Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the dates for the 2018-2019 migratory bird hunting seasons, which include seasons for ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, rails, and crows. Specific details on season dates, bag limits, regulations, and other reminders are published in the 2018-2019 Migratory Bird Hunting Guide, which is available at www.ct.gov/deep/hunting. Printed versions can be obtained at DEEP and town clerk offices in the near future.

Reminders for 2018-2019 – The Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp, which includes the Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit, costs $17 ($9 for junior hunters ages 12 to 17) and can be purchased at select DEEP offices, town clerk offices, and online at www.ct.gov/deep/sportsmenlicensing. The stamp must be obtained by ALL migratory bird hunters (regardless of age) who plan to hunt waterfowl, rails, snipe, woodcock, and crows. The 2018 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp will expire on December 31, 2018. Hunters must purchase the 2019 Stamp before January 1, 2019, if they plan to hunt into the early portion of 2019. All of the proceeds from the Connecticut Migratory Bird Stamp go into a dedicated account that is to be used solely for wetland habitat management and acquisition or for improving hunter access.

Waterfowl hunters 16 years of age or older are required to purchase a federal Duck Stamp in addition to the Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp. Federal Duck Stamps are available from many local post offices for $25.00. Hunters under the age of 16 do not need to purchase a Federal Duck Stamp to hunt waterfowl.

Hunters are reminded to be respectful of the environment and other people enjoying the outdoors. And, as always, be safe and have fun. Hunters should also report waterfowl leg bands. Band return information provides vital information for the continued sound management of the waterfowl resource. Report bands to the USGS at www.reportband.gov.

DEEP’s Conservation Education/Firearms Safety Program, in cooperation with the Connecticut Waterfowlers Association (CWA), is offering a Waterfowl Hunting Seminar, which will provide participants with all of the basic information needed to get started or become a more successful waterfowl hunter. Expert instructors will provide interactive presentations on various aspects of duck and goose hunting, including decoy spreads, biology, shooting, calling, and hunting techniques. The seminar will be held on September 9, 2018, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at Wallingford Fish and Game Club. A free game lunch will be provided by CWA following the seminar. Pre-registration is REQUIRED; registration is online only. Please check the CWA website (www.ctwaterfowlers.org) or DEEP website (www.ct.gov/deep/hunting) for details as the event gets closer.

Connecticut will hold Junior Waterfowl Hunter Training Days on Saturday, September 29, and Saturday, October 17, 2018. Participants must be 17 years of age or younger. Junior hunters 12 to 15 years old must possess a valid junior small game hunting license and a Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp. Sixteen and 17-year-old hunters must have a valid hunting license, a 2018 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp, and a 2018-2019 federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. Adults (at least 18 years of age or older) must accompany junior hunters and possess a valid hunting license; however, they are not allowed to hunt waterfowl. Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots may be hunted. Bag limits and shooting hours are the same as for the regular duck and goose hunting seasons.

DEEP’s Conservation Education/Firearms Safety Program has developed a Junior Hunter webpage that provides information on junior hunter events and opportunities. Check out the webpage for more details: www.ct.gov/deep/juniorhunter.

 

Canada Geese – Photo credit: Paul J. Fusco/CT DEEP-Wildlife Division
Suggested Caption: The September Canada goose hunting season, which opens on September 1, provides the opportunity to harvest resident geese that breed and spend the majority of their lives in Connecticut. The season is scheduled at a time when most migrant geese have not yet entered the state.

2019 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp – Artist: Jeffrey Klinefelter
Suggested Caption: The 2019 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp will be available for purchase on December 1, 2018. This stamp, which will cost $17, must be purchased by those hunting waterfowl, rails, snipe, woodcock, and crows. The artwork was created by Indiana artist Jeffrey Klinefelter, who won the 2018 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp Art Contest. Jeff also won the 2015 CT Duck Stamp contest.