Connecticut Bird Hunting

Seasons Span October 17 -February 28, 2027

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Official License Fees (Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection)

  • Resident:
    • Annual Small Game Firearms Hunting License: $19.00
    • Junior Small Game Firearms License (Ages 12–15): $11.00
    • Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamp: $28.00 (Adults); $14.00 (Youth ages 12–17)
    • Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp (Includes HIP): $17.00 (Adults); $9.00 (Youth ages 12–15)
  • Non-Resident:
    • Annual Non-Resident Firearms Hunting License: $91.00
    • Non-Resident 3-Day Bird Hunting License: $35.00
    • Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamp: $28.00
    • Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp (Includes HIP): $17.00

Season Dates, Daily Bag Limits & Possession Limits

Ring-Necked Pheasant

  • Statewide:
    • Season Dates: January 1 – February 28 and October 17 – December 31 (Junior Hunter Training Day: October 10)
    • Limits: 2 daily / 10 season limit (Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamp required)

Ruffed Grouse

  • Statewide:
    • Season Dates: October 17 – November 30
    • Limits: 1 daily / 8 season limit (Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamp required)

Bobwhite Quail

  • Statewide:
    • Season Dates: October 17 – October 31
    • Limits: 2 daily / 10 season limit (Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamp required)

Chukar & Hungarian Partridge

  • Statewide:
    • Season Dates: January 1 – February 28 and October 17 – December 31
    • Limits: 2 daily / 10 season limit (Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamp required)

American Woodcock

  • Statewide:
    • Season Dates: Late October – Mid-December (e.g., October 23 – December 13)
    • Limits: 3 daily / 9 in possession (Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp & HIP required)

Wilson’s Snipe

  • Statewide:
    • Season Dates: Early September – Late October, and Early November – Late November
    • Limits: 8 daily / 24 in possession (Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp & HIP required)

Weather Assessment & Bird Hunting Outlook

Official field evaluations from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) indicate that southern New England experienced a relatively mild winter overall, punctuated by short bursts of Arctic chill and coastal storm systems. While the mild winter favored overwinter survival for resident wild game birds, frequent late-spring precipitation across Connecticut’s river valleys generated cool, damp conditions during the vital May and June nesting window. This localized moisture created thermal stress for newly hatched ruffed grouse broods in northern early-successional hardwood stands. However, CT DEEP’s extensive state-managed pheasant stocking program across designated Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and state forests guarantees consistent opportunity for upland hunters. Uplanders targeting wild migratory birds should prioritize damp alder runs, river bottoms, and young aspen cuts for woodcock, while pheasant hunters will find high-density action on heavily stocked public lands such as the Flaherty Field Trial Area and Naugatuck State Forest.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the Connecticut DEEP website or the 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Guide. Report violations to DEEP’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-842-4357.