minimum draw weight for upright bow
• 125 lb minimum draw weight for crossbow
• 7/8" two bladed broadhead or larger
• 18" or longer crossbow bolt

Suggested Equipment

• Sturdy footwear
• Tree stand or ground blind
• Knife
• Rope or drag strap
• GPS or other navigation aid
• Rubber/vinyl gloves

Check Regulations

Review the CT Hunting and Trapping Guide to check bag limits, season dates, and hunting hours.

Depending on the type of hunt and time of year, 400 sq. inches of blaze orange may be required.

Purchase appropriate license:

• Small Game and Deer Archery Permit

-or-

• Firearms Hunting License with:
  •  Private Land Shotgun/Rifle/Revolver Permit
    • Revolver use requires purchase of the Revolver Endorsement
  • State Land Lottery or No-Lottery Permit
  • Private or State Land Muzzleloader Permit

Head into the Field!

Visit the 228,000+ acres of public land available for deer hunting in the state!

Report your harvest through the Online Hunter Reporting Page or call 1-877-337-4868.

Content last updated in January 2024.