Fall Archery Deer and Turkey Season Opens in September
Press Releases
09/14/2026
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 2026 fall archery hunting season for deer and turkey on state and private land opens on Tuesday, 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, 2027. Both deer and turkeys can be hunted on Sundays on private land only. Private land hunters pursuing deer and turkeys are reminded that they must obtain written permission from the landowner on an official form.
On state lands open to archery hunting, the archery season for deer and wild turkey runs from September 15 to November 17 and from December 23 to December 31. Hunting is not allowed on Sundays on state land.
Deer Hunters - Take Precautions Against Chronic Wasting Disease
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
“DEEP reminds residents to take precautions against mosquito and tick bites while enjoying outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and camping,” said DEEP Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino. “West Nile virus has been documented in mosquitoes in several Connecticut towns. Precautions include wearing insect repellent and covering bare skin, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.”
More information about mosquito-borne illnesses, 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
Specific details about the deer hunting and turkey hunting seasons are available on the DEEP website.
Interested in learning how to get started with hunting? Visit the DEEP Hunting Roadmap with step-by-step instructions for all types of hunting, including deer and wild turkey.
Resident Game Bird Conservation 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
- $14 for Connecticut hunters ages 12 through 17
Wild turkey hunters planning to hunt in fall 2026 need a 2026 Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamp. Hunting licenses, deer permits, and Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamps can be purchased at Connecticut’s Online Outdoor Licensing System or at participating town halls and vendors.
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 2026 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 DEEP’s Hunter Reporting 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.
- 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.
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
DEEP.Communications@ct.gov
860-424-4100
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