Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons Starting Soon

Season details available on the DEEP website

(HARTFORD) — Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the dates for 2026-2027 migratory bird hunting seasons, which include seasons for ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, rails, and crows. Some key dates include:

The Special September Resident Canada Goose Season opens on September 1 in the North Zone (north of I-95) and September 15 in the South Zone (south of I-95).
Changes were made to the duck seasons to include more Saturdays and holidays. Please consult the 2026-2027 Migratory Bird Hunting Guide for specific season dates and details.
The early duck season opens on October 10 in both the North and South Zones.
The late duck season opens on November 7 in the North Zone and November 11 in the South Zone.

Specific details on season dates, bag limits, regulations, and other reminders are published in the 2026-2027 Migratory Bird Hunting Guide, under “Season Dates and Bag Limits.” Printed versions of the guide can be obtained at Town Clerk offices and many DEEP regional offices (contact the Wildlife Division at deep.wildlife@ct.gov or 860-424-3011 to confirm whether the DEEP office near you has Guides available).

Detailed information on changes to the migratory bird hunting regulations for this year can be found in the “Migratory Bird Hunting Guide Notes.” DEEP reminds migratory bird hunters that the state law allowing Sunday hunting on private lands does NOT apply to migratory bird hunting. Migratory bird hunting remains closed on Sundays on both private and public lands.

All hunters who hunt for migratory birds must purchase a Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp. All proceeds from the sale of these stamps go into a dedicated account that is used solely for wetland habitat management as well as acquisition and improvement of hunter access. Since its inception, the Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp Program has generated more than $1.7 million for wetland and upland habitat conservation in Connecticut. These funds have helped secure additional federal matching grants, bringing the total investment in conservation projects to more than $4 million. As a result, more than 3,845 acres of wetlands have been restored or enhanced, primarily on state-owned wildlife management areas.

“Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamps feature images from incredibly talented youth artists across Connecticut and generate substantial revenue for migratory bird and wetland conservation in our state,” said Acting DEEP Commissioner Emma Cimino. “Collected by hunters and non-hunters alike, these stamps encourage students to explore the natural world, learn more about wildlife conservation and management, and share that knowledge with others through their art.”

“Hunters are reminded to purchase the 2026 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp before participating in migratory bird hunting this year,” said DEEP Wildlife Division Director Jenny Dickson. “The 2026 stamp features beautifully illustrated artwork of northern pintails by local artist, Ben Bognon. Ben’s artwork was the best in show winner for the 2025 Connecticut Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest.”

Reminders for 2026-2027

The 2026 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 Town Clerk offices, some outdoor equipment vendors, and online at the State of Connecticut Outdoor Licensing website. The stamp must be obtained by ALL migratory bird hunters (regardless of age) who plan to hunt waterfowl, rails, snipe, woodcock, and crows.

The 2026 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp expires on December 31, 2026. Therefore, any hunters who plan to hunt migratory birds in the early portion of 2027 must purchase a 2027 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp along with their 2027 hunting license before hunting migratory birds in 2027. The 2027 stamp features a goldeneye taking flight by youth artist, Megan Song.

The Harvest Information Program was changed in 2020 to address issues identified across the country with data entry at third party vendors. Now, all hunters purchasing stamps at a third-party vendor must answer the HIP screening questions themselves by calling 1-877-337-4868 or going to the Online Hunter Reporting System. This affects only approximately 15% of Connecticut hunters because most hunters already fill out the HIP online.

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 should also report waterfowl leg bands. Band return information provides vital data for the continued sound management of the waterfowl resource. Report bands to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Junior Hunting Opportunities

Connecticut will hold Junior Waterfowl Hunter Training Days on Saturdays, October 3 and October 31, 2026. Participants must be 17 years old or younger. Junior hunters aged 12 to 15 must possess a valid junior small game hunting license and a Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp. Hunters aged 16 or 17 must have a valid hunting license, a 2026 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp, and a 2026-2027 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. Accompanying adults cannot hunt ducks on the Youth Days but can hunt any other migratory gamebird for which the season is open. Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots may be hunted during the training days. 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 it out for more details.

Hunter’s Help Needed to Avoid Spreading Aquatic Invasive Species!

DEEP recommends all hunters and boaters practice the “Clean, Drain, Dry” technique between outings:

Clean: Inspect and remove all visible plants, fish, and animals as well as mud or other debris from decoys and boats. Do not transport them home. Check decoys and decoy anchor lines, paddle craft, and/or the boat trailer, including the axle and wheel, and all areas in and around the boat that came in contact with the water, including the anchor, props and jet engines, ropes, boat bumpers, paddles, etc.
Drain: Eliminate all water from every conceivable space and item before you leave the area you are visiting. Remove the drain plug from the boat and put the boat on an incline so the water drains out. Drain all water in decoys, live-wells, bilge, ballast tanks, transom wells, kayaks, canoes, rafts, motors, jet drives, boat hulls, boots, and waders.
Dry: If possible, allow for 5 days of drying time before entering new waters.

Hunters: Take Precautions Against Mosquitoes and Ticks

The State Mosquito Management Program advises residents to take proper precautions against mosquito bites to reduce the risk of infection of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). Precautions include avoiding being outdoors from dusk to dawn, applying insect repellent, and covering bare skin.

More information about WNV and EEE, precautions against mosquito bites, the latest mosquito test results, and incidences of human infection can be found on the State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program website.

Hunters and other outdoor users also are advised to take precautions against ticks by wearing light-colored clothing and tucking pants into socks. Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered repellents that are effective for both mosquitoes and ticks and consider wearing permethrin-treated clothing. Carefully check yourself when you get home and remove any ticks promptly. Wash and dry any clothing.

Canada Geese – Photo credit: Paul J. Fusco/CT DEEP-Wildlife Division

The September Canada goose hunting season, which opens on September 1 in the North Zone, provides the opportunity to harvest resident geese that breed and spend most of their lives in Connecticut. The season is scheduled at a time when most migrant geese have not yet entered the state.

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Contact

DEEP Communications
DEEP.Communications@ct.gov
860-424-4100

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