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

Basic and Land Trapping Course

The Basic and Coyote Land Trapping Course consists of a full day of instruction, including classroom materials and field exercises. Graduates will receive both the Basic Trapping certification and Land Trapping Certification, allowing the purchase of a trapping license and those with a valid trapping license to participate in the coyote land trapping certification.

Registration is mandatory and limited to a pre-determined number of students for each location. Courses are usually posted on the Hunter Registration System 60 days in advance of the course date and participants can register 30 days prior. You can filter by event type to find a trapping course on the list. Register Here

  • Students must demonstrate safe trap 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.
  • 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 in November 2022.