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

Small Game Hunting Roadmap

What you need to know to small game hunt in Connecticut

Gray squirrel

Required Firearms Safety Training

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

-or-

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

  • 10, 12, 16, 20, 28, or 410 gauge
  • #2-8 shot depending on game species
  • Non-toxic shot may be required by specific game or area

Muzzleloader

  • .36 caliber maximum on state land

Rifle/Pistol

  • No larger caliber than .22 rimfire on state land

Bow/Crossbow

  • Crossbows are required to have a 125 lb. draw weight and 18 inch bolts
  • Bows are not required to meet a minimum draw weight for small game

Air Guns

  • Single projectile ball or pellet only
  • Firearm regulations otherwise apply

Suggested Equipment

  • Sturdy footwear
  • Knife/shears
  • GPS or other navigation aid
  • 400 sq. inches of blaze orange
Check Regulations

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

Purchase appropriate license:

  • Small Game and Deer Archery Permit

-or-

  • Firearms Hunting License

-and-

Appropriate stamps:

  • Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamp (pheasant, grouse, quail, partridge, chukar)
  • Migratory Game Bird Conservation Stamp (crow, woodcock, rails)
Head into the Field!

Visit the 206,000+ acres of public land available for small game hunting in the state!

 

Content last updated in January 2024.