Press Releases
11/09/2023
DEEP Announces Firearms Deer Hunting Season Begins November 15
All Outdoor Users Should be Aware of Activities That May be Occurring Outside
(HARTFORD) — Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today issued a reminder that a variety of hunting seasons are currently underway or about to begin, most notably the opening of the fall firearms deer season on Wednesday, November 15. Specific deer hunting season information is available on the DEEP website at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Hunting/2023-Connecticut-Hunting-and-Trapping-Guide/Deer-Hunting.
“This is a popular time of year for residents to enjoy the many outdoor opportunities our state has to offer, including hunting, fishing, hiking, and biking,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “It is especially important for all outdoor users to be aware of all activities that may be occurring outdoors. Connecticut hunters have an excellent safety record, and awareness on the part of outdoor users can help in our efforts to keep hunting safe for everyone.”
Whether you like to hike, camp, horseback ride, mountain bike, hunt, or fish, it is a good idea to observe a few safety precautions while outdoors.
Basic SAFETY TIPS that all outdoor users should follow:
- Wear brightly colored clothing at all times of the year, not just during the hunting season. A fluorescent orange vest and/or hat is recommended.
- If you see another person while in the woods, whether a hiker, hunter, biker, or horseback rider, call out to make them aware of your presence.
- When you plan to spend time outdoors, let someone know where you are going and when you will return.
- Familiarize yourself with the area where you plan to go and know the activities that occur there. Maps and hunting information for State Forests, Wildlife Management Areas, State Parks, Permit-Required Areas, and other areas managed or leased by DEEP can be found on DEEP’s Interactive Hunting Area Map at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Hunting/Public-Hunting-Areas.
- Respect property rights. Remember, all users are required to obtain permission from the owner before entering private property. Deer and turkey hunters hunting on private land must obtain and carry written permission from the landowner. Verbal permission for the hunting of other game species is also required.
- Look up and watch out for hazardous trees while in forested areas. Several years of climate related factors such as storms, drought, and insect infestations have severely damaged a significant number of trees which could fall without warning.
- Remember to take precautions to prevent tick bites; milder weather means a high level of tick activity.
Hunting Activities: If you are interested in learning to hunt, sign up for a DEEP hunter safety course, which is a pre-requisite to purchasing a hunting license. https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Hunting/CEFS/Connecticut-Hunter-Education
Hunting is allowed on private lands and in most state forests and wildlife management areas, and some state parks. Detailed information about hunting seasons, public hunting areas, laws, and regulations is in the 2023 Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide, which is available at town halls, outdoor equipment stores, and on the DEEP website (https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Hunting/2023-Connecticut-Hunting-and-Trapping-Guide). In general, peak hunting occurs during early morning and late afternoon, primarily from mid-October through mid-December.
Photo of a white-tailed deer – Photo Credit: Paul J. Fusco / CT DEEP-Wildlife
The fall firearms deer hunting season opens on Wednesday, November 15. Regulated deer hunting has proven to be an ecologically sound method of managing deer populations and provides an opportunity to obtain a locally-sourced, sustainable food source.- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110