Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the dates for the 2017-2018 migratory bird hunting seasons, which include seasons for ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, rails, and crows. Specific details on season dates, bag limits, regulations, and other reminders are published in the 2017-2018 Migratory Bird Hunting Guide, which is available at  www.ct.gov/deep/hunting. Printed versions can be obtained at DEEP and town clerk offices.

Reminders for 2017-2018 –The 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 select DEEP offices, town clerk offices, and online at www.ct.gov/deep/sportsmenlicensing. The stamp must be obtained by ALL migratory bird hunters (regardless of age) who plan to hunt waterfowl, rails, snipe, woodcock, and crows. The 2017 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp will expire on December 31, 2017. Hunters must purchase the 2018 Stamp before January 1, 2018, if they plan to hunt into the early portion of 2018. All of the proceeds from the Connecticut Migratory Bird Stamp go into a dedicated account that is to be used solely for wetland habitat management and acquisition or for improving hunter access.

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 are reminded to be respectful of the environment and other people enjoying the outdoors. And, as always, be safe and have fun. Hunters should also report waterfowl leg bands. Band return information provides vital information for the continued sound management of the waterfowl resource. Report bands to the USGS at www.reportband.gov.

DEEP’s Conservation Education/Firearms Safety Program, in cooperation with the Connecticut Waterfowler’s Association (CWA), is offering a Waterfowl Hunting Seminar, which will provide participants with all of the basic information needed to get started or become a more successful waterfowl hunter. Expert instructors will provide interactive presentations on various aspects of duck and goose hunting, including decoy spreads, biology, shooting, calling, and hunting techniques. The seminar will be held on September 10, 2017, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at the Wildlife Division’s Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area in Burlington. A free pizza lunch will be provided by CWA following the seminar. Pre-registration is REQUIRED; please call 860-424-3015 or 860-424-3007 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM) to pre-register. Sign up early as space is limited.

Youth Waterfowl Hunter Training Days 

Connecticut will hold Youth Waterfowl Hunter Training Days on Saturday, October 7, and Saturday, November 4, 2017. Participants must be 15 years of age or younger, possess a valid junior small game hunting license and a Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp, and be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age. Adults must possess a valid hunting license; however, they are not allowed to hunt waterfowl. Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots may be hunted. 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 out the webpage for more details: www.ct.gov/deep/juniorhunter.

Photo Attachments:

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

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

2018 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp – Artist: Chet Reneson

Suggested Caption: The 2018 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp will be available for purchase on January 1, 2018. This stamp, which will cost $17, must be purchased by those hunting waterfowl, rails, snipe, woodcock, and crows. The artwork was created by local Connecticut artist Chet Reneson, who won the 2017-2018 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp Art Contest.