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. Rocky Neck State Park is also closed until further notice due to a brush fire. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at a 'very high' or 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Waterfowl Hunting Roadmap

What you need to know to waterfowl hunt in Connecticut

Wood ducks

Want to Learn How to Hunt Waterfowl?

The Connecticut Waterfowl Association (CWA) has developed a Mentoring Program with the goal of introducing hunters to waterfowling by pairing experienced mentors with novice hunters of any age to provide a quality waterfowl hunting experience.

Required Firearms Safety Training

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

-or-

Reciprocal certification from another state

Learn more here!

Call 860-424-3011 for assistance.

Legal Equipment

Shotgun

  • 10, 12, 16, 20, 28, or 410 gauge
  • 3 shell maximum capacity for most situations

Shells

  • Non-toxic shot required
  • Maximum shot size of BB steel or #2 alloy 

Suggested Equipment

  • Waders
  • Boat and PFD
  • Blind
  • Decoys
  • Calls
  • Knife or shears
  • GPS or other navigational aid
Check Regulations

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

400 sq. inches of blaze orange may be required

Purchase required license:

  • Firearms Hunting License
  • Applicable Stamps:
    • Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp (hunters 12 and older)
    • Federal Duck Stamp (hunters 16 and older)
Head into the Field!

Visit the thousands of acres of public fields, marshes, lakes, rivers, ponds, and coastal waters available for waterfowl hunting in the state! (List of state-owned waterfowl hunting areas and Hunting Area Maps)

Don't forget to report bands at www.reportband.gov. 

Content last updated in January 2024.