Hunting in Connecticut: Are Safety Courses Required to Hunt in Connecticut? How Do I Pass Classes?

In order to get any kind of hunting licensure or certification in the state of Connecticut, a hunter must complete a Connecticut Conservation Education/Firearms course in a specific sport, such as trapping, firearms hunting, or bowhunting. The following are the different hunting courses offered by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Conservation:

1. Firearms Hunting Course

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This class, which is free of cost, usually lasts for a total of 16 hours, spread out across two to three days. Run by certified volunteer instructors, Connecticut’s Firearms Hunting Course covers ethics, firearm laws, safe use of modern firearms, safe use of muzzleloading firearms, marksmanship, safe bowhunting techniques, wildlife identification and management, trapping, first aid, survival techniques, techniques for the care of harvested game, water hunting procedures, safe use of gun dogs, and wild turkey hunting. In order to successfully complete the course, students must attend every class and pass an ending examination with 80 percent correct. Upon completion of the course, the student is able to purchase a Firearms Hunting License.

2. Self-Study Firearms

An option for first time students, this self-study course features an online training program and an eight-hour field day. After completing the online portion, the student is required to attend the field day, which consists of lectures, live situations, gun handling, and examinations. In order to complete the course, the student must pass an examination on the Control of Actions and Behavior of Hunters with 100 percent. In addition, the student must demonstrate proficiency in gun handling and live shooting activities. The last examination is a multiple-choice test on general information, which the student must pass with 80 percent accuracy.

3. Firearms Accreditation Course

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Only available to experienced hunters, this course features an online portion and a field day lasting two to three hours. According to Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, an experienced hunter is defined as a hunter who has held a resident or non-resident firearms hunting license in any state. The student must pass an examination on the Control of Actions and Behavior of Hunters with 100 percent proficiency and demonstrate shooting ability in live conditions with provided weapons. The final examination is a general multiple-choice test, which the student must pass with 80 percent proficiency.

4. Bowhunting Course

This six-hour course features classroom lectures and hands-on field learning. Run by certified volunteers, this class is mandatory for any hunters seeking a bowhunting license.

5. Trapping Course

Six hours in length, this class covers basic trapping technique through classroom study and field work. In order to be licensed to trap coyotes, students must take the Coyote Land Trapping Course. Upon completion of both courses and purchase of a license, the student will be able to trap all furbearing animals.

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