[jester5167]

I am interested in starting hunting in the State of Connecticut. I plan on hunting deer (during season) on private land where I will have the owners permission. I have been trying to make sense of all the hunting laws in Connecticut off the state's website but cant understand heads from tails.

There are sections that say I need a permit, some that say I cant shoot anything larger then .22 LR then I read sections about hunting with pistols and another section saying pistols were not allowed.

Can anyone understand this stuff its almost like they dont want us to hunt at all :rolleyes:

Anyone hunt in Connecticut that can give me the real deal? Will I need a permit, will anyone be looking at a permit, how private is private land when it comes to game wardens? My friend bow hunts and I plan on using a 30.06. Do I have to report/tag game?

Thanks as always guys, looking forward to getting into this sport. :D

[mp510]

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[arcticap]

I'll help you out by PM if I can. Do you have a Hunting & Trapping Guidebook?
Many regulations are dependent on whether you're hunting on state land or private land.
Then under private land there's Free Landowner season which is only for the immediate family of the land owner and the lineal decendents.
Maybe that's causing some confusion.

[qajaq59]

Having lived in CT for quite a while before we retired I can tell you that your best bet is to pick up a copy of the Hunting & Trapping Guidebook? Then after you read it thoroughly if you have questions call the wardens listed in the book for answers.

We've lived in a lot of states and I have to say that even though CT has some rather strict laws they certainly have good wardens when it comes to giving out information. I bugged them quite a bit when we first moved there and never hit a rude or uninformed warden.

[30 cal slob]

1) no handgun hunting for deer in CT. period.

2) centerfire rifle for deer, min bore diameter .243 W (i think) on 10+ acres of private land only. can't shoot within 500 feet of a dwelling or public road.

3) can use shotgun on less than 10 acres, but can't discharge it within 500 feet of a dwelling or public road.

4) regs leave open handgun hunting for legal species other than deer. can't discharge within 500 feet of a dwelling or public road.

5) no carry of handgun while bowhunting - applies to everyone, including LEO's.

6) check your local regs (discharge of firearms) too.

7) no hunting on sundays. grr...

8) all the above crap is the reason why i bowhunt in CT.

[gezzer]

Take a Hunter Safety Course in CT that will teach you what you need to know.