Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

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.