Press Releases
11/17/2020
DEEP Announces Start of Firearms Deer Hunting Season
Season Starts Nov. 18; All Outdoor Users Reminded to be Aware, Prevent Accidents
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today that the 2020 Firearms Deer Hunting Season opens Wednesday, November 18.
DEEP reminds outdoor users that a variety of hunting seasons are currently underway or about to begin. Specific deer hunting season information, as well as information about the other hunting opportunities underway, is available on the DEEP website at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEPHunting.
“This is a popular time for residents to enjoy the many outdoor opportunities our state has to offer, such as hiking and biking, even more so now due to the current COVID-19 pandemic,” said DEEP Wildlife Division Director Jenny Dickson. “Therefore, it is especially important for all outdoor users to respect the rights of others and be aware of all activities that may be occurring outdoors. Connecticut hunters have an excellent safety record, and safety practices on the part of all outdoor users can help in our efforts to keep hunting safe for everyone.”
Whether you like to hike, camp, horseback ride, mountain bike, hunt, or fish, it is a good idea to observe a few safety precautions while outdoors.
Basic SAFETY TIPS that all outdoor users should follow:
- Look up and watch out for hazardous trees while in forested areas, particularly in eastern Connecticut. Several years of storms, drought, and insect infestations have severely damaged a significant number of trees. A "hazard tree" has a structural defect that makes it likely to fail in whole or in part. Such a tree can fall without warning.
- When you plan to spend time outdoors, let someone know where you are going and when you will return.
- Familiarize yourself with the area where you plan to go and know the activities that occur there.
- Wear brightly-colored clothing. A fluorescent orange vest and/or hat is recommended, and vests are encouraged for dogs.
- If you see another person while in the woods, whether a hiker, hunter, biker, or horseback rider, call out to make them aware of your presence.
- Respect property rights. Remember, all users are required to obtain permission from the owner before entering private property. Deer and turkey hunters hunting on private land must obtain and carry written permission from the landowner. Verbal permission for the hunting of other game species is sufficient
Hunting Activities: Hunting is allowed on private lands and in most state forests and wildlife management areas, and some state parks. Detailed information about hunting seasons, public hunting areas, laws, and regulations is in the 2020 Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide, which is available at town halls, outdoor equipment stores, and on the DEEP website. In general, peak hunting occurs during early morning and late afternoon, primarily from mid-October through mid-December.
Photo Credit: Paul J. Fusco / CT DEEP-Wildlife
The fall firearms deer hunting season opens on Wednesday, November 18. Regulated deer hunting has proven to be an ecologically sound, socially beneficial, and fiscally responsible method of managing deer populations. It is also an excellent socially distant activity where participants have the opportunity to obtain a locally-sourced, sustainable food source.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110