Connecticut Deer Forecast: Grab Your Bow to Chase Whitetails

This whitetail hunting forecast for the state of Connecticut is part of Game & Fish’s “Great States" project identifying the best deer-hunting states in the country. Read more: America's Top Whitetail States

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Long Connecticut Season Means More Opportunities

Connecticut deer hunting include one of the longest seasons in the country, with 138 hunting days. Every year, around 43,000 hunters (including a couple thousand non-residents) target whitetails, with bag limits up to two either sex and two antlerless (for archery season).

Hunters harvest around 10,000 whitetails each season (five-year average). The deer herd numbers around 117,000 deer.

Popular season dates: Sept. 15-Dec. 31 and Jan. 1-31, Archery; Nov. 20-Dec. 10, Private Land Shotgun/Rifle/Revolver; Nov. 1-Dec. 31, Landowner Deer Hunting; Dec. 11-31, Private Land Muzzleloader.

With only two Boone and Crockett entries over the last 10 years, Connecticut may not be a trophy destination. But its solid harvest and lengthy season are pluses.

DID YOU KNOW?

WHAT’S A LEGAL BOW IN CT?

Legal bows include long, recurved, or compound bows with a minimum draw weight of 40 pounds and crossbows with a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds. Learn more.

Connecticut has the following restrictions on Sunday hunting. “Possession of hunting implements in the open on Sunday is prima facie evidence of violation (except for archery deer hunters on private land). Sunday hunting is allowed on licensed private shooting preserves and regulated dog training areas when the operator has permission from the town. Hunting may also take place on Sunday at permitted field trial events. Archery deer hunters can hunt on private land only on Sundays in all Deer Management Zones (zone map). All archery deer hunting on Sundays must take place at least 40 yards away from blazed hiking trails."

IT’S A FACT

HANDGUN HUNTING

To hunt with a revolver in Connecticut, a hunter must purchase a Firearms Hunting License, Private Land Shotgun/Rifle Deer Permit and a Revolver Deer Endorsement. Read the regs.

November is peak time for whitetail hunting in Connecticut. The peak of the rutting season is usually the last two weeks of the month.

Get more info: Detailed information on hunting seasons and rules can be found here.

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• Coming October 24: The annual Regional Rut Update begins weekly expert reports on whitetail activity from the woods near year. Sign up for the newsletter.

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