Hunting in Connecticut: Top Spots for Hunting in the Constitution State

As a state covered by more than 60 percent forestland, Connecticut is a haven for deer and other wildlife, making it also an ideal place for hunters.

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Although there are several urban areas, such as around New Haven and Hartford, within the state, there is plenty of open space in which to hunt as well. The state has a number of state forests and wildlife management areas (WMAs), many of these that are ideal for hunting. While protected forests dot the entire state, there is a particular concentration of them on the eastern side of the state.

Here is a look at some of the top spots for hunting in Connecticut, as mapped out by the state government's website:

Natchaug State Forest
Located in the northeastern part of Connecticut, the Natchaug State Forest is home to a variety of wildlife that can be hunted, not just deer. Hunting for deer is possible during both the no-lottery A season, and the latter no-lottery B season. Other hunting that is possible there is the fall archery hunt for deer and turkey, muzzleloader deer, fall firearms turkey, and spring turkey, along with various pheasant, small game and waterfowl hunting opportunities.

Peoples State Forest
Peoples State Forest, located on the northern border of Connecticut, is nestled among several other state forests, including Tunxis State Forest, American Legion State Forest, and Algonquin State Forest. Like the surrounding forests, Peoples State Forest has it fair share of game birds, small game, and deer to hunt, including during both no-lottery deer seasons. The area is also ripe with wild turkeys, which can be hunted, during the proper time of year, with archery equipment and firearms.

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Tunxis State Forest
Fans of hunting waterfowl and other game birds will want to make their way to Tunxis State Forest, which is on the northern border of the state not far from Peoples State Forest. This area is also home to moose and black bear, as well as deer and other small game.

Private Land
Some of the best hunting in the state of Connecticut occurs on private property. However, as with standard hunting, there are a number of rules to follow when hunting on privately owned land. For example, a hunter must have permission from the landowner, which is obtained through a consent form that the hunter must carry at all times, according to CtWhitetailAssociation.com. In addition, hunters should be licensed to hunt in the state, which also means completing the necessary safety courses for the type of hunting being used. Additionally, rifles may be used when hunting on private land that is more than 10 acres only. Any hunting taking place on private land less than 10 acres can only be done using shotguns, muzzleloaders, or archery equipment.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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