Hunting in Connecticut: 3 Animals to Hunt Year-Round

In Connecticut and elsewhere, hunters are only allowed to hunt most animals during very specific ranges of time. However, there are a few species with near-unlimited hunting seasons; more often than not, animals with such seasons are considered pests. The following are three animals with near-year-round hunting seasons.

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1. Coyotes

It is legal to hunt coyotes in Connecticut from January 1 to April 28 and from June 1 to December 31. Except for the month of May, coyotes are in season year-round. There are no daily and season bag limits; however, coyote kills must be reported either online or by phone, or pelt tagged. Hunters must obtain a firearms or archery hunting license.

Coyotes inhabit a flexible habitat: they can be found in developed areas such as wooded suburbs, parks, office parks, and beaches. According to Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, coyotes have become increasingly common in populated areas of Connecticut; they often prey on small pets. Able to run up to 40 miles per hour when being pursued, Eastern coyotes are typically bigger than Western coyotes due to interbreeding with Canadian wolves. They are also strong swimmers.

2. Woodchucks

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Connecticut's legal season for woodchuck hunting ranges from March 16 to April 28, June 1 to October 9, and October 17 to November 17. There are no daily or season bag limits. Hunters must possess a firearms or archery hunting license. Woodchucks (part of the rodent family) are considered to be pests. They cause damage to crops by feeding in fields and gardens. They also burrow holes in fields, which is dangerous for horses, livestock, and farm equipment. Woodchucks also damage fruit trees, which they use to sharpen their claws, mark their territory, and wear down the winter growth of their teeth. Woodchucks are strong swimmers, and are able to climb trees to escape prey; however, they mostly inhabit the ground. They hibernate from late October to February or March.

3. Gray Squirrels

The season for hunting gray squirrels ranges from January 1 to February 28, September 1 to September 30, and October 17 to December 31. Hunters must possess a firearms archery hunting license in order to legally hunt gray squirrels in Connecticut. According to the State of Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, hunters are restricted to bagging eight squirrels per day, and 40 per season. Gray squirrels tend to inhabit wooded areas, but adapt and spread out when such areas are cleared to make room for housing and industry. Gray squirrels, which are part of the rodent family, are the most common squirrels in Connecticut. Considered to be pests, they live in trees, and are adept at climbing and jumping. Their sharp senses of smell, hearing, and sight allow them to detect danger quickly; upon sensing danger, gray squirrels retreat to the trees.

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