Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

DEEP headquarters at 79 Elm Street in Hartford is currently closed due to recent water damage impacting multiple areas of the building. We are working to remediate the situation and get the building back open to staff and the public as soon as possible. While the building is closed, Staff continue to work either remotely or in alternate locations. We continue to be able to receive documents via U.S. Mail or courier service, and our electronic file submittal protocols remain unchanged. For updates, please click 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 about hunter education in Connecticut

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 November 2025.