The migratory bird hunting seasons in Connecticut start this month, and the state's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection wants residents to know about some important changes taking effect.
According to DEEP, the hunting seasons are for ducks, geese, woodcocks, snipes, rails and crows.
One of the important items to note is that the new state law allowing Sunday hunting on private lands, which goes into effect on October 1, does not apply to migratory bird hunting, officials said. Migratory bird hunting still will be closed on Sundays on both private and public land despite the recent change for other types of hunting.
The special September goose season started on Sept. 1 in the north zone, meaning the portion of the state north of Interstate 95, and begins on Sept. 15 in the south zone, meaning everything south of I-95, according to DEEP.
Several changes have been made to duck season in the "south zone" that allows for more Saturdays and holidays to take advantage of the ability to have three segments in the south zone season.
The early duck season opens on Oct. 11 in both the north and south zones, according to a DEEP spokesperson. The late duck season opens on Nov. 11 in both the north and south zones. The late season in the south zone has been split into two segments, officials said.
Hunters are reminded to purchase the 2025 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp before participating in migratory bird hunting this year, according to DEEP wildlife division director Jenny Dickson. "The 2025 stamp features a beautifully illustrated painting of a northern shoveler by local artist Alice Han. Alice's artwork was the best in show winner for the 2024 Connecticut Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest."
The stamp must be obtained by all migratory bird hunters, regardless of age, according to DEEP. All proceeds from the sale of the stamps goes into a dedicated account that is used solely for wetland habitat management and acquisition/improvement of hunter access.
The stamp, which includes the Harvest Information Program permit, costs $17, or $9 for junior hunters ages 12 to 17, and can be purchased at town clerk offices, some outdoor equipment vendors, and online at portal.ct.gov/CTOutdoorLicenses.
The stamp expires on Dec. 31, 2025. Officials say any hunters who plan to hunt migratory birds in the early portion of 2026 must purchase a 2026 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp along with their 2026 hunting license.
Specific details on season dates, bag limits, regulations and other reminders are published in the 2025-26 Migratory Bird Hunting Guide, which is available online at portal.ct.gov/DEEP.