Is there a need for a hunting license to hunt turkeys?

Licensing Requirements in Connecticut

In Connecticut, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) regulates wild turkey hunting through licensing and permitting requirements. To hunt turkeys, you must first obtain a valid hunting license from the DEEP, which costs around $29 for residents and $115 for non-residents. This license allows you to hunt various game species, including turkeys.

Turkey Permit Requirements

During the fall season, which typically lasts from late October to early December, a separate turkey permit is required to hunt wild turkeys. This permit costs around $10 for residents and $20 for non-residents. The permit allows you to hunt turkeys with a shotgun or bow and arrow, but you must follow specific regulations, such as checking in your harvested birds at a designated check station.

Bag Limit and Season Dates

In Connecticut, the spring turkey season typically runs from late April to early May, with a bag limit of one bearded turkey per day and a total of two bearded turkeys per season. The fall season, which is only open to hunters with a valid turkey permit, has a bag limit of one bearded turkey per day and a total of two bearded turkeys per season, with a minimum size requirement of 12 inches. You can find the most up-to-date information on turkey season dates and bag limits on the DEEP website or by contacting them directly.