Crossbows, Muzzleloaders Added to Deer Seasons

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced that a number of proposed changes to hunting and trapping regulations were approved by the Legislative Regulations Review Committee.

Connecticut buckThe changes were approved Aug. 27 and are effective upon filing with the Secretary of State. They will be implemented for the upcoming autumn 2013 hunting seasons.

Major changes for deer hunters include adding crossbows as legal archery equipment, expanding junior deer and turkey hunter training opportunities, allowing muzzleloading firearms during the shotgun/rifle deer seasons and providing an orange clothing exemption for predator hunters.

“The timing of these new regulations could not have been better,” said Bill Hyatt, Chief of DEEP’s Bureau of Natural Resources. “Hunters are gearing up for an exciting fall season, with fall archery deer and turkey seasons fast approaching on Sept. 16.”

The changes are not currently published in the 2013 Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide, but will be included in the 2014 guide, which is in production. Details of the changes will be published soon on the hunting and trapping section of the DEEP’s website at www.ct.gov/deep/hunting.

The regulations were the subject of a public hearing held on Jan. 3. For a summary of the public hearing comments and final regulations wording, visit www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?A=2586&Q=514086

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