Fall Archery Deer and Turkey Seasons Open in September

Press Releases 09/12/2025 Fall Archery Deer and Turkey Seasons Open in September Hunters and Other State Land Users Are Reminded to Wear Fluorescent Orange During Season (HARTFORD) - Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds residents that the 2025 fall archery hunting season for deer and turkey on state and private land opens on Monday, September 15. On private lands, the fall archery hunting season for deer and wild turkey extends until December 31, with the exception that on private lands in Deer Management Zones 11 and 12 the archery season for deer and wild turkey extends until January 31, 2026. On state lands open to archery hunting, the archery season for deer and wild turkey runs from September 15 to November 18 and from December 24 to December 31. Sunday Hunting on Private Lands: A new law passed during the 2025 Connecticut Legislative Session will provide additional opportunities for Sunday hunting on private lands beginning October 1, 2025. Prior to October 1, 2025, Sunday hunting rules remain status quo: the only type of hunting permitted on Sundays is archery hunting for deer on private lands, and deer archery hunters may not hunt within 40 yards of a blazed trail on Sundays. Beginning on October 1, 2025, when the new Sunday hunting law goes into effect, and going forward from that date, all hunting that is currently in season will be allowed on Sundays on private lands, subject to the same rules for private lands that are in place during the rest of the week, with the following exceptions: Hunters may not hunt on Sundays for migratory birds. Hunters may not hunt on Sundays within 40 yards of a blazed trail open to the public. An updated permission form for Sunday hunting for deer and turkey hunters. DEEP reminds hunters that the new Sunday hunting law only applies to private lands, and Sunday hunting on state and public lands and waterways remains closed. "DEEP applauds the Connecticut General Assembly for expanding Sunday hunting opportunities," said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. "By giving hunters more opportunities on weekends, this law supports one of DEEP's top priorities - creating equitable access to the outdoors." Wear Fluorescent Orange: Hunters are required to wear fluorescent orange while participating in most hunting activities. DEEP also highly recommends that everyone visiting state lands wear an article of fluorescent orange clothing (e.g., vest or hat) during the hunting season to maintain a safe outdoor environment for everyone. Bowhunters are reminded that they must wear 400 square inches of fluorescent orange while walking to and from their tree stands during the firearms deer hunting season. However, once in a tree stand elevated at least 10 feet off the ground, bowhunters may remove fluorescent orange clothing. Hunters: Take Precautions Against Mosquitoes and Ticks The State Mosquito Management Program has warned Connecticut residents about the risk of infection by West Nile virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) this season. Residents are advised to take proper precautions against mosquito bites and to avoid being outdoors from dusk to dawn. Precautions include 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 a repellent that repels both mosquitoes and ticks (ones that contain DEET are the most effective) and consider wearing permethrin-treated clothing. Carefully check yourself when you get home and remove any ticks promptly. Wash and dry any clothing. Additional Information on Hunting Seasons: For additional information on deer hunting seasons, see DEEP's deer hunting page. For additional information on wild turkey hunting seasons, see DEEP's turkey hunting page. Interested in learning how to get started with hunting? Visit the DEEP Hunting Roadmap with step-by-step instructions. There are roadmaps for all types of hunting, including deer and wild turkey. Important Rules and Requirements for Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Seasons Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamp: A Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamp was established in 2016 and replaced all turkey permits and the Pheasant Stamp. A Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamp is required to hunt any resident (non-migratory) game bird, including wild turkey, pheasant, ruffed grouse, partridge, and quail. The cost of the Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamp is: $28 for adult residents and non-residents; and $14 for Connecticut hunters ages 12 through 17 Wild turkey hunters planning to hunt in fall 2025 need a 2025 Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamp Harvest Tags: When hunters harvest a deer or turkey, they are required to fill out a Harvest Tag, sign it, and keep the Harvest Tag with the animal until it is processed for consumption. Copies of Harvest Tags and instructions are in the printed version of the 2025 Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide as well as on the DEEP website. Report Harvest: Hunters are required to report their deer and turkey harvest within 24 hours either on the DEEP website or by calling the toll-free number 1-877-337-4868. Deer hunters in Management Zones 11 and 12 who take advantage of the Replacement Antlerless and Earn-a-Buck tag programs must complete this same tagging and reporting procedure prior to going to a check station that issues replacement tags. A listing of replacement tag vendors is available on the DEEP website. After reporting their harvest via the internet or by telephone, hunters will be given a confirmation number to write on their Harvest Tag. This confirmation number serves as proof that the harvest was legally reported. Some wild turkeys have been marked with leg bands in eastern Connecticut. Harvested turkeys with a band should also be reported using the website printed on the band. Additional Information: All private land archery hunters are required to carry a DEEP consent form signed by the landowner and dated for the current season. Consent forms can be found in the Hunting Guide or at DEEP Hunting. Deer permits and Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamps can be purchased online at CT Outdoor Licenses or at participating town halls and vendors. Hunters should consult the DEEP Public Hunting Areas website for an up-to-date listing of new state lands open to archery hunting. Twitter: @CTDEEPNews Facebook: DEEP on Facebook Contact DEEP Communications [email protected] 860-424-3110 Twitter Facebook Email Print