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

Press Releases

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04/25/2022

2022 Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Season Opens April 27

Hunters and Other Outdoor Users Encouraged to Recreate Responsibly

(HARTFORD)—Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is reminding hunters and other outdoor users that the 42nd Connecticut spring wild turkey hunting season runs from April 27 through May28. All hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to recreate responsibly as more people are using public lands where hunting may be occurring.

 

“In addition to longer and warmer days, spring brings a special treat for many Connecticut hunters – turkey hunting. Our mixed hardwood forests and adjacent agricultural lands offer ideal habitat and plentiful forage, which in combination provide for quality turkey hunting,” said Michael Gregonis, Wild Turkey Program Biologist for the DEEP Wildlife Division.

 

Wild turkeys are found throughout Connecticut’s woodlands. During the2021 spring turkey season, hunters harvested 1,247 bearded turkeys.

 

Hunters may harvest a total of five bearded birds, regardless of property type(state-owned or private land). Specific state and private land bag limits no longer apply. In addition, spring turkey hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to a sunset.

 

Additional Information

 

Hunting licenses and Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamps can be purchased online at https://portal.ct.gov/CTOutdoorLicenses. They can also be purchased at some town halls and businesses and select DEEP offices. More details are at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Hunting/2022-Connecticut-Hunting-and-Trapping-Guide/Hunting-and-Trapping-Licenses.

 

Turkey hunters who hunt on private land are reminded that written landowner permission, on a form provided by DEEP, is required.All harvested turkeys must be tagged immediately and reported to DEEP online or by phone (1-877-337-4868) within 24 hours. Hunters must tag their turkeys with a 2022Harvest Tag. Copies of the 2022 Harvest Tags and instructions are on page44 of the 2022Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide and also are available on the DEEP website at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP-Reporting-Deer-Turkey-Harvest. After reporting their harvest via the Internet or by telephone, hunters will be given a confirmation number to write on their Harvest Tag. This confirmation number serves as proof that the harvest was legally reported.

 

Recommended safety precautions for spring turkey hunting:

  • Become familiar with two or more areas to hunt, so if someone is already hunting in one of those areas, you can move to another site.
  • If another hunter is encountered in the woods, remain still and speak in a loud clear voice to announce your presence.
  • Eliminate the colors red, white, blue, and black from your hunting outfit. These colors are associated with a gobbler and could be mistaken as a turkey.
  • Hunters must be sure of their target and what is beyond it, prior to taking a shot.
  • Be aware that more people may be outdoors in areas where you are hunting. Be a leader by showing responsible behavior and ensuring outdoor opportunities remain available for all. 

“Spring turkey hunting requires preparation, patience, and persistence to help maintain a safe hunting experience and the opportunity to harvest a gobbler,” added Gregonis. “Scouting, calling, and hunting techniques for turkeys can be learned by attending seminars, reading articles, watching videos, and talking with experienced turkey hunters.”

More information on the spring turkey season, hunting regulations, junior hunter training days, and tagging and reporting requirements is contained in the2022 Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide, which is available on DEEP’s website at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Hunting/2022-Connecticut-Hunting-and-Trapping-Guide. 

Spring Wild Turkey
Photo: Paul J. Fusco/DEEP Wildlife Division

The 2022 Connecticut spring wild turkey hunting season opens on April 27 and runs through May28. This year marks the 42nd consecutive year that sportsmen and women have hunted turkeys during the spring season in Connecticut.
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Contact

DEEP Communications  
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110