Press Releases
11/14/2024
DEEP Announces Firearms Deer Hunting Season Begins November 20
All Outdoor Users Should Be Aware of All Activities That May Be Occurring Outside, and Are Reminded of the Wildfire Activity Actively Occurring Around the State and the High Fire Danger
(HARTFORD, CT)- 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 20. Specific deer hunting season information is available on the DEEP 2024 Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide web page.
“This is a popular time for residents to enjoy the many outdoor recreation opportunities our state has to offer, such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and biking,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “It is especially important for all outdoor users to be safe, respectful and aware of others who may be recreating on public lands. Connecticut hunters have an excellent safety record, and awareness on the part of all outdoor users can help in our efforts to keep hunting safe for everyone. It’s also critically important for hunters and others recreating in the outdoors to be aware of the wildfire activity occurring around the state, to avoid areas where fires are occurring, and to take care to avoid starting a wildfire. The statewide ban on fires in State Forests, Wildlife Management Areas, and State Parks remains in effect while fire danger conditions remain very high.”
Wildfire Awareness: Connecticut is experiencing an unprecedented fall wildfire season due to prolonged drought conditions and hazardous “fire weather” (conditions conducive to wildfire such as warm temperatures, low humidity, and high winds). Governor Lamont has declared a State of Emergency due to critical fire weather conditions statewide, and DEEP has banned the use of outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors in all state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas until further notice. Many municipalities have also implemented similar bans on outdoor fires. DEEP urges everyone recreating outdoors this fall to take appropriate precautions to avoid starting a wildfire, and to remain vigilant for any signs of fire. Any observations of uncontained outdoor fires should be reported immediately to DEEP Dispatch at 860-424-3333 or to local emergency dispatch by dialing 9-1-1.
Wildfire Safety tips for hunters: As noted above, DEEP has banned the use of outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors in all state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas until further notice. Additionally, hunters should take extra precautions if smoking in the outdoors and properly dispose of cigarette butts. You should also make sure you have a spark arrester on your ATV, and be careful where you park your vehicle. No vegetation should come in contact with your vehicle, as heat alone from the undercarriage could be enough to spark a fire.
Whether you like to hike, camp, horseback ride, mountain bike, hunt, or fish, it is also a good idea to observe basic safety precautions while outdoors:
- 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 web page.
- 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.
- Respect property rights. Remember, all users are required to obtain permission from the landowner before entering private property. Deer and turkey hunters hunting on private land must obtain and carry written permission from the landowner. Verbal permission from the landowner for the hunting of other game species is sufficient.
- Look up and watch out for hazardous trees while in forested areas. Several years of storms, drought, and insect infestations have severely damaged a significant number of trees. A "hazard tree" has a structural defect that makes it likely to fail in whole or in part. Such a tree can fall without warning.
Hunting Activities: Hunting is allowed on private lands with the permission of the landowner, in most state forests and wildlife management areas, and in some state parks. Detailed information about hunting seasons, public hunting areas, laws, and regulations can be found in the 2024 Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide, which is available online as well as at town halls and outdoor equipment stores. 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
Suggested Caption: The fall firearms deer hunting season opens on Wednesday, November 20. Regulated deer hunting has proven to be an ecologically sound, socially beneficial, and fiscally responsible method of managing deer populations. Deer hunting also provides participants with the opportunity to obtain locally sourced, sustainable food.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110