Connecticut

Sub-species: Eastern

Tags: Over the counter (Must also purchase a turkey stamp)

Application Period:  n/a

Electronic or Print at Home Fulfillment: YES

Hunter Education Requirement: Complete or have completed a Traditional or Self-Study Firearms Class or reciprocal certification from another state

Bag Limit: Five bearded birds per season

2026 Spring Season Dates: April 30- May 31

2026 Fall Season Dates:

Jan 1-31 Private Land Zones 11&12

Sept 15 – Dec 31 Private Land All Zones, State Land Bow Only Zones

Sept 15 – Nov 17 and Dec 23 – Dec 31 State Land

Special Youth Hunt: April 18-25 (excluding Sunday on State land)

Special Disabled Hunt: No

Decoys Allowed: Yes

Tagging Instructions: Immediately after making a kill, hunter must complete a harvest tag.  The harvest tag must be kept with the turkey until it is processed for consumption.  All turkeys must then be reported within 24 hours via the internet or by calling 877-337-4868.  To complete the report, you must know the 3-digit code of the town in which the turkey was killed.  If the turkey was killed on public land, you must also know the 3-digit code of the public hunting area.  See Tagging and Reporting Requirements.

Noteworthy Restrictions: Legal hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.  Legal shotguns are 20 gauge or larger with #4, 5, 6, 7, 7 1/2 shot or any combination there of and must not be capable of holding more than 3 shells.  Signed, written permission must be carried at all times while hunting private land.  You may not call turkeys for another hunter UNLESS on State Land you have a current Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamp with or without unused tages or on Private Land and have a current Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamp with or without unused tags and a signed consent form for the private parcel.  You may not attempt to take turkeys by participating in a cooperative drive.  You may not shoot turkeys from a building or other permanent structure.  You may not shoot turkeys roosting in trees.  No Sunday hunting on state lands.  Turkey hunting is now allowed on Sundays on private land only with any legal hunting implement allowed for the spring turkey season. Hunting on Sundays is not allowed within 40 feet of blazed public trails. 

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

860-424-3000

Purchase License Online

Licenses Needed to Hunt Turkeys