Connecticut

Connecticut Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Connecticut hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Jan 1 – Dec 31 season.

Last updated: March 2026

Resident License $19 General hunting

Non-Resident License $91 General hunting

Hunter Education Required Born after 1950-01-01

Online Purchase Yes Jan 1 – Dec 31

LICENSE FEES

Connecticut Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Jan 1 – Dec 31.

Resident Licenses

Resident Firearms Hunting $19 —

Resident Small Game & Deer Archery $41 —

Resident Youth Firearms (16-17) $10 —

Resident Junior Archery (12-15) $19 —

Resident Senior (65+) Free —

Non-Resident Licenses

Non-Resident Firearms Hunting — $91

Non-Resident Small Game & Deer Archery — $135

Non-Resident 3-Day Bird Hunting — $35

Tags & Permits

Deer Permit (Private Land Shotgun/Rifle) $19 $68

Deer Permit (State Land Lottery 'A' Season) $19 $68

Deer Permit (State Land 'B' Season) $19 $68

Deer Permit (Private Land Muzzleloader) $19 $68

Deer Permit (State Land Muzzleloader) $19 $68

Landowner Deer Permit Free Free

Game Bird Conservation Stamp $28 $28

Landowner Game Bird Stamp Free Free

Endorsements & Stamps

Revolver Deer Endorsement $5 Required for hunting deer with a revolver; add-on to firearms license

Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl hunters 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30

HIP Certification Free Free; required for migratory bird hunters

CT Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp $5 Required for migratory bird hunting in CT

PURCHASE

How to Buy a Connecticut Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit CT DEEP Online Licensing System. Create account or sign in. Select firearms ($19) or archery ($41) license. Add deer permits ($19 each for residents). Add Game Bird Conservation Stamp ($28) for turkey/pheasant. Pay with credit/debit card. Print your license and permits

Buy In Person

Select town halls statewide, Outdoor equipment retailers, DEEP offices (Sessions Woods, Franklin)

Buy By Phone

Call 860-424-3011. Service fee may apply

Shop for hunting gear at our partners:

Bass Pro Shops → Cabela's → Amazon → Academy Sports →

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Connecticut hunting license is online through the CT DEEP - Wildlife Division. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Connecticut

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after January 1, 1950

Online course: Available — Cost: Free

Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required

Minimum age: 12 years old

Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education

Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt

Start Your Hunter Education Course

EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Connecticut?

Youth (Under 12) Free No license required; must hunt with licensed adult within arm's reach

Youth (12-15) 50% off stamps/permits Junior hunting license; half-price on stamps and permits

Youth (16-17) 50% off licenses Half-price firearms hunting license ($10)

Senior (65+) Free Free annual firearms and trapping license; must renew annually

Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in CT pay resident rates

Landowner (10+ acres) Free deer + turkey Free Landowner Deer Permit and Game Bird Stamp for hunting own property

SEASONS

Connecticut Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

White-tailed Deer Archery Sep 15 – Dec 31 Bow and crossbow; 3.5 months

White-tailed Deer Shotgun/Rifle (Private Land) Nov 19 – Dec 9 Shotgun, rifle (private only); Private Land Consent required

White-tailed Deer State Land Firearms Nov-Dec – Varies Shotgun only; lottery permits

White-tailed Deer Muzzleloader Dec 10 – Dec 31 Muzzleloader

Turkey Youth Spring Apr 19 – Apr 20 Shotgun, bow; youth only

Turkey Spring Apr 26 – May 24 Shotgun, bow

Turkey Fall (Archery) Oct 4 – Nov 1 Bow only

Turkey Fall (Firearms) Oct 18 – Nov 1 Shotgun

Pheasant (Stocked) Regular Oct 11 – Nov 29 Shotgun; DEEP stocks WMAs

Ruffed Grouse Regular Oct 11 – Jan 31 Shotgun

Woodcock Regular Oct 4 – Nov 18 Shotgun; HIP required

Rabbit/Snowshoe Hare Regular Oct 11 – Feb 28 Shotgun

Squirrel Regular Sep 1 – Dec 31 Shotgun, .22 rifle

Duck/Waterfowl Regular Oct-Jan – Zone-specific Shotgun (non-toxic shot)

Coyote Year-Round Jan 1 – Dec 31 No limit; can be hunted anytime with valid license

BAG LIMITS

Connecticut Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

White-tailed Deer 1 Up to 4 (2 archery + 2 firearms) At least 1 antlerless; bonus antlerless in management zones; lotteried state land

Turkey (Spring) 1 2 Bearded turkeys; $28 Game Bird Stamp required

Turkey (Fall) 1 1 Either sex

Pheasant 2 No season limit Roosters only; DEEP-stocked WMAs

Ruffed Grouse 2 No season limit Wild; declining populations

Woodcock 3 No season limit Federal migratory; HIP required

Rabbit 3 No season limit Cottontail and snowshoe hare

Squirrel 5 No season limit Gray squirrel

COMPARE

How Connecticut Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

Connecticut $19 $91

New York $22 $100 Massachusetts $40 $112 Rhode Island $24 $65

Compare All 50 States

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Connecticut?

Resident firearms: $19. NR: $91. Archery/small game: $41/$135. Deer permits: $19/$68 each. Youth 16-17: 50% off. Free for CT residents 65+. One of the lowest base license fees in New England.

Can you use a rifle for deer in Connecticut?

Yes — but ONLY on private land with a Private Land Consent Form. Public land is shotgun, muzzleloader, and archery only. This is due to CT's high population density. Revolver endorsement ($5) also available.

What is the Game Bird Conservation Stamp?

The $28 stamp (youth $14) is required for turkey, pheasant, grouse, and quail. Funds upland habitat management and pheasant stocking on WMAs. Same price res/NR. Landowners 10+ acres get it free for own property.

How many deer can you take?

Up to 4 per season: 2 during archery, 2 during firearms. At least 1 must be antlerless. Bonus antlerless available in management zones. Multiple permit types for state vs. private land.

What is the Private Land Consent Form?

Written consent from a landowner required to hunt private land in CT. Allows rifle use (not permitted on public land). Templates from DEEP. No rifle on state land — shotgun/muzzleloader/archery only.

Do seniors hunt free?

Yes — CT residents 65+ get a free annual firearms hunting and trapping license. Must renew annually at DEEP. Youth 16-17 get 50% off, and under-12 hunt free with licensed adult supervision.

Is there a bear season?

As of 2026, CT does not have an established general bear hunting season. Black bear populations are growing; legislative proposals are ongoing. Currently, bears may only be taken in immediate self-defense situations.

Can I buy a CT license online?

Yes, through DEEP's Online Licensing System at ct.aspirafocus.com. Also at outdoor retailers, some town halls, and DEEP offices. Hunter education completion required for first-time buyers.