Regs., Conn. State Agencies tit. 26 | Regs., Conn. State Agencies Title 26 — Fisheries and Game

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

26-16 Public Use of State Facilities and Waters

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-16-1 Prohibited activities in access areas

At any boating access area which is under the control of the Department of Environmental Protection and is intended to provide public access, or parking related to such access to streams, lakes, ponds or tidal waters, including Long Island Sound, the following regulations shall apply:

(a) No person shall discard any fish or portion thereof.

(b) No person shall dispose of any litter, as defined in Section 22a-248 of the Connecticut General Statutes, except into a receptacle provided for such purpose, and no person shall dispose at such facility of any litter not generated at such access area.

(c) No person shall wash or clean any vehicle except a boat trailer. A vessel or boat trailer may be cleaned only with plain water. No person shall use any detergent or chemical agent to clean a vessel or boat trailer.

(d) No person shall park a vehicle except in an area designated by the Commissioner for parking.

(e) No person shall kindle a fire.

(f) No person shall engage in camping.

(g) No person shall engage in disorderly conduct.

(h) No person shall damage any building, equipment, poster or vegetation.

(i) No person shall use any such facility for purposes other than:

(1) fishing, where permitted;

(2) parking where permitted for the purpose of fishing, boating, hunting, or observing wildlife;

(3) launching of boats or;

(4) The observation of wildlife from constructed observation decks.

(j) No person shall use any such facility for any purpose when it is posted closed by the Commissioner.

(k) No person shall tie up, moor or anchor a vessel in a manner that may obstruct or interfere with the launching of any other vessel except when actively launching or retrieving a vessel.

(l) No person shall leave any vessel unattended in the water or on land, or tied to any state dock or pier.

(m) No person shall moor or anchor a vessel or leave a vessel on land at any such facility.

(n) No person shall engage in any commercial activity at such facility unless so authorized by the Department of Environmental Protection.

(o) No person shall erect or post any notice or sign unless authorized in writing by the Commissioner.

(p) No person shall consume any alcoholic liquor. "Alcoholic liquor" as used in this subsection, shall have the same definition as in Section 30-1 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

(q) No person shall engage in sport fishing from the courtesy docks or from the ramp surface when said sport fishing interferes with boating activities. "Courtesy docks" means, in this subsection, floating or non-floating platforms that are located adjacent to a launch ramp for use by boaters to facilitate the loading or unloading of boats.

(r) No person shall engage in bathing, swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving.

(s) Dogs must be on a leash no longer than seven (7) feet and under the control of their owner or keeper. The person responsible for the dog must hold the leash at all times. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to the proper use of dogs while in the act of hunting, however, all dogs may be prohibited on any area or during any time period when so posted by the Department.

History

Effective April 23, 1993; Amended March 9, 2004; Amended February 29, 2008

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-16-2 Limitations of public use of state controlled field trial and dog training areas

The public use of state-owned and state-controlled dog training and field trial areas administered by the Department of Environmental Protection shall conform with the following regulations:

(a) The area shall be closed for all purposes from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.

(b) There shall be no other use of the area while an authorized field dog trial is being conducted.

(d) Discarding of trash is prohibited.

(e) Garbage, trash and other materials shall not be brought to the area for disposal.

(f) Vehicles shall be parked only in authorized locations.

(g) The maximum speed of any vehicle shall not exceed 20 miles per hour.

(h) Kindling or open fires is prohibited.

(i) Camping is prohibited, except with written authorization from the department of environmental protection.

(j) Gambling in any form, disorderly conduct, intoxication, obscene or indecent behavior is prohibited.

(k) Damaging any building, fence, facility, poster, tree or shrub is prohibited.

(l) No notice, poster or sign shall be erected or placed without written permission of the department of environmental protection.

(m) Horses shall be kept off the oil-treated portion of any roadway.

(n) Only artificially propagated gamebirds (pheasants, chukar partridge, quail, ducks), and pigeons of either sex may be liberated. Special permits for other birds or animals must be obtained from the department of environmental protection.

(o) All birds liberated shall be full winged and capable of maintaining normal flight and shall be in a condition suitable to maintain themselves in the wild.

(p) No birds or animals are to be shot except during the open season; use of blank cartridges will be permitted. This restriction shall not apply to field trials held at Nod Brook management area, Dr. John E. Flaherty Field Trial Area or Mansfield Hollow Dam which are sanctioned by AKC, CASDFTA, or NAVHDA.

(q) Upon the completion of a field trial, no dogs shall be allowed to run free on the area until the morning of the following day.

History

Effective October 1, 1986

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-16-3 (Repealed)

Repealed August 20, 1974.

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-16-3a Limitations of Public Use of State Controlled Wildlife Management Areas

(a) Target shooting is prohibited on any wildlife management area unless so designated by the Department.

(b) All-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and all other motorized vehicles shall be prohibited on any wildlife management area unless so designated by the Department.

(d) Except as provided in Section 26-16-2 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, camping is prohibited on any state controlled Wildlife Management Area, except on the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area where camping, conducted in conjunction with an educational program approved by the commissioner, shall be permitted only if authorized in writing by the commissioner.

(e) Wildlife Management Areas shall be closed to the public from one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise except for hunting, fishing or other activities authorized by the Department.

(f) Dogs must be on a leash no longer than seven (7) feet and under the control of their owner or keeper. The person responsible for the dog, must hold the leash at all times. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to the proper use of dogs while in the act of hunting or the training of dogs for the specific purpose of hunting, however all dogs may be prohibited on any area or during any time period when so posted by the Department.

(g) In Wildlife Management Areas, the use of bicycles shall be prohibited on any trail, road, path or other area posted against such activity.

History

Effective October 18, 1996; Amended April 27, 2005; Amended February 29, 2008; Amended September 9, 2013; Amended February 4, 2020

26-27b Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-27b-1 Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp

(a) The requirement for possession of a Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp while hunting or taking waterfowl shall be in addition to the requirement for possession of a Connecticut small game hunting license and any other permit or stamp required by Connecticut or federal law. The stamp shall not be transferable.

(b) The price of the Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp shall be no more than thirteen dollars. Such stamps shall be issued annually beginning on January first and shall be valid for the calendar year of issuance, expiring on December 31 of said year.

History

Effective May 21, 1993; Amended April 27, 2005; Amended September 9, 2013

Department of Environmental Protection Department of Environmental Protection

26-31 Instructions in Trapping, Hunting and Archery

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-31-1 Trapper certification course fee

No person or organization shall be authorized to charge a fee for a trapper certification course without the commissioner's approval. In the event of such approval, the fee for such a course shall not exceed $3.00 per participant.

History

Effective October 1, 1982

26-40d Sport Fishing in the Inland District

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-40d-1 Taking, transfer and possession of threatened or endangered fish species

(a) The Commissioner may issue permits for the taking, as defined in section 26-304 of the Connecticut General Statutes, or delivery of any species determined to be threatened or endangered as listed in sections 26-306-4 and 26-306-5 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, for scientific, educational, biological or zoological purposes and for purposes of propagation for conservation of the species as defined in section 26-304 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

(b) A permit issued by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be issued for a term established by the Commissioner and shall not be transferable.

(c) The Commissioner may renew a permit issued by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (a) of this section upon receipt of a request for renewal on or before 30 calendar days preceding expiration of such permit.

(d) The Commissioner may determine the species, life stages, number of specimens, the area, method and period of taking, location and manner of display, confinement, storage, or propagation of specimens, and location, timing and method of disposition of any or all specimens under any permit issued by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.

(e) Each permittee shall report annually to the Commissioner on or before January thirty-first, information on the current status of specimens, disposition of specimens and any other information as may be required under a permit issued by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.

(f) Each permittee shall submit a final report including results of scientific studies, disposition of specimens and any other information as may be required under a permit issued by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (a) of this section on or before thirty days following expiration of a permit issued by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.

History

Adopted effective January 30, 2007

26-42 Raw Fur Dealers

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-42-1 Receipt of raw furs by fur dealers

No fur dealer licensed under Section 26-42 of the General Statutes, as amended, may accept, receive, buy or sell any raw fur of any beaver, bobcat, wild mink, river otter, red fox, gray fox, or coyote which has not been tagged by Department representatives. For the purposes of this section, raw fur means a pelt which has not been tanned, mounted, or processed in any way.

History

Effective October 1, 1985

26-47 Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-47-1 Licensed nuisance wildlife control operators

(a) No person shall obtain a nuisance wildlife control operator license without first presenting evidence of having obtained the appropriate certificate of competency issued by the Department.

(b) Nuisance wildlife control operators shall submit to the commissioner a nuisance wildlife control operator report between December 1 and December 31 of the current licensing year. Submission of such report shall be a condition for license renewal. Such report shall include the number, species, date, and location of animals captured, killed, or relocated and other information which the commissioner may deem necessary. Any licensee shall permit, at any reasonable time, any Department official to examine and inspect such records.

(c) Nuisance wildlife control operators shall outline to the persons seeking services the control methods to be used to relieve the nuisance problem and or to alleviate damage to livestock, crops, or property caused by wildlife.

(d) Nuisance wildlife control operators may use cage traps, box traps, padded leg-hold traps in the burrow of a wild animal, other nonlethal methods, or shooting to alleviate nuisance situations caused by the following species: striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), weasels (Mustela sp.), raccoons (Procyon lotor), opossums (Didelphis virginiana), woodchucks (Marmota monax), chipmunks (Tamias striatus), porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum), gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus sp.), snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), European Hare (Lepus europaeus), starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), house sparrows (Passer domesticus), pigeons (Columba livia), bats, moles, snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina), or snakes except timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) and black rat snake (Elaphe O. Obsoleta). The use of high velocity air guns or firearms under this section shall be subject to all state and municipal restrictions.

(e) No species, other than those listed in 26-47-1 (d), may be trapped or killed by a nuisance wildlife control operator without said operator first obtaining a special permit from the Department. Such permit shall establish the methods and procedures which may be used to alleviate the nuisance condition.

(f) The Department, upon receiving three or more complaints from persons seeking assistance regarding unsatisfactory or unethical performance by a licensed nuisance wildlife control operator, may suspend the license of such operator for a period as determined by the commissioner.

History

Effective January 1, 1987

26-48 Private Shooting Preserves

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-48-1 Permits

Any person or organization who owns or controls by lease or agreement the hunting rights on an area may apply for a regulated private shooting preserve permit. When the hunting rights are under lease or agreement, a true copy of such lease or agreement shall be filed with the department before the first permit is issued. Copies of any subsequent leases or agreements that add to the area shall be filed with the department and any lease or agreement that is cancelled shall be reported to the department.

History

Effective August 20, 1974

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-48-2 Area

(a) No permit shall be issued for an area of less than two hundred contiguous acres.

(b) The area shall be suitable for the purpose, and such use shall not endanger public safety or conflict with any reasonable prior public interest.

(c) The external boundaries of the area included in the permit shall be described in the original application and shown on a map that shall accompany the original application. Any subsequent changes in the area shall be shown on a map filed with the department.

(d) The external boundaries of the area included in the permit shall be adequately posted by the permittee at intervals of not more than five hundred feet with conspicuous signs of a size not less than 11″ x 16″. These signs shall include thereon the name of the person or organization holding the permit and the words "Private Shooting Area—Authorized under the regulation of the department of environmental protection.

History

Effective January 1, 1983; Amended April 27, 2005

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-48-3 (Repealed)

Repealed January 1, 1983.

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-48-3a Season

Permits issued by the department shall authorize the hunting of legally propagated gamebirds on the area covered by the permit during the period September fifteenth through March thirty-first of the following year, both dates inclusive.

History

Effective January 1, 1983

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-48-4 Hunting limited to persons authorized by permittee

Only persons authorized by the permittee shall be permitted to hunt on the property during the period covered by the permit.

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-48-5 (Repealed)

Repealed January 1, 1983.

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-48-5a Limitation on taking

(a) Permits issued by the department shall authorize the hunting of legally propagated pheasants, quail, chukar partridge and/or ducks, without regard to sex or daily and seasonal bag limits during the period specified in Section 26-48-3a.

(b) The number of pheasants, quail, chukar partridge and/or ducks harvested on the area included in the permit shall not exceed the total number of each species liberated by the permittee.

(c) The hunting of all other wildlife species not authorized under the permit shall be in accordance with state-wide regulations governing the season, and daily and season bag limits for each particular species.

(d) Repealed June 11, 2014.

(e) Repealed June 11, 2014.

Notes: Publisher’s note: Public Act 14-187 repealed subsections (d) and (e), effective June 11, 2014. (June 11, 2014)

History

Effective January 1, 1983; Amended June 11, 2014

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-48-6 Sunday hunting

Sunday shall be included as a day when hunting is permitted only if the permittee has obtained permission to hunt on Sunday on the area in conformance with section 26-73 of the general statutes. Any permittee who obtains permission to hunt on Sunday shall file with the department a true copy of such permission. When permission to hunt on Sunday has been revoked, the permittee shall inform the department of this fact within forty-eight hours.

History

Effective August 20, 1974

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-48-7 Identification and Records of Game Shot

(a)

(1) All pheasants, quail, chukar partridge and/or ducks shot on the property included in the permit and recovered shall be identified with a tag furnished at no cost by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection upon which the permittee shall have written their name and the date of taking. The department shall furnish said tags to any such permittee electronically through the department’s website and in the applicable annual Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide.

(2) A separate record shall be kept of all birds killed and recovered that are dressed and frozen and held on property.

(b) The permittee shall keep accurate, written daily records that shall be open to inspection by any duly authorized representative of the Department at any time. These records shall include (1) the name of each person hunting on the area; the day person was hunting and the amount of game, pheasant, quail, chukar partridge and ducks taken each day. (2) The number of all pheasant, quail, chukar partridge and ducks liberated on the area included in the permit, together with the dates when such birds were liberated. Not later than thirty days following the period for which the permit was issued, the permittee shall submit to the department a true copy of the permittee’s records on forms provided by the department.

History

Effective September 15, 1976; Amended September 9, 2013

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-48-8 Condition of game

All pheasants, quail, chukar partridge and/or ducks liberated on the area shall be healthy and free from disease, full winged and capable of maintaining reasonable flight according to age, in a condition suitable for release, capable of maintaining themselves in the wild and, with the exception of Cortuniz quail, shall not be less than twelve weeks of age.

History

Effective August 20, 1974

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-48-9 Renewal of permits

Permission to operate a regulated private shooting preserve is renewable annually at the option of the department and such application shall be made on forms provided by the department for this purpose.

History

Effective August 20, 1974

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-48-10 Revocation of permits

Permits to operate are subject to revocation at any time for a violation of any provision of chapter 490 of the general statutes, or for a violation of any regulation made by the department pertaining to regulated private shooting preserves.

History

Effective August 20, 1974

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-48-11 Liberation of legally propagated game birds

Upon written request from the permittee, the department may grant permission authorizing the liberation and subsequent shooting of legally propagated game birds, in addition to pheasants, quail, chukar partridge and/or ducks, on the area and during the period covered by the permit in effect at the time of such application. The required liberation and the number of birds authorized to be shot will be determined by the department for each specific request. All birds liberated and shot under such authorization shall be subject to sections 26-48-5, 26-48-7 (a) (1), (2), 26-48-7 (b) and 26-48-8.

History

Effective August 20, 1974

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-48-12 (Repealed)

Repealed August 20, 1974.

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

26-48a Hunting and Trapping

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-48a-1 Pheasant season, bag limits, tags, use and reporting

(a) (1) The open season for taking pheasant shall be from the third Saturday in October through the last day in February.

(2) The second Saturday in October shall be designated as junior pheasant hunting training day. On this day, only hunters having a valid Connecticut junior firearms hunting license and pheasant harvest stamp may hunt. The accompanying adult mentor shall have in his/her possession a valid Connecticut hunting license. The adult mentor shall not carry a firearm.

(3) The daily bag limit shall not exceed two pheasants and the season bag limit shall not exceed ten pheasants, except as provided in subsection (f) of this section.

(b) No person, required to be licensed per Section 26-27 of the Connecticut General Statutes as amended, shall kill, take, possess or transport any pheasant without a valid pheasant stamp, except as provided in subsection (j) of this section.

(d) Pheasants taken under the provisions of Sections 26-48, 26-49 and 26-52 of the Connecticut General Statutes shall not be subject to regulations provided under this section.

(e) All stamp holders who are contacted by the department for the purposes of surveying pheasant hunting activity shall complete a hunting season activity report by the method specified in the hunting and trapping guide published annually by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

(f) (1) Members and guests of a private hunting club shall not be subject to state pheasant stamp requirements or seasonal bag limitations under subsections (a) and (b) of this section when hunting on club lands provided such club has qualified for an exemption pursuant to this subdivision. Members and guests of a private hunting club shall not be subject to daily bag limitations if a club tag is affixed to each pheasant taken on club lands. The club tag shall be affixed to the pheasant immediately upon kill and remain attached to the pheasant until it is prepared for consumption or mounted for display. The following information shall be printed legibly on each club tag: the name of the exempted club, date of taking, and the hunter’s current hunting license number. To qualify for an exemption, under this subdivision, a private hunting club shall:

(A) Obtain an application form for exemption from the Wildlife Division of the Department;

(B) Secure the signature of the local Department Conservation Officer on the completed application form prior to submitting it to the Wildlife Division;

(D) Purchase and/or raise pheasants for liberation on club lands; and

(E) Post the boundaries of all club lands to be subject to such exemption in accordance with instructions from the Wildlife Division.

(2) The exemption shall be effective when the completed application form is signed by an authorized representative of the Wildlife Division.

(3) For the purposes of this section, "club lands" shall be defined as those lands which are closed to the public and which the club owns, leases or uses for hunting pursuant to an agreement with a private landowner. "Club lands" shall exclude lands on which pheasants are released under any state cooperative program.

(4) The Commissioner may revoke an exemption for submission of false or misleading statements on the application form or violation of the requirements of section 26-48a-1(j)(1)(C) or (D). Revocation shall be effective when the hunting club receives written notice of revocation.

History

Effective May 16, 1996; Amended August 30, 1999; Amended December 18, 2002; Amended April 27, 2005; Amended October 4, 2011; Amended July 7, 2016

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-48a-2 Fees for permits to hunt wild turkey

The fee for a permit to hunt wild turkey on state-owned and private lands shall be ten dollars for spring season permits and five dollars for fall season permits.

History

Effective January 1, 1983

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-48a-3 Migratory Bird Harvest Permit

(a) No person required to be licensed under section 26-27 of the Connecticut General Statutes as amended shall hunt, possess or transport any migratory game bird, other than a crow, without also possessing a Migratory Bird Harvest Permit (“Permit”) issued by the Commissioner.

(b) The permit is valid for a calendar year, and expires December 31.

(d) A permit may be purchased from any licensing agent for four dollars.

(e) Any person purchasing a permit shall possess a current hunting license issued per Section 26-27 of the Connecticut General Statutes and provide his or her name, date of birth, current mailing address and complete a questionnaire regarding his or her hunting and harvest of migratory birds.

History

Adopted effective May 29, 1998; Amended September 9, 2013

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-48a-4 Trout and salmon stamp

(a) No person required to obtain a license to sport fish under the provisions of section 26-27 of the Connecticut General Statutes shall fish in any Trout Management Area, as provided in section 26-112-46(c) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, any Wild Trout Management Area, as provided in section 26-112-46(g) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, any Trout Park, as provided in section 26-112-46(i) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, or any Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Area, as provided in section 26-112-46(h) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, without first obtaining a trout and salmon stamp.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this subsection, no person required to obtain a license to sport fish under the provisions of section 26-27 or section 26-28b of the Connecticut General Statutes, shall possess on the waters of the inland district or the marine district, or on the shores of such waters, Atlantic Salmon, trout or kokanee without first obtaining a trout and salmon stamp.

(c) No trout and salmon stamp shall be required for any person possessing trout in the waters or on the shores of any stream or pond the waters of which have been stocked with trout at no expense to the state.

(d) Trout and salmon stamps shall be issued for a calendar year, and shall expire December thirty-first next following the date of issue and shall not be transferable. The fee for a trout and salmon stamp shall be five dollars.

History

Effective March 9, 2018

26-49 Hunting Dogs

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-49-1 Training

The training of hunting dogs shall be permitted in the field at any time except as provided in section 26-66-3 (i), provided due care shall be exercised to avoid injury to any protected wildlife.

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-49-2 Hunting Dog Training Areas

(a) The size of the area where dog training is permitted shall be not more than 300 acres; however, the area where the shooting of birds will be permitted in connection with dog training shall be not less than five acres nor more than ten acres in size and shall be in a single block.

(b) The external boundaries of the dog training area shall be conspicuously posted and the area where the shooting of birds is permitted in connection with dog training shall be adequately posted by the permittee at intervals of not more than 100 feet with conspicuous signs of a size not less than 11" X 16". These signs shall include the name of the permittee and the words “Regulated Dog Training Area ... Authorized under regulations of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.”

(c) The area where the shooting of birds is permitted in connection with dog training shall be in a location that does not conflict with any reasonable prior public interest, shall be suitable for the purpose, where the discharge of firearms will not endanger public safety, and shall be on or in close proximity to the private shooting preserve, game farm or commercial kennel of the permittee.

(d) Only artificially propagated pheasant, chukar partridge, quail, ducks and pigeons of either sex may be liberated and shot.

(e) All birds liberated shall be full-winged and capable of maintaining normal flight and shall be in a condition suitable to maintain themselves in the wild.

(f) No game bird or pigeon shall be permanently confined on the area where shooting is permitted in connection with the training of dogs by use of any device.

(g) All birds after they are shot in connection with dog training, shall be identified with a tag furnished at no cost by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection upon which the permittee shall have written their name and the date of taking. The department shall furnish said tags to any such permittee electronically through the department’s website and in the applicable annual Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide.

(h) The permittee shall keep accurate written daily records which shall be open to inspection by any duly authorized representative of the department at any reasonable time. These records shall include:

(1) The name of each person hunting on the area, the day the person was hunting and amount of game, pheasant, quail, chukar partridge and ducks taken each day.

(2) The number of all pheasants, quail, chukar partridge, and ducks liberated on the area included in the permit, together with the dates when such birds were liberated. Not later than thirty days following the period for which the permit was issued, the permittee shall submit to the department, a true copy of his records on forms provided by the department.

History

Effective January 1, 1992; Amended September 9, 2013

Department of Environmental Protection Department of Environmental Protection

26-50 Training of Bird Dogs By Use of Live Pheasants

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-50-1 (Repealed)

Repealed October 1, 1984.

26-51 Dog Training, Non-Shooting Field Dog Trials

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-51-1 (Repealed)

Repealed October 1, 1983.

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-51-2 Field dog trials at which birds or quadrupeds are not shot

Field dog trials at which birds or quadrupeds are not shot are subject to the following:

(a) Due care shall be exercised to avoid injury to any protected wildlife.

(b) If firearms are used, blank cartridges only shall be discharged.

(c) Trials shall be run only during daylight hours except that when permission of the landowner is obtained, non-shooting raccoon trials may be held at night.

(d) Only dogs duly entered and under judgment shall be permitted to run free on the area during the trial.

(e) Upon the completion of the trial, no dogs shall be allowed to run free on the area until the morning of the following day.

(f) Only birds in excellent physical condition shall be used for any bird dog or retriever trial. Birds with clipped wings or otherwise mutilated, shall not be used.

(g) Field dog trials shall be held on lands suitable for the purpose and approved by the commissioner.

(h) Beagle hound trials are permitted only between the dates of September first to May thirty-first, both dates inclusive.

(i) A report on the trial on a form furnished by the commissioner must be submitted to the commissioner by the agent of the commissioner within one week of the end of the trial.

History

Effective October 1, 1983

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

26-52 Shooting Field Dog Trials

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-52-1 Permits for Shooting Birds Liberated at Field Dog Trials

The commissioner will issue permits for field dog trials at which birds may be shot subject to the following regulations:

(a) Birds may be shot at all field dog training trials, and other trials which are licensed or sanctioned by the AKC, CASDFTA or NAVHDA.

(b) Field dog trials at which birds may be shot may be held during daylight hours, any time, including Sunday.

(c) The location where such field dog trial is held shall be suitable for that purpose and such trial shall not endanger the public safety. State-owned lands approved for shooting field dog trials are the Nod Brook Management Area, Dr. John E. Flaherty Field Trial Area, Mansfield Hollow Dam, and Sugarbrook Field Trial Area.

(d) Only pheasant, quail, chukar partridge, ducks and pigeons of either sex shall be liberated and shot at field dog trials.

(e) A minimum of five of any of the following species, pheasant, quail, chukar partridge, ducks or pigeons shall be liberated at each field dog trial.

(f) All pheasants, quail, chukar partridge, ducks or pigeons liberated at field dog trials for the purpose of their being shot shall have complete wing feathers, shall be capable of maintaining normal flight and shall not be confined to the field trial area by use of any device.

(g) No pheasant, quail, chukar partridge, or duck shall be liberated unless it was obtained from the same source of supply as that stated in the permit, except with the permission of the commissioner.

(h) All pheasant, quail, chukar partridge or ducks shot shall be identified with a tag furnished at no cost by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection upon which the permittee shall have written their name and the date of taking. The department shall furnish said tags to any such permittee electronically through the department’s website and in the applicable annual Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide.

(i) A report on the trial, on a form furnished by the commissioner, must be submitted to the commissioner by the agent of the commissioner within one week of the end of the trial.

(j) Birds escaping from the trial course shall not be hunted further by trial participants or spectators on the same day as the trial. Shooting by trial participants off the bird field area as designated by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is prohibited.

(k) A permit to hold a field dog trial at which birds may be shot shall cost thirty five dollars ($35.00) if held at the Nod Brook Management Area, Dr. John E. Flaherty Field Trial Area or Mansfield Hollow Dam and sanctioned by the AKC, CASDFTA or NAVHDA, and eighteen dollars ($18.00) if held on private lands.

History

Effective January 1, 1992; Amended September 9, 2013

Department of Environmental Protection Department of Environmental Protection

26-54 Wildlife Pen Specifications

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-54-1 Wildlife pen specifications

(a) Any bird or quadruped possessed under the provisions of section 26-54 or 26-55 of the General Statutes shall be cared for and held in pens conforming to specifications established by the department of environmental protection.

(b) Raccoons possessed under the provisions of section 26-54 or 26-55 of the General Statutes shall be held in pens conforming to specifications established by the department of environmental protection. Permits shall not be granted to individuals not meeting the required minimum pen specifications.

History

Effective January 1, 1983

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

26-55 Importation of Fish, Birds and Quadrupeds

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-55-1 Importation, transportation or liberation of live fish or live fish eggs

No person, firm or corporation shall import into this state, transport for the purpose of liberation within this state or liberate into the waters of this state live fish or live fish eggs except as hereinafter provided.

(a) Permits for the importation or liberation of live fish and live fish eggs may be issued at the discretion of the Commissioner.

(b) No permit for the importation or liberation of live fish or live fish eggs shall be issued to cover a period of more than sixty days and a separate application must be made for each importation or liberation of live fish or live fish eggs.

(c) All applications for an importation permit or liberation permit shall include the full name and address of the applicant and the vendor from whom the live fish or live fish eggs will be obtained, the number of each species of live fish or live fish eggs to be imported or liberated, the purpose of such importation or liberation and, if such live fish or live fish eggs are to be liberated, the name and location of the waters where such live fish or live fish eggs are to be liberated.

(d) Any live fish or live fish eggs originating outside of the United States, or originating from west of the United States continental divide, must have originated from a source that has obtained a current fish health certification issued by a person or persons acceptable to the Commissioner and such fish health certification shall accompany the shipment of such live fish or live fish eggs. Any live fish or live fish eggs originating outside of the United States must, in addition, have official clearance in writing, from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

(e) Representatives of the Commissioner may inspect any imported fish or fish eggs being brought into the state. The Commissioner may order that any live fish or live fish eggs, suspected of carrying diseases, pathogens or parasites capable of inducing any disease, be quarantined, at permittee's expense, for a period of up to one hundred and twenty days.

(f) Any fish which show evidence of any disease, pathogen or parasite capable of inducing any disease shall be immediately taken to the state fish pathologist for examination and diagnosis. In the event that any disease, pathogen or parasite capable of inducing any disease is determined to be present by said pathologist the Commissioner may in the public interest, order that all imported fish as well as any other fish present in the waters containing such imported fish be destroyed by whatever means he shall determine is the most practical and in the best public interest.

(g) No imported fish or fish eggs shall be liberated or introduced into the waters of the state if they are known to be infected with disease or infected with parasites which, in the opinion of the Commissioner, would make the liberation of such fish inadvisable in the interest of protecting humans, resident fish species or established exotic fish species from disease or parasitism.

(h) No permit shall be required to import live, common aquarium species. The importation or possession of piranha of the subfamily: Serrasalminae, genera Serrasalmus, Serrasalmo, Pygocentrus, Teddyella, Rooseveltiella and Pygopristus, and walking catfish of the family Clariidae, genera Clarias, Heteropneustes, Dinotoplerus and Heterobranchus is prohibited except that the Commissioner may at his discretion issue permits for the importation and possession, when it is in the public interest, for public display purposes, of specimens of piranha and walking catfish. Such possession permits shall be issued for a calendar year and the applicant must request renewal of said permit prior to December thirty-first of the year said permit is in effect. Renewal of said permit shall be at the discretion of the Commissioner. Such permittee shall report annually to the Commissioner during the month of December on the status and health of the specimens for which said permit is issued, except that in the case of death of said specimens the permittee shall report same to the Commissioner within seven days.

(i) The importation, possession or liberation of grass carp or white amur (Ctenopharyngodon idella) is prohibited, except that the Commissioner, at his discretion, may issue a permit for the importation, possession and liberation of triploid (sterile) grass carp into lakes and ponds of this state as herein provided.

(1) Waters into which triploid grass carp are to be liberated may be inspected by an agent of the Commissioner.

(2) The Commissioner shall not issue a permit for the liberation of triploid grass carp into any lake or pond where multiple individuals or entities own the property immediately abutting the lake or pond, unless:

(A) the applicant provides notice to the owners of record of each property immediately abutting the lake or pond by mail to the owner’s address on the most recent grand tax list of the municipality in which such properties are located or by personal delivery and receives written agreement to such liberation from such owners; or

(B) at least thirty (30) days prior to the Commissioner issuing the permit:

(i) the Commissioner publishes a notice of the application on the department’s web site; and

(ii) the applicant provides a notice of application to the chief executive officer, as described in section 7-193 of the Connecticut General Statutes, for each municipality in which the lake or pond is located. The notice of application may reference the notice published on the department’s website but shall, at a minimum, contain the heading “Notice of Application to Liberate Triploid Grass Carp”; the name of the applicant; the location of the proposed activity by the name of the lake or pond and the municipality or municipalities in which the lake or pond is located; and the address, telephone number and e-mail address of the applicant. In addition to such notice, and prior to issuing any permit for such liberation, the Commissioner may require the applicant to attend a public information meeting conducted by the department regarding the application to be held in any municipality in which the lake or pond is located.

(3) The Commissioner shall not issue a permit for the liberation of triploid grass carp into any waters unless the outlet and inlet of such waters are, in his opinion, adequately screened so as to prevent the emigration of such grass carp or unless such waters are ecologically isolated. For the purposes of this subsection, ecologically isolated means any waters from which, in the opinion of the Commissioner, the emigration of such grass carp will not significantly impact public waters or waters of another, or from which there is no surface water outflow.

(4) Any permit for the liberation of triploid grass carp issued by the Commissioner may prescribe the number and size class of triploid grass carp that may be liberated.

(5) Such fish shall be certified as triploid prior to shipment by a person or persons acceptable to the Commissioner and such certification shall accompany the shipment of such fish.

(6) At least fourteen (14) days prior to importation of such fish, the permittee shall notify the Commissioner of the date that any grass carp are to be imported and the location where such fish may be inspected.

(7) Such fish may be inspected and may be sampled and tested for triploidy by an approved method by an agent of the Commissioner prior to liberation.

(8) Any shipment of grass carp which contains any diploid (fertile) individuals shall be confiscated and disposed of at the discretion of the Commissioner.

(9) The owner of any lake or pond into which grass carp are liberated shall allow agents of the Commissioner to monitor the population dynamics of the grass carp and other environmental conditions of the pond in order to determine the long term efficacy of grass carp in Connecticut waters.

(10) In the event that any grass carp or white amur, that are capable of reproduction, are liberated into or found in any waters of this state, the Commissioner may, in the public interest, order that all such fish as well as any other fish present in such waters be destroyed by whatever means he shall determine to be the most practical and in the best public interest except as provided in section 26-55a of the Connecticut General Statutes.

(j) Live fish or live fish eggs of the following species, genera or families shall not be imported into the state or possessed except that, when it is in the public interest, permits for the importation or possession of specimens may be issued, at the discretion of the Commissioner, for research or public display purposes or as provided for in section 26-40d-1 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies:

(1) bowfin (Amia calva);

(2) gars (Lepisosteidae);

(3) gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum);

(4) white bass (Morone chrysops);

(5) freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens);

(6) snail carp or black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus);

(7) silver carp (Hypophthalmicthys molitrix);

(8) big head carp (Aristichthys nobilis);

(9) tench (Tinca tinca);

(10) rohu (Labeo rohita);

(11) calbasu (Labeo calbasa);

(12) catla (Catla catla);

(13) mrigal (Cirrhina mrigala);

(14) mahseer (Tor tor);

(15) crucian carp (Carassius carassius);

(16) rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus);

(17) european whitefish, orfe or ide (Leuciscus idus);

(18) any species of fish whose importation into the United States is prohibited;

(19) any species of fish designated rare, threatened or endangered;

(20) any species of fish which the Commissioner determines is potentially dangerous to humans, established species of fish or established aquatic plants;

(21) Snakehead (including all members of the genus Channa and Parachanna or their generic synonyms of Bostrychoides, Ophicephalus, Ophiocephalus and Parophiocephalus); and

(22) Sturgeon (including all members of the family Acipenseridae, genera Acipenser, Huso, Scaphirhyncus and Pseudoscaphihryncus and their hybrids).

Permits issued by the Commissioner under this subsection shall be for a term established by the Commissioner and shall not be transferable. The Commissioner may renew such permits upon receipt of a request for renewal on or before thirty (30) calendar days preceding expiration of such permit. The Commissioner may determine the species, life stages, number of specimens, location and manner of display, confinement, or storage of specimens, and location, timing and method of disposition of any or all specimens under any permit. Each permittee shall report annually to the Commissioner on or before November thirtieth, information on the current status of specimens, results of scientific studies, disposition of specimens and any other information as may be required under said permit. In the event that any of the species listed previously in this subsection are liberated or introduced into any waters of the state, the Commissioner may, in the public interest, order that all such fish as well as any other fish present in such waters be destroyed by whatever means he shall determine is the most practical and in the best public interest.

(k) The transporter of any live fish or live fish eggs that are destined for any state waters shall be in possession of a copy of the importation or liberation permit covering such live fish or live fish eggs and any applicable fish health certification. Any box, package or container holding live fish or live fish eggs transported by a common carrier and destined for delivery in this state shall have attached thereto and in plain view a copy of the permit covering such importation and any applicable fish health certification.

History

Effective January 1, 1994; Amended April 27, 2005; Amended January 30, 2007; Amended October 4, 2011; Amended March 6, 2015

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-55-2 (Repealed)

Repealed March 5, 2012.

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-55-3 Possession of Salamanders and Turtles

(a) No person shall possess in excess of three (3) Spotted Salamanders, (Ambystoma maculatum), at any time.

(b) No person shall possess in excess of three (3) Marbled Salamanders, (Ambystoma opacum), at any time.

(d) Repealed June 11, 2014.

(e) Repealed June 11, 2014.

(f) Repealed June 11, 2014.

(g) No person shall possess in excess of ten (10) adult Common Snapping Turtles, (Chelydra serpentina), at any time. This restriction shall not apply to turtles that can be documented as being bred in captivity and legally obtained.

(h) No person shall possess in excess of one (1) Spotted Turtle, (Clemmys guttata), at any time.

Notes: Publisher’s note: Public Act 14-187 repealed subsections (c) through (f), inclusive, effective June 11, 2014. (June 11, 2014)

History

Effective February 16, 1994; Amended September 9, 2013; Amended June 11, 2014; Amended July 7, 2016

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-55-4 Importation and possession of deer, moose, and elk carcasses and parts

(a) No person shall import or possess whole carcasses or parts thereof of any deer, moose, or elk from wild or captive herds from other states or Canadian Provinces where chronic wasting disease has been confirmed, including, but not limited to, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Montana, South Dakota, Kansas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Nebraska, Oklahoma, New York, West Virginia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Any additional states and provinces where chronic wasting disease is confirmed will be published in the Department's annual Hunting and Trapping Guide and on the Department's Web site. This provision shall not apply to meat that is de-boned, cleaned skullcaps, hides or taxidermy mounts.

(b) No person shall possess or use for the purposes of taking or attempting to take or attract deer, or for surveillance or scouting of deer, any product that contains or purports to contain deer urine.

History

Adopted effective October 3, 2007; Amended February 4, 2020

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-55-5 Possession of nuisance aquatic invertebrates

(a) The importation, introduction into the state, possession or liberation therein of live specimens or eggs of the following species, genera or families of aquatic invertebrates is prohibited, except that, when it is in the public interest, permits for the importation or possession of specimens may be issued, at the discretion of the Commissioner, for control, eradication, research or educational purposes:

(1) quagga mussel, including veligers (Dreissena bugensis);

(2) zebra mussel, including veligers (Dreissena polymorpha);

(3) Chinese mitten crab, (Eriocheir sinensis);

(4) New Zealand mud snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum);

(5) any species of aquatic invertebrate whose importation into the United States is prohibited; and

(6) any species of aquatic invertebrate designated rare, threatened or endangered.

(b) The importation, introduction into the state or liberation therein of live specimens or eggs of the following species, genera or families of aquatic invertebrates is prohibited, except that, when it is in the public interest, permits for the importation of specimens may be issued, at the discretion of the Commissioner, for research or educational purposes:

(1) Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea); and

(2) rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus).

(c) The use of individuals, living or dead, of any species listed in subsection (a) or (b) of this section as bait is prohibited, except that those species listed in subsection (b) of this section may be used as bait in the waters from which they were taken.

(d) Permits issued by the Commissioner for control, eradication, research or educational purposes shall be for a term established by the Commissioner as determined by the needs of each specific control, eradication, research or educational program and shall not be transferable. The Commissioner may renew such permits upon receipt of a request for renewal on or before thirty (30) calendar days preceding expiration of such permit. The Commissioner may determine the species, life stages, number of specimens, location and manner of display, confinement, or storage of specimens, and location, timing and method of disposition of any or all specimens under any permit. Each permittee shall report annually to the Commissioner on or before November thirtieth, information on the current status of specimens, results of scientific studies, disposition of specimens and any other information as may be required under said permit.

History

Effective October 4, 2011

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-55-6 Importation, possession or liberation of wild birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates

(a) Definitions. As used in this section:

(1) "Aquarium" means a facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, or the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums;

(2) "Category One Wild Animal" means, notwithstanding changes in taxonomic nomenclature, any wild animal, gamete or hybrid of any of the following:

(A) A member within the family Felidae (including, but not limited to, lion, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, ocelot, jaguarundi cat, puma, lynx and bobcat) except Bengal cat pursuant to section 26-40a of the Connecticut General Statutes;

(B) A member within the family Canidae (including, but not limited to, wolf and coyote);

(D) A member within the family Hominidae (including, but not limited to, gorilla, chimpanzee and orangutan);

(3) "Category Two Wild Animal" means any wild animal, gamete, or hybrid thereof, as follows:

(A) That is not a Category One Wild Animal; and

(B) That is, notwithstanding changes in taxonomic nomenclature:

(i) A species referenced as injurious wildlife in 50 CFR 16.11,

(ii) A member within the family Elephantidae (including, but not limited to, African elephant),

(iii) A member within the order Primate (including, but not limited to, capuchin, macaque, lemur and marmoset),

(iv) Wolverine (Gulo gulo),

(v) A member within the family Hyaenidae (including, but not limited to, brown hyaena, spotted hyaena, striped hyaena and aardwolf),

(vi) A member within the genus Dendrolagus (including, but not limited to, tree kangaroos),

(vii) A member within the genus Dorcopsis (including, but not limited to, dorcopsis and New Guinea forest wallabies),

(viii) A member within the genus Dorcopsulus (including, but not limited to, lesser forest wallaby),

(ix) A member within the genus Lagorchestes (including, but not limited to, hare-wallabies),

(x) A member within the subgenus Osphranter (including, but not limited to, red kangaroo),

(xi) A member within the subgenus Macropus (including, but not limited to, gray kangaroo);

(xii) A member within the genus Onychogalea (including, but not limited to, nail-tailed wallaby),

(xiii) A member within the genus Petrogale (including, but not limited to, rock wallaby),

(xiv) Quokka (Setonix brachyurus),

(xv) A member within the genus Thylogale (including, but not limited to, pademelons),

(xvi) Swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor);

(xvii) A member within the family Viveridae (including, but not limited to, civets, genets, binturong, linsangs),

(xviii) A member within the family Herpestidae (including, but not limited to, mongooses, meerkats),

(xix) A member within the family Dasypodidae (including, but not limited to, armadillos),

(xx) A member within the family Mephitidae (including, but not limited to, striped skunk),

(xxi) A member within the family Procyonidae (including, but not limited to, common raccoon),

(xxii) A member within the suborder Suiformes (including, but not limited to, wild boar, warthog, hippopotamus, and peccary),

(xxiii) A member within the order Chiroptera (bats),

(xxiv) A member within the family Rhinocerotidae (rhinoceros),

(xxv) A member within the order Rodentia, except for guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus), chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera), rat (Rattus norvegicus), mouse (Mus musculus), hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), dwarf hamster (genera Phodopus and Cricetulus), Patagonia mara (Dolichotis patagonum) and American beaver (Castor canadensis),

(xxvi) Mute swan (Cygnus olor),

(xxvii) Monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus),

(xxviii) A member within the order Crocodylia (including, but not limited to, alligator, crocodile and caiman),

(xxix) A member within the family Elapidae (including, but not limited to, cobra, coral snake, mamba, sea snake and sea krait),

(xxx) A member within the family Viperidae (including, but not limited to, copperhead, rattlesnake, cottonmouth, adder, viper, pit viper and night adder),

(xxxi) Northern African python (Python sebae), Southern African python (Python natalensis), reticulated python (Python reticulates) and amethystine python (Morelia amethistina),

(xxxii) Green or common anaconda (Eunectus murinus), yellow anaconda (Eunectus notaeus) and Bolivian anaconda (Eunectus beniensis),

(xxxiii) A member within the genera Boiga, Thelotornis, Enhydris, Dispholidus, Clelia, Rhabdophis, Hydrodynastes, Philodryas or Malpolon (including, but not limited to, mangrove snake, false cobra, cat-eyed snake, false water snake, African boomslang, vine snake, twig snake and bird snake),

(xxxiv) A member within the family Helodermatidae (including, but not limited to, Gila monster and beaded lizard),

(xxxv) Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus), water monitor (Varanus salvator), black-throated monitor (Varanus a. ionidesi), white-throated monitor (Varanus a. albigularis) or crocodile monitor (Varanus salvadorii), or

(xxxvi) Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis);

(4) "Category Three Wild Animal" means any wild animal, gamete, or hybrid thereof, as follows:

(A) That is not a Category One, Category Two or Category Four Wild Animal; and

(B) That is, notwithstanding any changes to taxonomic nomenclature:

(i) A member within the family Cervidae (including, but not limited to the, white-tailed deer, elk, red deer and sika),

(ii) American beaver (Castor canadensis),

(iii) A member within the family Mustelidae (including, but not limited to, short-tailed weasel, long-tailed weasel, mink, fisher, otter and marten),

(iv) Harbor seal (Phoca vitulina),

(v) American black duck (Anas rubripes), lesser scaup (Aythya affinis), greater scaup (Aythya marila), canvasback (Aythya valisineria), long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis), hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus), white-winged scoter (Melanitta fusca), black scoter (Melanitta nigra), surf scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) and common merganser (Mergus merganser),

(vi) Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus),

(vii) Chimney swift (Chaetura pelagica) and ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris),

(viii) Spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularius), sanderling (Calidris alba), semipalmated sandpiper (Calidris pusilla), willet (Tringa semipalmata), American woodcock (Scolopax minor), ruddy turnstone (Arenaria interpres) and black skimmer (Rynchops niger),

(ix) Great blue heron (Ardea herodias), green heron (Butorides virescens) and black-crowned night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax),

(x) Belted kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon),

(xi) Yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) and black-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus),

(xii) Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii), northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), osprey (Pandion haliaetus) and rough-legged hawk (Buteo lagopus),

(xiii) Red-throated loon (Gavia stellata),

(xiv) Virginia rail (Rallus limicola), clapper rail (Rallus longirostris) and sora (Porzana carolina),

(xv) Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula) and orchard oriole (Icterus spurius),

(xvi) Brown creeper (Certhia Americana),

(xvii) Purple finch (Carpodacus purpureus),

(xviii) Rose-breasted grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus),

(xix) Gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis),

(xx) Red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis),

(xxi) Cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota), bank swallow (Riparia riparia) and northern rough-winged swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis),

(xxii) Scarlet tanager (Piranga olivacea),

(xxiii) Veery (Catharus fuscescens), hermit thrush (Catharus guttatus), gray-cheeked thrush (Catharus minimus), Swainson's thrush (Catharus ustulatus) and wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina),

(xxiv) Blue-gray gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea),

(xxv) Golden-crowned kinglet (Regulus satrapa),

(xxvi) Louisiana waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla), northern waterthrush (Seiurus noveboracensis), black-throated blue warbler (Dendroica caerulescens), bay-breasted warbler (Dendroica castanea), cerulean warbler (Dendroica cerulea), yellow-rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata), prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor), blackburnian warbler (Dendroica fusca), magnolia warbler (Dendroica magnolia), chestnut-sided warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica), Cape May warbler (Dendroica tigrina), black-throated green warbler (Dendroica virens), worm-eating warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum), black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia), ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla), American redstart (Setophaga ruticilla), blue-winged warbler (Vermivora pinus), Canada warbler (Wilsonia canadensis) and hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina),

(xxvii) Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis), eastern towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), field sparrow (Spizella pusilla) and indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea),

(xxviii) Olive-sided flycatcher (Contopus cooperi), eastern wood-pewee (Contopus virens), least flycatcher (Empidonax minimus), willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii), acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens), great crested flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) and eastern kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus),

(xxix) Yellow-throated vireo (Vireo flavifrons), warbling vireo (Vireo gilvus), white-eyed vireo (Vireo griseus) and blue-headed vireo (Vireo solitarius),

(xxx) Marsh wren (Cistothorus palustris) and winter wren (Troglodytes troglodytes),

(xxxi) Great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo),

(xxxii) Northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) and pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus),

(xxxiii) Horned grebe (Podiceps auritus) and red-necked grebe (Podiceps grisegena),

(xxxiv) Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus), eastern screech owl (Megascops asio) and barred owl (Strix varia),

(xxxv) Spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata),

(xxxvi) Eastern racer (Coluber constrictor),

(xxxvii) Diamond-backed terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin),

(xxxviii) Fowler's toad (Bufo fowleri),

(xxxix) Northern dusky salamander (Desmognathus fuscus),

(xl) Gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor),

(xli) Eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens), or

(xlii) Wood frog (Rana sylvatica);

(5) "Category Four Wild Animal" means any wild animal or gamete thereof listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern pursuant to section 26-306 of the Connecticut General Statutes;

(6) "Commissioner" means Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection

(7) "Domestic animal" means any animal that humans have selectively bred in captivity to produce genetic changes affecting the temperament, color, conformation, or other attributes of the species to an extent that makes such animal unique and distinguishable from wild individuals of the species, and that has been raised in a life intimately associated with and advantageous to humans. "Domestic animal" does not include any wild animal raised in captivity, even over many generations, that has become accustomed to human interaction but that is still wild by nature;

(8) "Exhibitor" means a person or organization engaged in the showing, displaying, exhibiting or training of wild animals for the purpose of public viewing, and who meets the requirements of subsection (f) of this section;

(9) "Exhibitor registered with the United States Department of Agriculture" means an exhibitor who holds a Class C ("exhibitor's") license issued by the United States Department of Agriculture pursuant to the Animal Welfare Act (7 USC 54), and who holds a copy of the last inspection report signed and dated by the United States Department of Agriculture;

(10) "Hybrid" means any animal or egg that results from the combining of a gamete of a wild animal with a gamete of another species;

(11) "Import" or "importation" means bringing or causing to be transported into the state wild animals or eggs of such wild animals by any means;

(12) "Marine mammal park" means a facility accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums;

(13) "Municipal park" means a facility publicly owned and operated by a municipality, and that is in the practice of displaying wild animals for public viewing;

(14) "Museum" or "Nature center" means an institution devoted to the procurement, care, study, and public display of wild animals and that meets the requirements of subsection (e) of these regulations;

(15) "Passive Integrated Transponder Tag" means a computer microchip attached to a wire antenna and encapsulated in a biologically inert glass capsule which, when passed through the electromagnetic field of a detector, transmits a unique identification code to the detector;

(16) "Public nonprofit aquarium" means an aquarium that is publically held and that has been issued a federal Determination Letter of exemption under section 50l(c)(3) or (13) of the Internal Revenue Code;

(17) "Research facility" or "Laboratory" means a facility maintained by a scientific or educational institution with documented works that relate to branches of systemized knowledge including, but not limited to, zoology, botany, ecology, wildlife management, fisheries management, medicine, psychology or veterinary medicine;

(18) "Research facility registered with the United States Department of Agriculture" or "Laboratory registered with the United States Department of Agriculture" means a research facility or laboratory that holds a Class C ("exhibitor's") license issued by the United States Department of Agriculture pursuant to the Animal Welfare Act (7 USC 54) and that holds a copy of the last inspection report signed and dated by the United States Department of Agriculture;

(19) "School" means kindergarten and grades one to twelve, inclusive;

(20) "Veterinarian" means a person licensed to practice veterinary medicine, surgery or dentistry pursuant to the provisions of chapter 384 of the Connecticut General Statutes;

(21) "Wild animal" means any bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian, or invertebrate that is, or historically has been found, in the wild or in the wild state, and that is not otherwise a domestic animal; and

(22) "Zoo" means a facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums or the Zoological Association of America.

(b) Prohibitions and Exemptions.

(1) No person, except a municipal park, zoo, public nonprofit aquarium, nature center, museum, exhibitor licensed or registered with the United States Department of Agriculture, laboratory registered with the United States Department of Agriculture, or research facility registered with the United States Department of Agriculture, shall import or possess any Category One Wild Animal.

(2) A person authorized to import or possess a Category One Wild Animal as provided in subdivision (1) of this subsection shall not allow such animal to be accessible for handling by the general public.

(3) No person, except a veterinarian for purposes of treatment and care, a municipal park, zoo, marine mammal park, aquarium, nature center, museum, exhibitor, laboratory or research facility, shall import or possess any Category Two Wild Animal.

(4) No person, except a municipal park, zoo, marine mammal park, aquarium, nature center, museum, exhibitor, laboratory, research facility or school, or any person otherwise authorized pursuant to section 26-40, 26-54, 26-57 or 26-67e of the Connecticut General Statutes, shall import or export any Category Three Wild Animal.

(5) No person shall import or possess any Category Four Wild Animal unless such person has been issued a permit pursuant to subsection (d) of this section.

(6) No person shall liberate any wild animal except as provided pursuant to sections 26-48, 26-48a, 26-49, 26-51, 26-52, 26-54, 26-60 or 26-67e of the Connecticut General Statutes, or subsection (d) of this section.

(7) A primate that weighs less than thirty-five pounds at maturity and that was legally possessed by a person in this state on or before October 1, 2003 may continue to be possessed by such person provided such person complies with the provisions of subsection (c) of this section.

(1) Registration. A primate that weighs less than thirty-five pounds at maturity and that was legally possessed by a person in this state on or before October 1, 2003 may continue to be possessed by such person provided such person registers such primate in accordance with the provisions of this subdivision. Such registration shall include proof of legal possession prior to October 1, 2003, a detailed physical description and photographs of such primate, and descriptions and photographs of the enclosure in which such primate is kept. All required information shall be submitted on or before December 31, 2012 on forms provided by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. A registrant shall:

(A) Keep and handle a registered primate in such a manner as to prevent the possibility of loss, breeding with other animals, or injuring persons or other animals;

(B) Maintain a plan for the recapture or destruction of any such registered primate in the event of loss;

(C) Immediately notify the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the local law enforcement agency in the event such registered primate is lost or injures a person or other animal;

(D) Maintain a plan for the maintenance or disposition of such registered primate in the event of the owner or keeper's absence, illness, or death;

(E) Maintain complete and accurate records that identify:

(i) The species, sex, age, and lineage of such registered primate,

(ii) Date of birth and acquisition of such registered primate,

(iii) If applicable, the name and address of any person who has previously possessed such primate and date of transfer, and

(iv) The date of the death, loss or transfer to another person of such registered primate;

(F) If required by the commissioner, uniquely identify such primate with a passive integrated transponder tag administered by a veterinarian;

(G) Not breed or liberate a primate registered pursuant to this subdivision; and

(H) Maintain the records required pursuant to this subdivision in chronological order, for a minimum of five years after the date of death, loss, or transfer of such registered primate and make such records available for inspection at any reasonable time upon request of the commissioner or the commissioner's designee.

(2) Such registered primate may be transferred to another individual provided that the recipient has and maintains an adequate enclosure that prevents the possibility of loss or breeding with other animals, the transfer is registered with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and the transferee meets all requirements set forth in this subsection.

(3) Registered primates may be transferred to a municipal park, zoo, marine mammal park, aquarium, nature center, museum, exhibitor, laboratory or research facility, provided the transfer is registered with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

(4) The registrant shall immediately notify the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection upon the death of a registered primate.

(5) The registrant shall update the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection concerning the status of such registered primate when requested by the commissioner.

(6) Upon adequate notice, the registrant shall allow a representative of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to inspect such registered primate and the enclosure in which such primate is kept.

(d) Permit Duration and Revocation.

(1) The commissioner may, upon receipt of an application, issue a permit authorizing the importation and possession of a Category Four Wild Animal, as follows:

(A) The duration of an importation or possession permit shall be for the life of the specific wild animal listed on the permit;

(B) An importation and possession permit is not transferable; and

(C) The commissioner may at any time revoke, in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Administrative Procedure Act, an importation or possession permit for failure by the permittee to comply with the terms of a permit or any statute or regulation governing importation or possession of wild animals.

(2) The commissioner may, upon receipt of an application, issue a permit authorizing the liberation of wild animals. The commissioner may prescribe the location and time of year such liberation may occur.

(e) Museums and Nature Centers. In order to qualify for the exemptions provided in subsection (b) of this section, the operator of a museum or nature center shall meet the following minimum requirements:

(1) For purposes of importing or possessing mammals, holds a Class C ("exhibitor's") license issued by the United States Department of Agriculture pursuant to the Animal Welfare Act (7 USC 54), and a copy of the last inspection report signed and dated by the United States Department of Agriculture;

(2) Holds municipal, state, or federal permits or licenses required to possess wild animals;

(3) Complies with all applicable laws of the municipality in which the housing facility is located;

(4) Accommodates a minimum of 5,000 visitors to the facility annually;

(5) Has regularly scheduled hours open to the public consisting of a minimum of 28 hours per week, and eight months within a calendar year;

(6) Maintains the wild animal under conditions that give the owner or keeper exclusive control over it at all times as to prevent loss or risk of injury to the public;

(7) Maintains a housing facility consistent with design standards established pursuant to the United States Animal Welfare Act (7 USC 54) and complies with state and local health and building codes;

(8) Maintains liability insurance of a least $1 million;

(9) Maintains a plan for the recapture or destruction of any such wild animal in the event of loss;

(10) Maintains a plan for the maintenance or disposition of all wild animals in the event of the owner or keeper's absence, illness, or death;

(11) Maintains complete and accurate records for each wild animal in its possession which identify:

(A) The species, sex, age, and lineage of each wild animal;

(B) Date of birth and acquisition of each wild animal;

(C) If applicable, the name and address of any person who has previously possessed the wild animal and date of transfer; and

(D) The date of the death, loss or transfer to another person of each wild animal; and

Maintains records required by this subsection in chronological order, for a minimum of five years after the date of death, loss, or transfer of any wild animal and makes such records available for inspection at any reasonable time upon request of the commissioner or the commissioner's designee.

(f) Exhibitors. In order to qualify for the exemptions provided in subsection (b) of this section, an exhibitor shall meet the following minimum requirements:

(2) Holds all municipal, state, or federal permits or licenses required to possess wild animals;

(3) Complies with all applicable laws of the municipality in which the housing facility is located;

(4) Has conducted public programs involving the exhibition of the wild animals subject to this section and in the exhibitor's possession, and maintains documentation thereof. Such public programs shall meet the following criteria:

(A) Fifty programs or before 1,000 attendees within the first two years of possession of a Category One or Two Wild Animal, or, in the case of mammals, attaining a Class C license as described in subdivision (1) of this subsection; and

(B) Fifty programs or before 1,000 attendees in the third year of possession of a Category One or Two Wild Animal, or, in the case of mammals, attaining a Class C license, as described in subdivision (1) of this subsection, and in each calendar year thereafter;

(5) Maintains the wild animal under conditions that give the owner or keeper exclusive control over them at all times as to prevent loss or risk of injury to the public;

(6) Maintains a housing facility consistent with the design standards established pursuant to the United States Animal Welfare Act (7 USC 54) and compliant with state and local health and building codes;

(7) Maintains liability insurance of a least $1 million;

(8) Maintains a plan for the recapture or destruction of any such wild animal in the event of loss;

(9) Maintains a plan for the maintenance or disposition of all wild animals in the event of the owner or keeper's absence, illness, or death;

(10) Maintains documentation to verify a minimum of one year of practical husbandry or a minimum of 300 hours of formalized training or apprenticeship in the care, feeding, handling and husbandry of the species to be possessed or of another species that is substantially similar to the species to be possessed in size, characteristics, care and nutritional requirements. A Bachelor of Science or higher degree in a relevant biological science, obtained at an accredited institution of higher learning, may be substituted for 150 hours of apprenticeship. Documentation shall consist of:

(A) A description of the specific experience acquired;

(B) The date and time the experience was obtained and the specific locations where acquired; and

(C) A minimum of two references from a professional organization or governmental institution such as a university, zoological association, or federal agency;

(11) Has not been convicted of violating wild animal laws or regulations of any state, the federal government or other country pertaining to the importation, possession, liberation, or welfare of wild animals;

(12) Maintains complete and accurate records for each wild animal in its possession which identify:

(A) The species, sex, age, and lineage of each wild animal;

(B) Date of birth and acquisition;

(C) If applicable, the name and address of any person who has previously possessed the wild animal and date of transfer; and

(D) The date of the death, loss or transfer to another person of each wild animal; and

(13) Maintain records required by this subsection in chronological order, for a minimum of five years after the date of death, loss, or transfer of any wild animal and shall make such records available for inspection at any reasonable time upon request of the commissioner or the commissioner's designee.

(g) Notification Requirement. Any person possessing a Category One or Two Wild Animal who loses such wild animal shall notify the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection upon becoming aware of the loss.

(h) Disease Reporting and Prevention.

(1) Any person who possesses a wild animal showing any symptoms of illness within six weeks of the importation of such wild animal shall, not later than twenty-four hours after recognition of such symptoms, file a report with the commissioner on a form prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner may require that any wild animal imported into the state that shows symptoms of illness or disease be quarantined for a period of time to be determined by the commissioner.

(2) Any person who possesses a wild animal that continues to show symptoms of illness or disease during the quarantine period described in subdivision (1) of this subsection shall immediately have such animal taken to a licensed veterinarian for examination, or if the animal is dead, shall have such animal taken to an animal disease laboratory, or such other laboratory designated by the commissioner, for examination. Such person shall request that a copy of the animal disease laboratory's, or other laboratory's, findings be sent to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture.

History

Effective March 5, 2012

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-55-7 Importation, transportation or liberation of butterflies

(a) No person, firm or corporation shall import into this state, transport for the purpose of liberation within this state or liberate butterflies, in any life stage.

(b) The commissioner shall exempt from the provisions of subsection (a) of this section organizations or institutions such as municipal parks, zoos, laboratories and research facilities maintained by scientific or educational institutions, museums, public nonprofit aquaria or nature centers, as defined in section 26-55-6 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, except that the butterflies, in any life stage shall not be liberated to nor have access to the outside environment and provided:

(1) Any butterflies, in any life stage originating outside of Connecticut shall be permitted by the United States Department of Agriculture, and be in compliance with all other state or federal laws.

(2) The commissioner may inspect butterflies, in any life stage, being brought into the state and may order that butterflies, in any life stage, suspected of carrying diseases, pathogens or parasites capable of inducing any disease, be disposed of, at the expense of the person, firm, or corporation possessing them.

(3) The transporter of butterflies, in any life stage, shall be in possession of a copy of any applicable United States Department of Agriculture’s permit covering such butterflies and any applicable butterfly health certification. Any box, package or container holding live butterflies, in any life stage, transported by a common carrier and destined for delivery in this state shall have attached thereto and in plain view a copy of the permit covering such importation and any applicable butterfly health certification.

History

Effective February 4, 2020

26-57 Hunting and Transportation of Wildlife

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-57-1 Permits for the transportation and disposal of deer carcasses by highway departments (Repealed)

Repealed July 7, 2016.

History

Effective November 1, 1988; Repealed July 7, 2016

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-57-2 Permits for the transportation and disposal of vehicle killed deer, moose or black bear

(a) No person shall transport a deer, moose or black bear killed or seriously wounded as the result of a collision with a motor vehicle without a wildlife transportation permit.

(b) For the purposes of subsection (a) of this section, a wildlife transportation permit shall be defined as the Wildlife Kill Incident Report (WKIR) form (EPW-8), as prescribed by the commissioner and issued by a municipal or state law enforcement officer, or a WKIR confirmation number generated by the Wildlife Kill Incident Report electronic reporting system.

History

Effective November 1, 1988; Amended July 7, 2016

Department of Environmental Protection Department of Environmental Protection

26-59 Permits for Tanning, Curing, or Mounting Wild Birds and Wild Quadrupeds

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-59-1 Permits for tanning, curing or mounting wild birds and wild quadrupeds

(a) No permit shall be required for the tanning, curing or mounting of game birds, wild quadrupeds, reptiles or amphibians legally acquired during the open season for taking such animals or for such animals when legally acquired and legally possessed under the provisions of the general statutes, and no permit shall be required for the tanning, curing or mounting of unprotected birds, quadrupeds, reptiles or amphibians.

(b) No species of wild bird, wild quadruped, reptile or amphibian acquired other than specified in this section shall be tanned, cured or mounted without first obtaining a permit from the department of environmental protection.

(c) No individual shall be issued a permit for tanning, curing or mounting any wildlife, or parts thereof, which has been pursued, hunted, killed, captured or trapped contrary to any laws or regulations, or obtained and possessed as a result of the accidental death of such wildlife, except that a permit may be issued to any individual with the conditions that the animal, or parts thereof, must be tanned, cured or mounted, donated to, and immediately housed at an educational institution, museum, zoological park or nature center specified on the permit, provided such recipient is aware of such conditions and agrees to accept the specimen for public educational purposes.

(d) Any wildlife possessed contrary to the regulations or provisions of this chapter shall become the property of the state, to be disposed of at the discretion of the commissioner.

History

Effective January 1, 1995

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-59-2 Receipt of raw furs by taxidermists

Any person who is licensed as a taxidermist under section 26-58 of the General Statutes and receives the untagged raw fur or carcass of any quadruped listed in section 26-66-5 (d) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies as amended, for the purpose of tanning, curing, or mounting shall immediately report the receipt of such raw fur or carcass by telephone to a location specified by the Commissioner. Upon receipt of such raw fur or carcass, it shall become the responsibility of the taxidermist to have the raw fur or carcass properly tagged, as required by section 26-66-5 (d), not later than the next regularly scheduled tagging session. In addition, the taxidermist shall keep a record of all transactions involving such untagged furs or carcasses, which shall include the date of each transaction, owner's name, species and method of take. Such records shall be open for inspection by department representatives at any reasonable time.

History

Effective October 31, 1984

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

26-66 Hunting and Trapping

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-66-1 Behavior and Actions of Hunters

(a) The method of taking wild birds and wild mammals by hunting shall be restricted to firearms, high velocity air guns using a single ball or pellet type projectile, and compound, long or recurved bow, or crossbow. In designated areas, by special permit, the commissioner may allow the use of modified versions of air guns or archery implements to achieve wildlife management objectives. No arrow or projectile which is coated with or contains any drugs, poison or known tranquilizing substance may be used or possessed while engaged in archery hunting.

(b) Any crossbow and bolt combination to be used for hunting shall meet the following specifications: (1) The draw weight of the crossbow shall be not less than 125 pounds; (2) The crossbow shall have a permanent fixed rifle type stock, and a functional and/or fully operational mechanical safety device; (3) The bolt (arrow) length shall be not less than eighteen inches, excluding the broadhead; and (4) The broadhead shall have two or more blades with a width not less than seven-eighths of an inch at the widest point. In addition, any crossbow in a drawn and cocked position with a bolt loaded in the crossbow shall be considered a loaded weapon.

(c) There shall be no hunting from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, as provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service, except that raccoon and opossum hunting is permitted after sunset on state-owned lands which are open to hunting and on privately owned lands where landowners do not object, and provided the open season for hunting migratory game birds shall be governed by the provisions of Section 26-66-4 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(d) There shall be no hunting with firearms, discharging of firearms or carrying of loaded firearms within five hundred feet of any building occupied by people or domestic animals or used for storage of flammable or combustible materials, unless written permission of owner of such buildings is obtained and carried while hunting to allow closer shooting distances, except that the above referred to distance shall be not less than two hundred fifty feet unless written permission of owner of such buildings is obtained and carried while hunting to allow closer shooting distances when waterfowl is hunted in tidal water areas from land shooting positions or from floating blinds anchored adjacent to land or from rock formations. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to landowners, their spouses or lineal descendants when hunting within five hundred feet of buildings owned by them or, when hunting waterfowl, within two hundred fifty feet of such buildings, but shall apply when said persons are hunting within said distances of buildings not so-owned.

(e) No hunting weapon shall be discharged toward any person, building or domestic animal when the same is within range or from or across the traveled portion of any public roadway.

(f) Domestic animals, agricultural crops, signs, fences, installations and facilities of utility companies and other property shall not be damaged.

(g) No dogs shall be trained, run or exercised or be permitted to run at large during the period from June first to the opening of the upland hunting season on any land posted by the Department or its agents against such activity.

(h) Hunting, trapping, fishing and/or trespassing is prohibited on any wildlife refuge, closed area or safety zone posted by the Department or its agents against such activity.

(i) Hunting is prohibited from the traveled portion of a public road or on any road adjacent to any premises used for the breeding, rearing, or holding in captivity of wildlife, or premises used for zoological purposes, or posted by the Department or its agents against such activity.

(j) No animals, except a dog or bird of prey where permitted by law or regulation shall be used in hunting or pursuing any wild bird or wild mammal. Permits to use birds of prey may be issued at the discretion of the commissioner to those persons who are engaged in federal, state or university cooperative research programs for the reestablishment of wild populations of raptors.

(k) No motor vehicle shall be operated or parked upon any public or private road, parking area, lane, passageway, right-of-way, field or lot posted by the Department or its agents against such activity.

(l) Discarding of bottles, glass, cans, paper, junk, litter or trash is prohibited on lands and waters open to hunting or otherwise under the jurisdiction of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

(m) Vehicles using department-controlled parking areas shall be parked only in authorized places.

(n) At department-controlled boat launching sites, no boat shall be moored or anchored in a manner that will obstruct or interfere with the launching of other boats, and no boat shall be left unattended in the water or beached on shore unless such boat has, in an exposed area, the name and address of the owner of such boat painted or branded thereon or in any legible manner attached thereto. Any boat anchored, moored, beached or stored in violation of this subsection, and not removed within forty-eight hours after notice has been served on the owner thereof, shall be subject to impoundment at the expense of the owner, and such owner shall be subject to the penalties provided for violations of the provisions of this subsection. For the purpose of this subsection, notice shall be considered to have been served on the owner when a warning card has been affixed to the owner’s boat by a representative of the Department.

(o) At department-controlled boat launching areas on inland lakes and ponds, unattended boats left moored, anchored, beached or stored after December fifteenth and before March first shall be subject to impoundment at the expense of the owner and such owner shall be subject to the penalties provided for violations of the provisions of this subsection.

(p) Subject to the provisions of subsection (c) of this section, no person shall hunt raccoons or opossums from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise by the use of a rifle, revolver, or pistol that uses centerfire ammunition or rim fire ammunition having a cartridge case longer than that of a .22 caliber long rifle cartridge case and the projectile of which is heavier than 20 grains or by use of shotgun shells larger or heavier than number two shot. No person shall take or attempt to take raccoons or opossums by the use of a light from a motor vehicle.

(q) Rifles and handguns using centerfire ammunition or rim fire ammunition having a cartridge case longer than that of a .22 rim fire long rifle cartridge case and the projectile of which is heavier than 20 grains and shotgun ammunition of loads larger or heavier than number two shot shall not be possessed and pistols or revolvers using ammunition larger or heavier than .22 rim fire long rifle cartridge shall not be used for the purposes of hunting as defined in section 26-1 of the Connecticut General Statutes on any private land during the private land shotgun rifle deer season as specified in section 26-86a-6(b)(7) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. This provision relating to rifle, shotgun and revolver ammunition shall not apply to persons holding valid landowner, private land shotgun rifle and/or revolver deer permits. Waterfowlers hunting from a boat, blind or stationary position may only use the ammunition specified in section 26-66-4 (q) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(r) No person shall hunt, pursue, wound or kill any wildlife from September 1 through the last day of February without wearing above the waist at least a total of four hundred square inches of fluorescent orange clothing visible from all sides. This provision does not apply to:

(1) archery deer hunting from September 15 through the second Tuesday before Thanksgiving, and January 1 through January 31;

(2) archery deer hunting from the second Wednesday before Thanksgiving through December 31 while hunting from an elevated tree stand more than 10 feet from the ground;

(3) archery and firearms turkey hunting;

(4) waterfowl hunting from blinds or boats or from a stationary position;

(5) crow hunting from a blind or a stationary position;

(6) hunting raccoon and opossum from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise;

(7) deer hunting by a landowner on the landowner’s own property; or

(8) coyote and fox hunting from a blind from September 1 through the first Friday in October, and from January 1 through the last day in February.

History

Effective May 16, 1996; Amended May 29, 1998; Amended August 30, 1999; Amended December 18, 2002; Amended April 27, 2005; Amended August 3, 2009; Amended September 9, 2013; Amended July 7, 2016; Amended February 4, 2020

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-66-2 State-owned, State-leased, and Permit-required Hunting Areas; Weapons

(a) Any rifle or handgun using centerfire ammunition may not be used to hunt on state-owned land. Any rifle or handgun that uses rim fire ammunition larger than .22 caliber and shotgun ammunition of loads larger or heavier than number two shot shall not be possessed or used for the purposes of hunting as defined in section 26-1 of the Connecticut General Statutes on any state-owned land, including state forests. Muzzleloading rifles larger than .36 caliber or using any projectile other than round ball shall not be possessed or used for the purposes of hunting as defined in section 26-1 of the Connecticut General Statutes on any state-owned land, including state forests, except as provided for in section 26-86c of the Connecticut General Statutes. This provision shall not apply to rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, or revolvers possessed by persons transporting legally killed and properly tagged deer taken on private lands to check stations located on state-owned properties, approved shooting range areas or deer hunting with shotgun or muzzleloader during the open season on such land. Waterfowlers hunting from a boat, blind or stationary position may only use the ammunition specified in section 26-66-4 (q) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(b) Rifles of any caliber and shotgun ammunition of any shot load larger or heavier than number two shot shall not be possessed and pistols or revolvers of any caliber shall not be used for the purposes of hunting as defined in section 26-1 of the Connecticut General Statutes on any state-leased or permit required hunting area during the period starting the third Saturday in October through the last day in February, except by landowners, lessees, their spouses, lineal descendants and regular employees on land owned or leased by them. Waterfowlers hunting from a boat, blind or stationary position may only use the ammunition specified in section 26-66-4 (q) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. This provision shall not apply to combination rifle-shotgun firearms when the rifle portion thereof is, or has been made, inoperative, or to approved shooting range areas on such land. This provision shall not apply to persons holding a valid permit to hunt deer on such land with a revolver, shotgun, rifle or muzzleloader. Trappers actively engaged in legal trapping and raccoon hunters may use handguns using ammunition having a cartridge case not longer than that of a .22 rim fire long rifle cartridge case and the projectile of which is not heavier than 20 grains.

(c) During the period from the last day in February to the third Saturday in October, rifles, pistols or revolvers without regard to caliber, and shotgun ammunition of any load may be used in the legal hunting or taking of wildlife, or for any other legal purpose, on state-leased and permit-required hunting areas only with written permission of the landowner or lessee of the land.

(d) Hunting or possession of any hunting weapon is prohibited in any park or forest recreation area except at predetermined times in such areas as are set aside by the commissioner or the commissioner’s designee and posted for such purposes.

(e) Starting the third Saturday in October through the last day in February, hunting or shooting is prohibited on any permit-required hunting area without a written permit or other authorization from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection or an authorized agent of the Department except on lands owned by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection designated as a permit-required hunting area, a written permit or other authorization from the Department is required from the third Saturday in October through the first Saturday in December unless otherwise posted. All such written permits or other authorizations shall be returned to the Department, or its authorized agent, within forty-eight hours following expiration of such permit or authorization. Records kept by any authorized agent in issuing such permits or authorizations shall be available for inspection by any state conservation officer or other Department official during normal business hours.

History

Effective October 18, 1996; Amended May 29, 1998; Amended April 27, 2005; Amended September 9, 2013; Amended July 7, 2016

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-66-3 Open Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits for Upland Game Birds and Mammals

The following seasons are subject to the closures provided in subsection (i) of this section:

(a) The open season for taking chukar partridge and Hungarian partridge shall be from the third Saturday in October through the last day in February. The daily bag limit shall not exceed two chukar partridge and two Hungarian partridge, and the season bag limit shall not exceed ten chukar partridge and ten Hungarian partridge.

(b) The open season for taking European hare and cottontail rabbit shall be from the third Saturday in October through the last day of February. The daily bag limit shall not exceed one European hare and three cottontail rabbits, and the season bag limit shall not exceed ten European hare and twenty-five cottontail rabbits. The open season for taking ruffed grouse shall be from the third Saturday in October through the last day of November. The open season for taking gray squirrel shall be from the first day in September through the last day of February. The daily bag limit shall not exceed one ruffed grouse and eight gray squirrels and the season bag limit shall not exceed eight ruffed grouse and forty gray squirrels.

(c) The open season for taking snowshoe rabbit shall be from the third Saturday in November through January 31. The daily bag limit shall not exceed two and the season bag limit shall not exceed ten.

(d) The open season for taking raccoon and opossum shall be from the third Saturday in October through the third Saturday in January. During the shotgun season for hunting deer, raccoon and opossum hunting will not be permitted during the daylight hours from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. The daily bag limit shall not exceed five for raccoon. There shall be no daily or seasonal bag limits on opossum.

(e) The open season for taking quail shall be from the third Saturday in October and continue for two consecutive weeks, except that the season shall continue through the last day in February on the following state-controlled field trial or dog training areas: Dr. John E. Flaherty Field Trial Area, Mansfield Hollow Dam, Nod Brook Management Area and Sugarbrook Field Trial Area. The daily bag limit shall not exceed two and the season bag limit shall not exceed ten.

(f) There shall be no open season on northern and southern flying squirrel, mink, moose, muskrat, beaver, otter, Canada lynx, harbor seal, pine marten, Indiana bat, black bear, fisher, bobcat and mountain lion (Felis concolor).

(g) There shall be no closed season except as provided in section 26-66-1 (c) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and no daily or season bag limits on any of the following species: coyote, porcupine, red squirrel, weasel, or skunk.

(h) The open season for taking red fox and gray fox shall be from the third Saturday in October through the last day in February. The daily bag limit shall not exceed three and the season limit shall not exceed thirty, in combination.

(i) There shall be a closed season for all hunting and the training of dogs from the second Saturday in October through one half-hour before sunrise, e.d.t. on the third Saturday in October except for turkey and archery deer hunting; rail and gallinule hunting in tidal marsh; waterfowl hunting; coyote hunting; the hunting of foxes and rabbits under the provisions of section 26-39 of the Connecticut General Statutes; hunting on licensed private shooting preserves operating under the provisions of section 26-48 of the Connecticut General Statutes; junior pheasant hunting training day under the provisions of Section 26-48a-1(a) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies; field trials held under the provisions of section 26-51 and section 26-52 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the training of dogs under the provisions of Section 26-49 of the Connecticut General Statutes; or the training of hunting dogs on any area approved by the Department for this purpose.

(j) The open season for taking woodchuck shall be from March 15 through November 15.

History

Effective May 16, 1996; Amended May 29, 1998; Amended December 18, 2002; Amended April 27, 2005; Amended September 9, 2013; Amended July 7, 2016; Amended February 4, 2020

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-66-4 Wild Fowl and Shore Birds

The open season daily bag limit and possession limit for migratory game birds and the method of taking such game birds shall be the same as the open season, daily bag limit, possession limit and methods of taking fixed for such birds by the regulations of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service made under the provisions of an act of Congress relating to migratory birds, and as provided under the provisions of section 26-91 of the Connecticut General Statutes, except as provided in section 26-66-1(c) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(a) No person, except the commissioner, may construct or place any permanent blind or structure for hunting of waterfowl on state-controlled lands or waters. Any such permanent blind or structure may be removed or destroyed by the commissioner at any time.

(b) All waterfowl hunting on state-controlled lands and waters of Great Island, Old Lyme and Ragged Rock Creek, Old Saybrook, shall be from waterfowl hunting blinds only, except that cripples may be recovered by shooting within the area open to hunting.

(c) Waterfowl hunting in the Niantic River in the towns of Waterford and East Lyme is subject to the following regulations:

(1) Hunting is prohibited from shore or in the intertidal area without the permission of the riparian property owner;

(2) Hunting is prohibited in the water areas northerly of an east and west line which touches the southern tip of Sandy Point and includes Keeny Cove;

(3) Hunting from boats is permitted only along the midline of the river;

(4) Hunting is prohibited in Smith Cove and the channel entering Smith Cove in East Lyme.

(d) Waterfowl hunting is prohibited in Alewife Cove and entrance channel, Waterford and New London, and in Jordan Cove, north from the mean high water line on the northern side of the sand spit and island.

(e) Except during the regular duck season scaup, scoter, eider and old squaw may be hunted only in coastal waters and all waters of rivers and streams lying seaward from the first upstream bridge.

(f) There shall be no waterfowl hunting on or from the tidal waters of the inlet between Cuttings Road, Compo Beach Road and Owenoke Park, known as Gray's Creek, Westport.

(g) There shall be no waterfowl hunting in Cove Pond (Holly Pond) Stamford and Darien north of the dam.

(h) The open season for taking crows shall be from the second Saturday in January through the last Saturday in March and on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from the second Saturday in August through November 30.

(i) There shall be no waterfowl hunting in the tidal waters of Cove Harbor within 100 feet of the mean high tide mark of the Darien shore.

(j) Except when specifically authorized by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for use during a special hunting season and as published in the migratory bird hunting guide, no person shall take migratory game birds with a shotgun of any description capable of holding more than three shells, unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler, incapable of removal without disassembling the gun, so its total capacity does not exceed three shells.

(k) Waterfowl hunting in the Thames River in the Town of Waterford is prohibited in Smith Cove northwest and above the railroad tracks, and from the shores and waters in the vicinity of Mamacoke Island in Mamacoke Cove westward of a line running from the easternmost point of land at Harrison's Landing due north to the point where it intersects the southernmost tip of Mamacoke Island, and from the shores and waters within the unnamed cove west of Mamacoke Island southward of a line running due east from the southernmost point of shoreline of the unnamed waterbody west of the railroad tracks, the shores and waters of which shall also be closed to waterfowl hunting, to a point intersecting the shoreline of Mamacoke Island.

(l) Waterfowl hunting shall be prohibited in the area of Mason's Island known as Ram Point Cove inland of a line extending from the high water mark on the southernmost tip of Ram Point to the southernmost tip of Mason's Island bordering the eastern side of Ram Point Cove.

(m) There shall be no waterfowl hunting in the Black Hall River in Old Lyme in the area bordered on the south by Route 156 and on the north by the first upstream railroad crossing.

(n) No person shall kill or wound any waterfowl without making a reasonable effort to retrieve the bird. Any bird which is killed or wounded and not retrieved shall count in the daily bag total.

(o) A waterfowl hunting party shall include no more than 6 individuals with a minimum distance of 100 yards between parties.

(p) There shall be no waterfowl hunting in Assekonk Swamp, North Stonington.

(q) For waterfowl, coot, and rail hunting, only the following shot shall be used:

(1) Non-toxic steel shot no larger than BB steel, or

(2) Bismuth-tin alloy (97% bismuth and 3% tin), Tungsten Polymer, or tungsten iron shot or tungsten-matrix (95.9% tungsten: 4.1 % polymer), tungsten-nickel-iron (Hevishot) or any other non-toxic shot approved for use by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service no larger than number two. No person may possess lead shot while waterfowl hunting.

(r) (1) There shall be no waterfowl hunting in any direction within a 500 foot radius of the mean high tide mark at Merwin Point in Milford.

(2) There shall be no waterfowl hunting within the area bounded by the shoreline and a line from the southernmost extension of the 500 foot radius at Merwin Point in Milford referenced in subdivision (1) of this subsection westward to the southeastern shoreline at Pond Point in Milford.

(s) Waterfowl hunting is prohibited in the area known as the Cedar Point peninsula, shoreward of a line extending from the southerly tip of the stone breakwall at the eastern end of Compo Beach to the tip of Cedar Point and to the westerly tip of Owenoke Point in Westport.

(t) There shall be no waterfowl hunting in or from the banks of the Mystic River between Route 1 and Route 27 in Mystic and Groton.

(u) There shall be no waterfowl hunting in or from the banks of Ash Creek north of a line drawn from the northern end of the steel railing on the fishing pier in Fairfield to the northern end of the stone seawall in Bridgeport at the mouth of the creek where it enters Long Island Sound.

(v) Waterfowl hunting is prohibited from the shore and water in the Giant's Neck area of East Lyme at the mouth of the Pataguanset River northward of a line running due west from the south end of the fixed pier located at the Giant's Neck Boat Association Launch to the south end of the breakwall located at the end of Point Road.

(w) Waterfowl hunting is prohibited from the shores and waters of Long Island Sound in Greenwich as follows:

(1) In Greenwich Cove, north of a line extending from the easternmost point of land at Willowmere Point to the northernmost point of land on the peninsula immediately north of Meadow Place.

(2) In Cos Cob Harbor, north of a line extending due east from the southeasternmost point of land at the power plant property off of Sound Shore Road to the shoreline adjacent to Glen Avon Road.

(3) In Greenwich Harbor, Smith Cove and Indian Harbor, north of a line extending from the northernmost tip of the area known as Round Island on the west side of Greenwich Harbor to the southernmost tip of the peninsula at the end of Indian Field Road.

(4) In Byram Harbor, north of a line extending northeastward from the end of Dock Road to the southeastern most tip of Gamecock Island across Byram Harbor to the southernmost tip of the unnamed peninsula immediately west of Harbor Drive.

(x) Waterfowl hunting is prohibited from the shores and waters of the Branford River in Branford from Route 1 south to Montowese Avenue.

(y) Waterfowl hunting is prohibited from the shores and waters in Post Cove in Deep River southward of the dike that extends across the northern edge of the cove.

(z) Waterfowl hunting is prohibited from the shores and waters in the area known as Long Shore Club Park in Westport shoreward of a line extending from the westerly tip of Owenoke Point to the southwest tip of Hendricks Point.

(aa) Waterfowl hunting at Plum Bank Marsh Wildlife Management Area in Old Saybrook is prohibited north and east of a line extending from Southview Circle southeast to Gull Lane.

(bb) Waterfowl hunting is prohibited from the shores and waters of the Quinnipiac River in New Haven from the Middletown Avenue Bridge south to the Amtrak Route 1 Bridge.

(cc) Waterfowl hunting is prohibited from the shores and waters of the Housatonic River in Milford and Stratford southward from the I-95 bridge to a line extending from Edgemont Road in Milford across the river to Riverview Place in Stratford.

(dd) There shall be no waterfowl hunting on the West River in Guilford between Route 1 and Route 146.

(ee) There shall be no waterfowl hunting on the West River in West Haven between Route 1 and Route 122 (Kimberly Avenue).

History

Effective October 18, 1996; Amended October 22, 1997; Amended May 29, 1998; Amended August 30, 1999; Amended December 18, 2002; Amended April 27, 2005; Amended August 3, 2009; Amended October 4, 2011; Amended September 9, 2013; Amended July 7, 2016; Amended February 4, 2020

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-66-5 Trapping. General

(a) Furbearing animals may be taken by deadfall, box trap, live trap, unpadded metal traps not having a spread or opening greater than 5 3/4 inches or padded metal traps not having a spread or opening greater than 5 15/16 inches, and smooth wire traps not having an opening greater than 6 1/2 inches, and species specific traps. For the purposes of this section, the following trap types shall have the features listed: (1) a species specific trap shall have all of the following features: (A) a triggering mechanism and restraining mechanism enclosed by a housing; (B) when set, triggering and restraining mechanisms accessible only via a single opening; (C) an access opening measuring not greater than 2 inches in diameter if round, or not greater than 2 inches diagonally if rectangular in shape; (D) a triggering mechanism that can only be activated by a pulling force; and (E) a swivel mounted anchoring mechanism. (2) a padded metal trap shall have all of the following features: (A) spring strength shall not exceed 55 inch pounds with arms in the closed position and 85 inch pounds with arms in the open position; (B) a gap between the arms of the trap such that in a closed position the gap shall be no less than 1/4 inch in width and no less than 4 inches in length; (C) provides and incorporates replaceable non-weather hardening, non-age hardening padding material not less than 3/32 inch thick covering the closing surfaces of, and securely affixed to, the arms; (D) a chain no longer than 6 inches in length; (E) swivels located at each end of the chain, with one center mounted below the trap and (F) a shock absorbing spring incorporated into the anchoring chain. Unpadded metal traps or padded metal traps with a spread or opening not greater than seven and one-half inches, or conibear type traps or similar smooth wire traps not greater than ten inches square may be set for beaver in water bodies occupied or frequented by beaver, including but not limited to lakes, ponds, marshes, swamps, rivers and streams. No traps may have serrations or teeth.

(b) Subject to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section unpadded metal traps and smooth wire traps shall only be placed, set or attended below the surface of the water in a pond, lake, stream, river, spring hole or tidal waters, except smooth wire traps having an opening of four and three quarters inches or less may extend above the surface of the water provided a portion of the trap frame must remain in contact with the water. Subject to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, padded metal traps shall only be placed, set or attended below the surface of the water in a pond, lake, stream, river, spring hole or tidal waters or in the burrow of wild animal, except from December 1 through January 31, coyotes may be trapped with padded metal traps placed, set or attended on or below the ground on private land subject to the following restrictions: (1) private land parcels shall be a minimum of 10 contiguous acres; (2) any person placing, setting or attending such traps shall carry in possession proof of completion of a land trapping course approved by the commissioner; (3) any person placing, setting or attending such traps shall carry in possession written landowner permission explicitly allowing use of padded metal traps on or below ground; (4) bait shall not be visible; (5) traps shall require a force greater than two pounds to be triggered; (6) traps shall be securely anchored to the ground. No trap shall be placed, set or tended within ten feet of the waterline of a muskrat house or beaver house.

(c) Any device, the object of which is to discharge a firearm, or cause the discharge of any shell, cartridge, explosive, poison or flammable material of any nature, is prohibited when used with any trap.

(d) Any person taking or possessing raw furs or carcasses of any beaver, coyote, fisher, red fox, gray fox, wild mink or river otter shall have such raw fur or carcasses tagged, at no cost, by department representatives or, for coyote, red fox or gray fox taken by hunting, shall report the harvest by telephone or internet to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Times, dates and locations of the regular tagging sessions and telephone or internet reporting options shall be listed in the abstract of hunting laws and regulations. All raw furs or carcasses shall be tagged or reported by the last scheduled tagging date of the current trapping season or before selling, exchanging, giving away, mailing or transporting beyond state boundaries, retaining for personal use, or otherwise disposing of the raw fur or carcass, whichever comes first. For the purposes of this section, raw fur means a pelt which has not been tanned, mounted or processed in any way. Fisher furs will not be tagged until the carcass of the animal is submitted to the commissioner or the commissioner's designated agent at the time of tagging.

(e) On privately owned lands, no person shall set, place, or attend any trap unless the person has in their possession the written permission of the owner. Dated permission must be obtained for the current season.

History

Effective February 16, 1994; Amended April 27, 2005; Amended September 9, 2013; Amended February 4, 2020

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-66-6 Trapping on state-owned land

In addition to the regulations in subsections (a) to (d) inclusive of section 26-66-5, the following regulations are in effect:

(a) Definitions: As used in this section:

(1) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Environmental Protection or his or her authorized representative; and,

(2) "Unit or units" means property or portions thereof specifically identified by the commissioner.

(b) No person shall trap on state-owned property without written authorization from the commissioner. Such authorization to trap on state-owned property shall be issued to all persons qualified pursuant to subsection (c) of this section in the order in which completed registration forms and required fees are recorded as received by the commissioner.

(c) The Commissioner may authorize trapping on units of state-owned property during the open trapping seasons specified in section 26-66-7(b) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies by any person who: (1) submits proof of having a valid license to trap in Connecticut issued pursuant to section 26-27 of the Connecticut General Statutes; (2) submits proof of having a certificate of completion of the Connecticut Trapper Education Course as described in section 26-31(a) of the Connecticut General Statutes; (3) is 16 years of age or older; (4) certifies in writing on a form furnished by the commissioner that he or she has not been convicted of violating any Connecticut statute or regulation governing trapping during the previous three years' trapping seasons; and, (5) submits to the commissioner a completed registration form provided by the commissioner and the fee specified in subsection (d) of this section.

(d) The fee to trap on each unit of state-owned property for a trapping season as defined in section 26-66-7(b) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies shall be sixty dollars per unit. This fee is non-refundable.

(e) All trapping authorized under this section shall be confined within the boundaries of the unit described on the authorization issued by the commissioner. The authorization issued under this section is not transferable.

(f) Any person authorized to trap on state-owned property shall maintain, for each unit, up-to-date, complete and accurate daily records of trapping activity on forms provided by the commissioner. Any person authorized to trap on state-owned property shall, while trapping, make such records available for inspection upon request by the commissioner. The daily records of trapping activity shall include the number of traps set each day and the number and species of animals caught each day. At any time during the trapping season, the commissioner may require that the daily records of trapping activity be submitted to the commissioner not more than three days after being requested. At the end of the trapping season, each person authorized to trap on state-owned property shall submit to the commissioner a completed season summary of the daily records of trapping activity for each unit on forms provided by the commissioner. The season summary for each unit shall be submitted to the commissioner not more than thirty days after the close of the season for which the authorization was issued. Any person failing to submit a complete season summary or provide daily records of trapping activity as requested shall not be issued an authorization to trap on any unit for the next season.

(g) The commissioner may at any time: (1) revoke an authorization to trap for violating the terms of an authorization or any other statute or regulation governing trapping in the State of Connecticut, or any limitation imposed by the Commissioner under this subsection in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act; (2) prohibit trapping during specified dates and times; (3) close a unit or certain areas within a unit; (4) restrict the types of traps and their placement; and, (5) limit the number of a particular species that may be trapped.

(h) Any person authorized by the commissioner to trap pursuant to this section may use assistants under the age of 16 provided that prior written authorization is obtained from the commissioner and the assistants meet the requirements of subsection (c)(1), (2) and (4) of this section. No fee shall be charged by the commissioner for such authorization.

(i) For the purposes of wildlife management, the commissioner may remove any fur-bearing animal at any time from a unit.

History

Effective October 3, 1972; Amended October 29, 2001

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-66-7 Seasons and bag limits for trapping furbearing animals

(a) There shall be no daily or season bag limit for trapping any species of fur-bearing animal for which an open trapping season is provided, except that the otter season bag limit shall be eight and the fisher season bag limit shall be two.

(b) The open season for trapping raccoon, wild mink, muskrat, river otter, gray fox, red fox, coyote, opossum, weasel and skunk shall be from the first Sunday following the first Saturday in November through March 15th. The open season for trapping fisher shall be from November 20th through December 31st. The open season for trapping beaver shall be from December 1 through March 31st.

(c) There shall be no open season for trapping snowshoe rabbit (varying hare), cottontail rabbit, gray squirrel, European hare, porcupine, red squirrel, woodchuck, Canada lynx, pine marten, black bear, bobcat, mountain lion (Felis concolor), Indiana bat and harbor seal.

History

Effective January 1, 1993; Amended August 30, 1999; Amended April 27, 2005; Amended August 3, 2009; Amended February 4, 2020

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-66-8 Sale of game (Repealed)

Repealed June 11, 2014.

Notes: For 2014 repeal, see Sec. 54 of Public Act 14-187. (June 11, 2014)

History

Effective February 1, 1990; Repealed June 11, 2014

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-66-9 (Repealed)

Repealed September 15, 1976.

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-66-10 Birds. Open coastal waters beyond outer harbor limits

The definition of "open coastal waters beyond outer harbor limits" for the purpose of hunting migratory waterfowl in Connecticut shall be all coastal waters and all waters of rivers and streams lying seaward from the first upstream bridge.

History

Effective January 7, 1964

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-66-11 Wildlife management study areas

On areas designated by posting as Wildlife Management Study Areas, hunters and others using the area shall be required to observe the following, when so indicated by posting:

(a) Enter and leave the area only at authorized check stations;

(b) Use the area by permit only, obtained at the check station on a first come-first served basis, in numbers to be determined by the department of environmental protection.

(d) Persons using the area will be issued a permit only when willing to cooperate in the study and allow removal of bands and tags from the game taken, crops and the first joint from one wing of birds and similar sampling of wildlife in the bag.

History

Effective September 27, 1979

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-66-12 Wild Turkey Seasons, Bag Limits, Firearms, Ammunition, Archery Equipment, Methods, Permits, Tags and Reporting

(a) Season and bag limit:

(1) Spring Season. In such areas of the state as designated by the commissioner and listed in the applicable annual Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide, the open spring season for hunting bearded wild turkey on private and state lands shall begin the last Wednesday in April and end the last Saturday in May. From the second Saturday before the last Wednesday in April through the first Saturday before the last Wednesday in April shall be designated as junior turkey hunting training days. On these days, only hunters having a valid Connecticut junior hunting license and a Resident Gamebird Stamp may hunt on state land or on private lands for which they have written permission from the land owner. The accompanying adult mentor shall have in his/her possession a valid Connecticut hunting license, a Resident Gamebird Stamp and written permission from the landowner when hunting on private lands. The adult mentor shall not carry a firearm, but may assist in calling. The adult mentor shall remain within physical contact of, and in a position to provide direct supervision and instruction of, the junior hunter at all times. Hunting shall be allowed from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. The season bag limit shall be five bearded wild turkeys.

(2) Fall Archery Season. In such areas of the state as designated by the commissioner and listed in the applicable annual Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide, the open fall season for hunting either bearded or non-bearded wild turkey with bow and arrow on private and state lands shall run concurrently with the archery deer season as specified in Section 26-86a-6(b) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. Hunting shall be allowed from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. The season bag limit shall be two wild turkeys.

(3) Fall Firearms Season. In such areas of the state as designated by the commissioner and listed in the applicable annual Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide, the open fall firearms season for hunting either bearded or non-bearded wild turkey with firearms on private and state lands shall begin on the first Saturday in October and end on October 31. Hunting shall be allowed from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. The season bag limit shall be three wild turkeys.

(b) Firearms, ammunition, archery equipment.

During the regulated seasons, Wild turkey may only be hunted as specified with a 20 gauge or larger shotgun, smooth bore muzzleloader of 20 gauge or larger, or with bow and arrow. Shot sizes in all firearms shall be restricted to #4, 5, 6, 7, or 7 1/2. A shotgun used to hunt wild turkey shall not be capable of holding more than three shells and have its magazine plugged with a one-piece filler, incapable of removal without disassembling the gun, so its total capacity does not exceed three shells. Bow and arrow as used in this regulation section means a long, recurved or compound bow with a minimum draw weight of 40 pounds, or crossbow with a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds. The arrowhead shall have two or more blades and may not be less than seven-eighths of an inch at the widest point.

(1) No person shall hunt, pursue, kill, take or attempt to take any wild turkey without a validated turkey permit, in addition to the license required by Section 26-27 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

(2) No animal, including a dog, may be used in hunting or pursuing any wild turkey, except that a dog may be used to hunt turkey during the fall firearms season on private lands only.

(3) No person shall take or attempt to take any wild turkey with the aid of real or artificial bait; over any baited area; with the use of electronic amplified turkey calling device or live decoy.

(4) No person shall take or attempt to take any wild turkey by participating in a cooperative drive or assist in hunting, pursuing or killing of wild turkeys without a validated permit. This provision shall not prohibit a hunter that has harvested all of the turkeys allowed under their permit from calling for another hunter with a valid turkey permit.

(5) It shall be unlawful to shoot from a building or other permanent structure.

(6) No person shall take or attempt to take any wild turkey which is roosted in a tree.

(d) Written consent.

No person shall hunt or assist with the hunting of wild turkey on private land without carrying dated written permission of the landowner for the current season. During the spring and fall firearms seasons such written consent shall be on forms provided by the commissioner. Only those consent forms completely filled out, signed and dated by the landowner shall be valid. Persons hunting pursuant to section subsection (e)(2)(A) of this section shall not be required to carry written consent.

(e) Permits and tags.

(1) (A) During both the spring and the fall firearms turkey seasons an individual may apply for and purchase one state land and one private land permit. Application for all permits except state land designated areas requiring lottery selection shall be made on forms provided by the commissioner and shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee, as specified in Section 26-48a-2 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(B) The issuance of permits on designated state-owned lands for the spring and fall firearms seasons shall be on the basis of a random selection of single accurately completed applications on forms provided by the commissioner. The total number of permits to be issued shall be predetermined by the commissioner and announced prior to the actual selection of permits. Upon notification of selection, the applicant shall return such notice with the appropriate fee as specified in section 26-48a-2.

(2) (A) Upon receipt of a completed application signed by a landowner of record, the commissioner shall issue, without fee, a private land turkey hunting permit to the owner(s) of ten or more adjoining acres of private land and the husband or wife, parent, grandparent, sibling, and/or any lineal descendant of such owner(s), provided no such owner, husband, or wife, parent, grandparent, sibling, or lineal descendant shall be issued more than one such permit per season. Such permit shall be valid for hunting on the owner's land as specified in the permit application.

(B) The land listed in the application shall:

(i) Be located in a designated turkey hunting zone; and

(ii) Repealed June 11, 2014.

(3) No wild turkey permit may be used unless it is validated by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and signed by the hunter upon receipt. Such permit is valid only for the state land area and hunting period, or private land for which it is identified. A valid wild turkey permit shall be carried while hunting.

(4) Immediately upon killing a wild turkey, and before moving the carcass in any manner from where it was killed, a person shall write their conservation identification number; name; date and time of kill; town of kill; and permit type on a tag and then sign their name. This tag, signed and with complete information, shall be kept with the turkey at all times.

(5) No person shall change or alter a turkey permit or tag or loan to another or allow another to have or use such permit or tag issued to himself or use any permit or tag issued to another.

(6) During the spring season a person may obtain a single private land permit and a single state land permit. During the fall season a person may obtain a single archery permit, a single private land firearms permit and a single state land firearms permit.

(7) Information contained in the application for such turkey permit which is determined to be false or misleading shall be cause for rejecting such application or revoking such permit.

(f) Reporting.

(1) All spring and fall permittees, whether having taken a turkey or not, who are contacted by the Department for the purposes of surveying turkey hunting activity shall complete a hunting season activity report by the method specified in the hunting and trapping guide published annually by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

(2) During the open spring firearms/archery season, the open fall firearms season or the open fall archery season, the fully completed and signed tag specified in subsection (e)(4) of this section shall remain with any harvested turkey until it is packaged for consumption or mounted for display. The fully completed and signed tag kept with a turkey harvested in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations shall constitute lawful possession, provided that the reporting required under subdivision (3) of this subsection has been completed.

(3) Any person taking a turkey during the open spring firearms/archery season, the open fall firearms season or the open fall archery season shall report the taking of such turkey within 24 hours after taking such turkey by the method specified in the Hunting and Trapping Guide published annually by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Notes: Publisher’s note: Public Act 14-187 repealed subsection (e)(2)(B)(ii) , effective June 11, 2014. (June 11, 2014)

History

Effective October 18, 1996; Amended August 30, 1999; Amended December 18, 2002; Amended April 27, 2005; Amended August 3, 2009; Amended September 9, 2013; Amended June 11, 2014; Amended February 4, 2020

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-66-13 Seasons, bag limits, and methods for taking amphibians

(a) There shall be no open season for taking Jefferson Salamanders, (Ambystoma jeffersonianum), Blue-spotted Salamanders, (Ambystoma laterale), Tremblay's Salamanders, (Ambystoma tremblayi), Silvery Salamanders, (Ambystoma platineum), Eastern Spadefoot Toads, (Scaphiopus h. holbrookii), Red-spotted Newts, (Notophthalmus v. viridescens), and Northern Leopard Frogs, (Rana pipiens), in any developmental stage.

(b) The open season for taking adult Spotted Salamanders, (Ambystoma maculatum), and adult Marbled Salamanders, (Ambystoma opacum), shall be from May 1 through August 31. During the open season, adult Spotted Salamanders and Marbled Salamanders shall only be taken by hand or hand-held implement. No person shall take any adult Spotted Salamanders or Marbled Salamanders by seine net. The daily and season bag limit shall not exceed three (3) of each species. There shall be no open season for taking eggs or juveniles of these species. For purposes of this section, "seine net" means a net with sinkers on one edge and floats on the other that hangs vertically in the water and encloses aquatic wildlife when its ends are pulled together or are drawn ashore.

History

Effective January 1, 1986; Amended May 29, 1998; Amended February 4, 2020

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-66-14 Seasons, Bag Limits, and Methods for Taking Reptiles

(a) There shall be no open season for taking Bog Turtles, (Glyptemys muhlenbergii), Wood Turtles, (Glyptemys insculpta), Diamondback Terrapins, (Malaclemys terrapin), Eastern Box Turtles, (Terrapene c. carolina), and Spotted Turtles, (Clemmys guttata) in any developmental stage.

(b) The open season for taking Black Rat Snakes, Elaphe o. obsoleta, shall be from May 1 through August 31. During the open season, Black Rat Snakes shall only be taken by hand or hand-held implement. The daily and season bag limit shall not exceed one (1). However, there shall be no open season for taking eggs of this species.

(d) Seasons, bag limits, size restrictions, methods and gear limitations for taking common Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina).

(1) The open season for taking snapping turtles shall be from July 15 through September 30.

(2) The daily bag limit shall be five (5) and the seasonal bag limit shall be ten (10).

(3) During the open season only snapping turtles having a straight line upper shell (carapace) length of 13 inches minimum shall be taken. There is no open season for taking snapping turtle eggs. Nests shall not be disturbed without prior authorization from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

(4) Snapping Turtles may be taken by hand, dip net, turtle hook, floating or non-floating turtle trap, and personally attended hook and line only. The use of firearms, poison, explosives, seines, gill nets or fyke nets is prohibited.

(5) No person may set, place or attend more than three (3) total turtle traps at any given time. Traps used shall be constructed and set in a manner to allow turtles to surface and breathe, and shall be constructed of mesh at least one inch wide at the narrowest measurement. All traps shall have a functional escape hole provided with a minimum diameter in all directions of 7.5 inches to allow the passage of fish and small turtles. Trap size shall not exceed 4 feet x 4 feet x 4 feet, except that hoop-style traps may be up to 84” in total length. Traps shall be tagged with a plate or tag visible above the water line bearing the Conservation Identification Number of the user. No person shall use a turtle trap without obtaining a snapping turtle trapping endorsement on such person’s Conservation License. Such endorsement shall be issued without fee and shall be carried at all times while engaged in turtle trapping. Only the operator identified on the tag may tend the trap. All traps shall be lifted or tended and emptied of catch at least once in a 24 hour period. Any wildlife otherwise protected shall be immediately released at the point of capture.

(6) No person shall use a turtle trap on any body of water owned, leased or otherwise under control of the department without written authorization from the department.

(7) The restrictions in subdivisions (1), (2), (3) and (5) of this subsection shall not apply to private pond or lake owners or owners of aquaculture facilities trapping for the purposes of releasing turtles back into the wild at another location.

History

Effective January 1, 1993; Amended May 29, 1998; Amended April 27, 2005; Amended September 9, 2013; Amended July 7, 2016

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-66-15 Guide

For purposes of regulations promulgated under Section 26-66 and Section 26-86a of the general statutes, "guide" means the applicable annual Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide issued by the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection.

History

Adopted effective August 30, 1999

26-67e Implementation of a Falconry Program

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-67e-1 Definitions

(a) For the purposes of sections 26-67e-1 to 26-67e-18, inclusive of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies:

(1) “Bate” means an attempt to fly a raptor while tethered;

(2) “Cable band” means a non-reusable, numbered United States Fish and Wildlife Service band used to uniquely identify a raptor taken from the wild for falconry;

(3) "Captive-bred raptor" means a raptor, including a hybrid, born and raised in captivity;

(4) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection;

(5) “Custodial falconer” means the falconer of record with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, pursuant to section 26-67e-14 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, as possessing a specific raptor for purposes of falconry;

(6) "Department" means the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection;

(7) "Falconer" means a person who engages in falconry and who holds a valid Connecticut falconry permit;

(8) "Falconry" means "falconry" as defined in section 26-67d of the Connecticut General Statutes;

(9) “Hacking” means the temporary release of a falconry bird to the wild to survive on its own;

(10) “Harass” means any act that may injure wildlife by disrupting normal behavior;

(11) “Harm” means an act that results in death or injury;

(12) "Hybrid" means the offspring of two or more distinct species;

(13) "Imping" means the process of grafting feathers onto the wing or tail of a bird to repair damage or to increase flying capacity;

(14) “Imprint” means a bird that is hand-raised in isolation from the sight of another raptor from two weeks of age until it has developed the plumage necessary for flight. An imprinted bird is considered to be so for its lifetime;

(15) “Jurisdiction of the United States” means the state of Connecticut, any other state, the District of Columbia, and any tribe or territory of the United States;

(16) “Microchip” means an identifying integrated circuit placed under the skin of a raptor that uses passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and is ISO (International Organization for Standardization) compliant (134.2 kHz);

(17) "Non-resident" means any person who is a resident of a jurisdiction of the United States other than Connecticut;

(18) “Raptor” has the same meaning, as provided in section 26-67d of the Connecticut General Statutes;

(19) "Resident" means any person who is a Connecticut resident;

(20) “Seamless band” means a uniquely numbered, seamless, metal band issued by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to be affixed to the leg of a captive-bred raptor;

(21) “Standard band” means a numbered, aluminum, lock-on or butt-end band issued by the United States Geological Survey Bird Banding Laboratory to be affixed to the leg of a raptor released to the wild; and

(22) “Take” means to harass, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture or collect or attempt to engage in any such conduct involving wildlife.

History

Adopted effective March 1, 2004; Amended August 3, 2009; Amended December 9, 2013

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-67e-2 General requirements

(a) No person shall engage in falconry or possess a raptor identified in section 26-67e-13 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies for the purpose of falconry in the state of Connecticut without a valid falconry permit issued pursuant to section 26-67e of the Connecticut General Statutes.

(b) No person in violation of 50 CFR 13, 20, 21 or 22 shall engage in falconry or possess a raptor identified in section 26-67e-13 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies for the purpose of falconry in the state of Connecticut.

(c) No person shall be issued a falconry permit if such person has been convicted of violating the falconry laws or regulations of any jurisdiction of the United States or convicted of violating any federal migratory bird laws or regulations within a five year period preceding the date upon which a permit application is received by the commissioner.

(d) No falconer shall take any raptor from the wild in Connecticut pursuant to section 26-92 of the Connecticut General Statutes except that a falconer may capture by use of a bow net, mistnet, dho-ghazza net or bal-chatri trap a legally possessed captive-bred or hybrid raptor that has escaped, provided the raptor has been banded with a seamless band pursuant to section 26-67e-15(b) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, the raptor is wearing an item of falconry equipment, and the raptor is returned to the custodial falconer or surrendered to the commissioner.

(e) A falconry permit does not authorize the propagation of any raptor.

History

Adopted effective March 1, 2004; Amended December 9, 2013

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-67e-3 Application for a permit; renewal of a permit

(a) Any resident applying for a falconry permit shall:

(1) Submit a complete application on a form prescribed by the commissioner;

(2) submit the fee specified in section 26-67e-5(a) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies;

(3) submit proof of having successfully completed the examination requirements specified in section 26-67e-8 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies for the appropriate falconry class permit;

(4) submit to the commissioner written documentation from the zoning enforcement officer of the municipality in which the raptor housing facility is located which verifies that the possession of a raptor and construction of a raptor housing facility, or use of an existing structure to house a raptor complies with all applicable local zoning requirements;

(5) certify, in writing, on a form prescribed by the commissioner, compliance with the facility and equipment requirements specified in sections 26-67e- 9 and 26-67e-10 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and consent to periodic inspections, by the commissioner or the commissioner’s duly designated agents, without prior notice and at any reasonable time of day, of all facilities, equipment and raptors used for falconry;

(6) submit proof of having a valid Connecticut firearms hunting license; and,

(7) certify, in writing, on a form prescribed by the commissioner, that they have not been convicted of violating the falconry laws or regulations of any jurisdiction of the United States or convicted of violating any federal migratory bird laws or regulations within a five year period preceding the date upon which a permit application is received by the commissioner.

(b) Any non-resident applying for a falconry permit shall:

(1) Submit a complete application on a form prescribed by the commissioner;

(2) submit the fee specified in section 26-67e-5(b) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies;

(3) submit proof of having a valid falconry license or a valid falconry permit issued by the jurisdiction of the United States in which they are a resident;

(4) certify, in writing, on a form prescribed by the commissioner, compliance with all federal laws and regulations governing falconry, and compliance with all laws and regulations governing falconry of the jurisdiction of the United States in which such applicant is a resident;

(5) submit proof of having a valid Connecticut firearms hunting license; and,

(6) certify, in writing, on a form prescribed by the commissioner, that the applicant has not been convicted of violating the falconry laws or regulations of any jurisdiction of the United States or any federal migratory bird laws or regulations within a five year period preceding the date upon which a permit application is received by the commissioner.

(c) Any resident or non-resident renewing a falconry permit shall submit a permit application in accordance with the requirements of subsection (a) or (b) of this section at least thirty days before the expiration date of the permit.

(d) If a permit has not been renewed and less than five years has passed since the expiration date, the permit may be reinstated at the level held previously if the permit holder has proof of certification at that level.

(e) If a permit has not been renewed and more than five years has passed since the expiration date, the permit may be reinstated at the level held previously upon reexamination in accordance with the requirements specified in section 26-67e-8 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

History

Adopted effective March 1, 2004; Amended December 9, 2013

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-67e-4 Permit duration and revocation

(a) The duration of a falconry permit shall be three years, beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30.

(b) The commissioner may at any time revoke, in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, a falconry permit for violations by the permittee of the terms of the permit or any statute or regulation governing falconry in the state of Connecticut.

History

Adopted effective March 1, 2004; Amended August 3, 2009; Amended December 9, 2013

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-67e-5 Permit fees

(a) The fee for an apprentice, general or master class permit shall be:

(1) $220.00 for the initial permit or for a permit that has lapsed or has been revoked; and

(2) $190.00 for the renewal of a current permit.

(b) The fee for a non-resident permit shall be $28.00.

History

Adopted effective March 1, 2004; Amended August 3, 2009; Amended December 9, 2013

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-67e-6 Classes of permits

(a) There shall be four classes of falconry permits: Apprentice, general, and master; and non-resident.

(b) Apprentice class.

(1) The commissioner may issue an apprentice class permit to any resident who meets the requirements specified in section 26-67e-3(a) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies if the applicant:

(A) is at least 14 years old;

(B) has written approval of a parent or legal guardian, if less than 18 years of age;

(D) provides the commissioner with a letter from the sponsor stating that assistance will be provided to the applicant for learning about the husbandry and training of a raptor held for falconry and about relevant wildlife laws and regulations;

(E) certifies on a form prescribed by the commissioner, that the applicant has read and is familiar with the regulations in 50 CFR 13 and other applicable definitions in 50 CFR 10, Subpart B; and,

(F) certifies that the information provided in the application is complete and accurate;

(2) an apprentice falconer may possess no more than one raptor at any time;

(3) an apprentice falconer shall only possess the species of red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis);

(4) an apprentice falconer may not possess a raptor that is imprinted, taken from the wild as a nestling or taken from the wild in adult plumage;

(5) an apprentice falconer shall not obtain more than two wild red-tailed hawks during any twelve-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30;

(6) an apprentice falconer shall maintain a written log describing the instruction provided by their sponsor, and make such log available for inspection by the commissioner or the commissioner’s duly designated agents. Instruction shall include care and handling of a raptor, live-trapping techniques, teaching a raptor to hunt, and all applicable laws and regulations governing falconry; and,

(7) an apprentice falconer shall not fly or hunt a red-tailed hawk without the presence of the sponsor until the sponsor provides written notification to the apprentice stating that the apprentice is competent to handle the bird without direct supervision. Such written notification shall be carried while in the field with a bird.

(1) The commissioner may issue a general class permit to any resident who meets the requirements in section 26-67e-3(a) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies if the applicant:

(A) is at least 16 years old;

(B) has written approval of a parent or legal guardian, if less than 18 years of age;

(D) submits proof of a minimum of two years experience in the practice of falconry at the apprentice class level;

(E) has practiced falconry with the applicant’s own raptor for at least two hunting seasons that total at least four months each; and,

(F) submits written certification from the applicant's sponsor verifying that the applicant practiced falconry at the apprentice falconer level for at least two years including maintaining, training, flying and hunting a raptor at least four months in each year;

(2) a general falconer may possess up to three raptors at any time;

(3) a general falconer may possess raptors from any category specified under section 26-67e-13 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies;

(4) a general falconer shall not obtain more than two wild raptors during any twelve-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30; and,

(5) notwithstanding section 26-67e-6(c)(2) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, a general falconer may possess the raptors of another custodial falconer for purposes of providing temporary care for such raptors pursuant to section 26-67e-12 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(d) Master class.

(1) The commissioner may issue a master class permit to any resident who meets the requirements in section 26-67e-3(a) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies if the applicant:

(A) submits proof of having at least five years experience in the practice of falconry at the general class level;

(B) has practiced falconry with the applicant’s own raptor for at least five hunting seasons that total at least four months each season; and,

(C) submits written recommendations from three master falconers stating that the applicant meets the qualifications of a master class falconer;

(2) a master falconer may possess up to five raptors at any time;

(3) a master falconer may possess raptors from any category specified in section 26-67e-13 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies;

(4) a master falconer shall not obtain more than two wild raptors during any twelve-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30; and,

(5) notwithstanding section 26-67e-6(d)(2) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, a master falconer may possess the raptors of another custodial falconer for purposes of providing temporary care to such raptors pursuant to section 26-67e-12 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(e) Non-resident class.

(1) The commissioner may issue a non-resident class permit to any non-resident who meets the requirements of section 26-67e-3(b) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(2) A non-resident falconer shall only possess, while in Connecticut, the raptor species specified in section 26-67e-13 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and which are identified on the falconry license or permit issued by the jurisdiction of the United States in which the non-resident falconer is a resident.

History

Adopted effective March 1, 2004; Amended December 9, 2013

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-67e-7 Sponsorship requirements

(a) Any person who would like to sponsor an apprentice falconer shall certify, on a form prescribed by the commissioner, that such person:

(1) Has a valid master falconry or general falconry permit with a minimum of three years experience as a general falconer; and,

(2) has not been convicted of violating the falconry laws and regulations of any jurisdiction of the United States or any federal migratory bird statutes or regulations within a three year period preceding the start of the sponsorship.

(b) The sponsor shall:

(1) Act as a source of advice and information for the apprentice;

(2) provide a minimum of twenty hours of field instruction annually;

(3) provide training as described in the regulations in 50 CFR 21 and sections 26-67e-1 through 26-67e-18, inclusive of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and oversee the care, maintenance, and training of the apprentice's raptor;

(4) reside within 400 miles of the apprentice's residence;

(5) sponsor no more than three apprentices at any one time;

(6) notify the commissioner, in writing, within ten days after the sponsorship has been discontinued with an explanation of the reasons for discontinuing the sponsorship; and,

(7) maintain a written log of the instruction provided to each apprentice falconer.

(c) An apprentice falconer may submit, at any time, a written request to the commissioner to change sponsors. Said request shall describe the reasons or circumstances for changing sponsors and the name and address of the new sponsor. The commissioner, in the commissioner’s sole discretion, may authorize an apprentice falconer to resume falconry activities with a new sponsor.

History

Adopted effective March 1, 2004; Amended December 9, 2013

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-67e-8 Examination

(a) Any resident applying for an apprentice class falconry permit shall successfully complete a written examination administered by the commissioner, or the commissioner’s duly designated agent, prior to submitting a permit application, or show proof of successfully completing a written falconry examination in another jurisdiction of the United States during the five year period prior to such application.

(b) Any resident applying for a general or master class falconry permit shall successfully complete a written and practical field examination administered by the commissioner, or the commissioner’s duly designated agent, prior to submitting a permit application, or show proof of successfully completing such written and practical field examinations in another jurisdiction of the United States during the ten year period prior to such application.

(c) To successfully complete a written examination provided for in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, a person shall answer correctly at least 80 percent of the questions relative to the biology, care and handling of raptors and laws and regulations governing falconry.

(d) Any person failing an examination shall not retake the examination for at least 60 days following the date of the previous examination.

History

Adopted effective March 1, 2004; Amended December 9, 2013

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-67e-9 Housing facilities

(a) No resident of Connecticut shall be issued a falconry permit unless the commissioner or the commissioner’s duly designated agent has inspected and certified that the raptor housing facilities comply with the requirements of subsections (b) to (h), inclusive, of this section. For the purposes of this section, a “mews” is an indoor area of a facility for housing a raptor.

(b) All raptors shall be kept under humane and healthful conditions as described in this section. Raptor housing facilities shall include a mews (indoor facility) and a weathering area that provides protection from the environment, predators, domestic animals and undue disturbance. Each raptor shall have a pan of clean water available at all times except during short periods when weather conditions, the perch type used, or other factor makes access to a water pan unsafe for the raptor. The mews and weathering area may be one enclosure or two separate enclosures.

(1) For a single raptor: An enclosure having minimum dimensions of eight feet by eight feet by seven feet, and allows the bird room to fly if it is untethered;

(2) for two or three raptors: An enclosure having minimum dimensions of eight feet by eight feet by seven feet, provided that each raptor shall be able to fly if untethered and, if tethered, to fully extend its wings or bate without damaging its feathers or touching the roof, any walls or any other raptor;

(3) a raptor shall be tethered or separated by solid partitions if the species or individuals cannot be safely housed together;

(4) at least one window, protected on the inside by vertical bars that are spaced narrower than the width of the raptor's body;

(5) a roof which covers at least one half the size of the enclosure;

(6) at least three walls constructed of solid materials such as wood, metal, corrugated plastic or similar material;

(7) the fourth wall may be constructed of nonsolid material such as chain-link fencing, welded wire, heavy-duty plastic mesh, heavy-duty netting, or vertical bars having a mesh opening or spacing between the vertical bars that prevents the escape or entrapment of the raptor. A mesh opening of two inches by two inches or spacing between vertical bars of two inches shall not be exceeded;

(8) vestibule area with two secure doors that can be easily closed and locked at all times;

(9) a floor consisting of pea gravel, sand, grass, artificial turf, rubber mats, or other artificial substrates that provide proper drainage and are easily cleaned; and,

(10) two or more perches per raptor if the raptor is not tethered and one perch per raptor if the raptor is tethered, with at least one perch available under the solid section of the roof.

(d) The requirements for a separate weathering area shall be:

(1) For a single raptor: An enclosure having minimum dimensions of eight feet by eight feet by seven feet;

(2) for two or three raptors: An enclosure having minimum dimensions of eight feet by eight feet by seven feet provided that each raptor, when tethered, shall be able to fully extend its wings or bate without damaging its feathers or touching the roof, any walls or any other raptor;

(3) a roof that consists of a solid area at least one third (1/3) the size of the entire cage;

(4) entirely enclosed with at least two of the side walls consisting of nonsolid materials such as chain-link fencing, welded wire, heavy-duty plastic mesh, heavy-duty netting, or vertical bars;

(5) the mesh opening or spacing between the vertical bars shall prevent the escape or entrapment of a captive raptor;

(6) the maximum mesh opening shall be two inches by two inches and the maximum spacing between vertical bars shall be two inches; and,

(7) two or more perches per raptor if the raptor is not tethered and one perch per raptor if it is tethered, with at least one perch available under the solid section of the roof.

(e) The requirements for a combined mews and weathering area shall be:

(1) For a single raptor: An enclosure having minimum dimensions of ten feet by ten feet by seven feet and allows the bird room to fly if it is untethered;

(2) for two or three raptors: An enclosure having minimum dimensions of ten feet by ten feet by seven feet provided that each raptor shall be able to fly if untethered and, if tethered, to fully extend its wings or bate without damaging its feathers or touching the roof, any walls or any other raptor;

(3) a raptor shall be tethered or separated by solid partitions if the species or individuals cannot be safely housed together;

(4) a roof which covers at least one half the size of the enclosure;

(5) at least one wall and one third (1/3) of the two adjacent walls constructed of solid materials such as wood, metal, corrugated plastic or similar material;

(6) at least one half (½) of one wall constructed of nonsolid material such as chain-link fencing, welded wire, heavy-duty plastic mesh, heavy-duty netting, or vertical bars having a mesh opening or spacing between the vertical bars that prevents the escape or entrapment of the raptor. A mesh opening of two inches by two inches or spacing between vertical bars of two inches shall not be exceeded;

(7) vestibule area with two secure doors that can be easily closed and locked at all times;

(8) a floor consisting of pea gravel, sand, grass, artificial turf, rubber mats, or other artificial substrates that provide proper drainage and are easily cleaned; and,

(9) two or more perches per raptor if the raptor is not tethered and one perch per raptor if it is tethered, with at least one perch available under the solid section of the roof.

(f) Perches located in the mews and weathering areas shall be of natural materials with all sharp protrusions removed or the perches shall be covered with sisal or manila strand rope, artificial turf or indoor/outdoor carpeting. Natural perches and coverings shall be replaced when worn.

(g) A falconer relocating the raptor housing facility and a raptor to a new location shall notify the commissioner 30 days in advance before the facility is relocated.

(h) The mews and weathering area shall be kept clean and maintained in good working order at all times.

History

Adopted effective March 1, 2004; Amended December 9, 2013

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-67e-10 Equipment

(a) No resident of Connecticut shall be issued a falconry permit unless the commissioner or his designee has inspected and certified that the falconer is in possession of the following equipment:

(1) At least 1 glove or gauntlet appropriate for each species being handled;

(2) at least one pair of Aylmeri jesses or similar type constructed of pliable, high-quality leather or suitable synthetic material;

(3) a supply of leather and grommets along with grommet setters, a leather punch and cutting tools;

(4) at least 1 flexible, weather-resistant leash and 1 strong swivel designed for use with raptors;

(5) a digital, triple-beam, postal or baby scale weighing device that is graduated to increments of not more than ½ ounce (15 grams) and containing either a solid perch or an artificial turf covering;

(6) at least one suitable container, 2 to 6 inches deep and wider than the length of the raptor for the drinking and bathing of each raptor; and,

(7) at least one tethering perch designed for use with raptors.

(b) All equipment shall be maintained in good working order at all times.

History

Adopted effective March 1, 2004

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-67e-11 Transportation and temporary holding requirements

(a) Transportation. A raptor shall be transported within an enclosure that provides protection from extreme temperatures, wind and excessive disturbance, and equipped with one perch as described in section 26-67e-9(f) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. The enclosure shall be at least three inches taller than the height of the bird while perched, shall allow for easy entry and removal to minimize stress, and have adequate ventilation. The raptor shall be kept in this temporary enclosure for a period not more than 30 days.

(b) Temporary Holding. A raptor may be temporarily held at an offsite location in an enclosure constructed of wood or sturdy plastic for a period not more than 30 consecutive days. The enclosure shall have minimum dimensions of five feet by four feet by four feet; have at least one perch as described in section 26-67e-9(f) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies; adequate ventilation; and protect the raptor from extreme temperatures, excessive disturbance, wind, domestic animals and predators.

History

Adopted effective March 1, 2004; Amended December 9, 2013

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-67e-12 Temporary custody of raptors

(a) A falconer may, for not more than 120 consecutive days, place a raptor under the temporary care of another falconer provided that the temporary care provider:

(1) Holds a valid falconry permit issued by the commissioner pursuant to section 26-67e of the Connecticut General Statutes; or holds a valid falconry permit issued by another jurisdiction of the United States;

(2) receives a copy of the completed United States Fish and Wildlife Service Form 3-186A (Migratory Bird Acquisition/Disposition Report) that shows possession of the raptor; and,

(3) has written authorization signed and dated by the falconer, authorizing the temporary possession of the raptor. The written authorization shall include the specific time period of the temporary custody and the activities the temporary care provider may engage in with a bird under care. The following conditions apply to temporary custody:

(A) the raptor shall remain on the permit of the original falconer and shall not count against the possession limit of the temporary care provider;

(B) if the temporary care provider holds the appropriate level falconry permit, the temporary care provider may fly or hunt the raptor if the custodial falconer authorizes the temporary care provider to do so; and

(C) the commissioner, at the commissioner’s sole discretion, may authorize the care of the raptor to exceed 120 consecutive calendar days in extenuating circumstances such as illness, military service or a family emergency.

(b) Another person without a falconry permit may care for a falconry bird at the facility of a falconer for up to 45 consecutive calendar days provided:

(1) A raptor shall remain on the original falconry permit;

(2) a raptor shall remain in the falconer’s facility; and

(3) the persons caring for a raptor shall not fly them for any reason.

History

Adopted effective March 1, 2004; Amended December 9, 2013

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-67e-13 Approved raptor species

(a) The following species of raptors may be used for falconry in Connecticut:

(1) Any wild raptor of the subfamilies Falconinae or Accipitrinae that is legal to possess for falconry as defined under 50 CFR 21.29(e);

(2) any captive-bred raptor species of the subfamilies Falconinae or Accipitrinae that is not a hybrid and is legal to possess for falconry as defined under 50 CFR 21.29(e), provided at least one functioning radio transmitter is attached to the bird while it is flown free, and the bird is not released to the wild; and

(3) any species of hybrid raptor of the subfamilies Falconinae or Accipitrinae that is legal to possess for falconry as defined under 50 CFR 21.29(e), provided at least two functioning radio transmitters are attached to the bird while it is flown free, and the bird is not released to the wild.

(b) No species of raptor identified in subsection (a) of this section, that is listed as threatened, endangered, or of special concern pursuant to section 26-306 of the Connecticut General Statutes, or any species listed as threatened or endangered by the federal government, and no raptor of the genus Aquila (true eagles) or the genus Haliaeetus (sea-eagles), or hybrid thereof, may be used for falconry in Connecticut.

(c) A general or master falconer may acquire a raptor from a migratory bird wildlife rehabilitator, and such bird shall be counted as a wild caught bird. Transfer to the falconer shall be at the discretion of the rehabilitator, and subject to prior approval by the commissioner.

History

Adopted effective March 1, 2004; Amended December 9, 2013

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-67e-14 Notification requirements

(a) A falconer shall submit a written request to and receive approval from the commissioner before release of a raptor into the wild.

(b) Any person holding a falconry permit pursuant to section 26-67e-6 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies shall, not later than five days after any of the following events, complete and submit a Migratory Bird Acquisition and Disposition Report in the manner required by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and shall notify the commissioner in writing of the following transactions or events:

(1) The acquisition of a raptor taken from the wild or received by transfer or purchase from another person;

(2) the recovery of a lost raptor;

(3) the transfer of a raptor to another person;

(4) the loss of a raptor previously held through release, escape, theft or death;

(5) the banding or rebanding of any raptor;

(6) the loss, removal and mutilation of banding from any raptor;

(7) the implanting of a microchip; or

(8) any injury of a wild bird.

(c) The loss of a raptor through theft shall be reported, in writing, to the commissioner and to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Regional Law Enforcement Office within five days of the theft.

(d) Copies of all submissions made pursuant to subsection (b) of this section shall be retained for a period of at least five years from the date of transfer or loss of the raptor.

(e) The capture of any raptor affixed with any band, research marker or transmitter shall be immediately reported to the United States Geological Survey Bird Banding Laboratory.

(f) Structural changes to the mews or weathering area shall be reported to the commissioner in writing along with accompanying photographs, no later than 30 days after completion of the changes.

(g) Any species listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern pursuant to section 26-310 of the Connecticut General Statutes taken during the practice of falconry shall be immediately reported, in writing, to the commissioner and, if a federally listed species, to the nearest New England Ecological Services Field Office of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

(h) Each person holding a permit pursuant to section 26-67e-6 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies shall submit an annual report to the commissioner by July 31, or within 30 days of the termination of the permit, on forms prescribed by the commissioner. The report shall include the following information for the previous 12-month period:

(1) The number, species, band number, and microchip information of a raptor possessed;

(2) the number, species, date, and location of all kills of any animal for which there is no season or is out of season;

(3) the number, species, date, and location of all kills of any animal for which there is an open season; and

(4) the number and species of replacement raptors.

History

Adopted effective March 1, 2004; Amended December 9, 2013

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-67e-15 Banding requirements; microchips

(a) A falconer shall not possess a wild raptor unless the bird is banded with a cable band, or the falconer holds an exemption pursuant to subsection (g) of this section.

(b) A falconer shall not possess a captive-bred raptor unless the bird is banded with a seamless band, a cable band pursuant to subsection (d) of this section, or the falconer holds an exemption pursuant to subsection (g) of this section.

(d) When any band becomes mutilated, illegible or lost, or otherwise has been removed, the falconer shall request a replacement band from the commissioner within five calendar days from the day the band is removed or known to be lost. Any band removed or lost shall be replaced with a cable band.

(e) Prior to releasing a wild raptor, the falconer shall present the raptor to the commissioner or an authorized federal agent for removal of the band affixed in accordance with subsection (a) of this section and attachment of a standard band to the bird.

(f) A falconer shall not alter, deface, or counterfeit a band. A falconer may remove the rear tab or smooth any imperfect surface on a cable band provided the band is not materially affected.

(g) If a falconer documents injuries to a raptor caused by a band, the commissioner, at the commissioner’s sole discretion, may provide a written exemption to the banding requirement for that raptor. If an exemption is granted, the falconer shall have in their possession the written exemption when transporting or flying the raptor. If an exemption from banding is granted for a wild goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), Harris’s hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) or gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), a microchip shall be implanted.

History

Adopted effective March 1, 2004; Amended December 9, 2013

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-67e-16 Record keeping and reporting

(a) A falconer shall maintain complete and accurate records for each raptor that identify:

(1) the species, sex, age, and lineage;

(2) the date of acquisition;

(3) the date of the death, loss, release, or transfer to another person of each raptor and an explanation of the reasons therefore; and,

(4) if applicable, the name, address, and permit number of persons who previously possessed the raptor, and date of transfer.

(b) The records required in subsection (a) of this section shall be maintained in chronological order, retained for a minimum of five years after the date of death, loss, or transfer of any raptor possessed by a falconer and shall be available for inspection at any reasonable time upon request of the commissioner or the commissioner’s duly designated agent.

History

Adopted effective March 1, 2004; Amended August 3, 2009; Amended December 9, 2013

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-67e-17 Hunting requirements

(a) Hunting or training of a falconry bird shall only take place on:

(1) State-owned or managed lands identified by the commissioner as open to hunting; or,

(2) private land, provided that the falconer has obtained verbal permission from the landowner.

(b) A falconer shall abide by all current Connecticut hunting laws and season dates pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 490 of the Connecticut General Statutes and any regulations promulgated thereunder, while pursuing wildlife using a raptor and shall have in their possession:

(1) A Connecticut firearms hunting license;

(2) a federal and Connecticut migratory waterfowl stamp when hunting waterfowl;

(3) a harvest information permit when hunting migratory birds;

(4) a pheasant stamp when hunting pheasants; and,

(5) a valid Connecticut falconry permit.

(c) The commissioner may declare an area closed to hunting with a raptor at any time, in accordance with the provisions of section 26-68 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

(d) Any falconer whose raptor kills an animal for which there is no season or that is out of season shall leave the dead quarry where it lies, except that the raptor may feed upon the quarry prior to leaving the site of the kill. The falconer shall ensure that activities do not cause the take of wildlife listed as endangered or threatened pursuant to the federal Endangered Species (Public Law 93-205), or a species listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern pursuant to section 26-310 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

History

Adopted effective March 1, 2004; Amended December 9, 2013

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-67e-18 Other requirements

(a) Any person who is issued a falconry permit may retain, transfer or exchange feathers with falconers, migratory bird wildlife rehabilitators or propagators for imping purposes provided;

(1) The feathers are from a raptor that is or that was held for falconry;

(2) the feathers have come from the transfer or exchange of feathers pursuant to this section;

(3) the feathers are not bought, sold or bartered; and

(4) the feathers are transferred to an authorized person or institution upon expiration or revocation of a falconry permit.

(b) The feathers of any bird used in falconry or the body of any bird used in falconry that has died may be transferred, upon written authorization of the commissioner, or the commissioner’s duly designated agent, to a person or institution, for use in education programs provided the band or microchip is not removed. If the bird is not transferred pursuant to this subsection the remaining carcass shall be burned, or buried within ten days of the death of the bird.

(c) A falconer who injures a wild bird during trapping shall be responsible for the cost of care and rehabilitation of the bird and shall seek immediate medical attention for said bird, and report it pursuant to section 26-67e-14 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. If the bird is unable to fly, it may be transferred to an authorized migratory bird wildlife rehabilitator for care.

(d) Hacking is prohibited.

(e) A falconer may use other accepted falconry practices, including, but not limited to, the use of creance (tethered) flying, lures, balloons, or kites in training or conditioning a falconry raptor. A falconer may fly a falconry bird at non-native bird species such as house sparrows and European starlings, or on pen-raised animals.

(f) A falconer may use a falconry bird for public presentations regarding conservation education or the sport of falconry, provided:

(1) The bird is used primarily for falconry; and,

(2) the falconer provides information about the biology, ecological roles, or conservation needs of a raptor.

(g) An apprentice falconer may only present conservation programs under the supervision of a general or master falconer.

(h) A falconer may, without compensation, allow photography, filming or other such uses of a falconry raptor to make movies or other forms of information on the practice of falconry, or the biology, ecological roles or conservation needs of a raptor. At no time may a falconer, or any other person, benefit monetarily from the use of a falconry raptor.

(i) A general or master falconer may assist an authorized migratory bird wildlife rehabilitator to condition a raptor in preparation for release to the wild, provided:

(1) Prior to the transfer of any raptor for such purposes, the rehabilitator provides to the commissioner a letter or form that identifies the raptor and indicates such rehabilitator’s permission for the falconer to assist in the rehabilitation and care of such raptor;

(2) the falconer’s facility meets the standards as defined in section 26-67e-9 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies to house a rehabilitation raptor; and

(3) a raptor shall be released, returned to the rehabilitator, or transferred to the falconer’s falconry permit not later than 180 days after receipt of the raptor from the rehabilitator.

(j) A master falconer may conduct nuisance wildlife abatement activities with a raptor possessed for falconry if he or she has a Federal Abatement permit.

(1) The falconer may be paid for nuisance wildlife abatement services only if he or she has a nuisance wildlife control operator’s license issued pursuant to section 26-47 of the Connecticut General Statutes; and

(2) a general falconer may conduct nuisance wildlife abatement only as a subpermittee of the holder of a Federal Abatement permit.

(k) Upon written notice to the commissioner, a surviving spouse, executor, administrator, or other legal representative of a deceased falconer may transfer any bird formerly held by the deceased falconer to another authorized falconer, within 90 days of the death of the falconry permittee. After the expiration of 90 days from the date of the death of a falconer, disposition of a bird held by the deceased falconer is at the sole discretion of the commissioner.

(l) A falconer shall have a copy of their Connecticut falconry permit in immediate possession while trapping, transporting, working with, or flying a falconry raptor at any location other than their falconry facilities.

History

Adopted effective March 1, 2004; Amended December 9, 2013

Department of Environmental Protection Department of Environmental Protection

26-78 Possession and Sale of Game and Furbearing Animals

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-78-1 Possession and sale of game and furbearing animals

No person shall purchase, sell, offer or expose for sale, or possess the raw skin, raw pelt, or carcass of any bobcat, black bear, pine martin, Canada lynx, or mountain lion (Felis concolor) unless such skin, pelt or carcass was legally acquired in this state or any other state or country. Any such skin, pelt or carcass legally acquired shall, in addition to any tag required by any other state or country, have a separate tag attached with the following information printed legibly thereon: the date on which the raw skin, raw pelt, or carcass was acquired; the name and address of the person from whom such skin, pelt, or carcass was acquired and, if applicable, the trapping, or hunting license number under which such skin, pelt, or carcass was harvested; the state and/or country (if other than the United States) from which the raw skin, raw pelt, or carcass was acquired.

History

Effective September 27, 1979; Amended April 27, 2005

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-78-2 Conditions on possession of bog turtles (Repealed)

Repealed June 11, 2014.

Notes: For 2014 repeal, see Sec. 54 of Public Act 14-187. (June 11, 2014)

History

Effective February 21, 1985; Repealed June 11, 2014

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

26-86a Deer Hunting

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-86a-1 Check Stations and Reporting

(a) Any person taking a deer during the seasons as established pursuant to section 26-86a of the Connecticut General Statutes shall report within 24 hours by the method specified in the hunting and trapping guide published annually by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. All persons issued a deer permit that are contacted by the Department for the purposes of surveying deer hunting activity shall complete a hunting season activity report by the method specified in the hunting and trapping guide published annually by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

(b) Any person, taking a deer with a shotgun, rifle, revolver, muzzleloader or bow and arrow on days or deer management zones specified in the hunting and trapping guide published annually by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection shall register such deer and have a metal possession seal affixed to the carcass at an official Department of Energy and Environmental Protection deer check station. Such deer shall be registered on the same date taken. This provision shall not apply to owners and other persons hunting with a free landowner deer season permit.

(d) No person shall possess any deer affixed with a metal possession seal unless such deer has been registered at an official deer check station.

(e) The metal possession seal shall remain attached to any deer so marked until it is cut up and packaged for consumption.

(f) Any deer registered at an official deer check station shall be subject to the collection of biological data, including, but not limited to, the removal of teeth, lower jaw and organs.

(g) No person shall submit any deer killed other than during a regulated sport hunting deer season to be recognized by the state for any official trophy program or officially verified by the state for use in any national official record book entries.

(h) No person shall affix a metal possession seal to any deer not properly tagged in accordance with section 26-86a-2 (c) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(i) No person other than an authorized operator of an official Department of Energy and Environmental Protection check station shall possess or affix a metal possession seal to any deer carcass. The authorized check station operator or their designated employee shall personally affix the metal possession seal on the deer carcass being registered.

(j) The operator of any deer check station shall maintain accurate records of any information required by the department in registering legally taken deer and or in operating such check station. Such records shall be made available for inspection by any State Conservation Officer or other Department official during normal business hours.

History

Effective May 16, 1996; Amended April 27, 2005; Amended August 3, 2009; Amended September 9, 2013; Amended July 7, 2016

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-86a-2 Permits and Tags

(a) The issuance of firearm permits on state-owned lands designated by the commissioner and listed in the applicable annual Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide shall be on the basis of a random computer selection of single accurately completed applications. The number of permits to be issued shall be predetermined by the commissioner and announced prior to the actual selection of permits. No person may be selected for more than one state land firearms deer permit.

(b) No deer permit may be used unless it is validated by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and signed by the hunter upon receipt. A state land deer permit is valid only for the area for which it is identified. A landowner deer permit is valid only for the property listed on the application by which such permit was obtained. A valid deer permit shall be carried while hunting.

(c) Immediately upon killing a deer, and before moving the carcass in any manner from where it was killed, a person shall write their conservation identification number; name; date and time of kill; town of kill; and permit type on a tag and then sign their name. This tag, signed and with complete information shall be kept with the deer at all times until the carcass is cut up and packaged for consumption.

(d) No person shall change or alter deer permits or loan to another or permit another to have or use such permit issued to himself or use any permit issued to another.

(e) No person shall obtain more than one of the same type deer permit in any one year other than as specified in section 26-86a-8(c) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(f) Information contained in the application for such deer permits, which is determined to be false or misleading shall be cause for rejecting or revoking such applications or permits.

(g) No landowner shall make more than one application for the free landowner deer season permit for the same person.

(h) Persons checking antlerless deer legally harvested pursuant to private land deer permits at designated deer check stations may be issued a replacement antlerless only deer tag. Such tag shall be valid in the designated management zone during the designated season indicated on such tag by the commissioner only. Any person who checks a total of three antlerless deer at designated check stations may be issued a replacement either-sex deer tag for use during that same season in the designated management zones designated on such tag by the commissioner.

(i) Persons checking antlerless deer legally harvested pursuant to state land deer permits at designated deer check stations may be issued a replacement antlerless only deer tag. Such tag shall be valid on designated state lands indicated on such tag by the commissioner. Any person who checks a total of three antlerless deer at designated check stations may be issued a replacement either-sex deer tag for use during that same season on state lands designated on such tag by the commissioner.

(j) Deer taken as antlerless-only with a private land shotgun/rifle permit may only be taken on days and in the zones specified on the permit.

History

Effective May 16, 1996; Amended May 29, 1998; Amended April 27, 2005; Amended August 3, 2009; Amended September 9, 2013; Amended February 4, 2020

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-86a-3 (Repealed)

Repealed December 18, 2002.

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-86a-4 Firearms and Ammunition

(a) Persons hunting subject to a state land shotgun deer permit may hunt with a 12, 16, or 20 gauge shotgun incapable of holding more than three shells containing a single projectile, or a muzzleloader, as defined in section 26-86a of the Connecticut General Statutes.

(b) Persons hunting subject to a private land rifle/shotgun deer permit on lands less than ten acres may hunt with a 12, 16 or 20 gauge shotgun using shells containing a single projectile, or muzzleloader, as defined in section 26-86a of the Connecticut General Statutes.

(c) Persons hunting subject to a private land rifle/shotgun deer permit on lands of ten or more acres may hunt with a 12, 16 or 20 gauge shotgun using shells containing a single projectile, a centerfire rifle or a muzzleloader, as defined in section 26-86a of the Connecticut General Statutes.

(d) No person shall possess an electronic ignition firearm with the battery connected, a capped percussion lock firearm, or a flintlock firearm having powder in the pan, where a loaded firearm is prohibited.

History

Effective May 16, 1996; Amended September 9, 2013

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-86a-5 Written consent

(a) No person shall hunt deer with bow and arrow on private land without carrying dated written consent of the landowner for the current season on forms provided by the commissioner.

(b) No person shall hunt deer with firearms on private land except landowners and lineal descendants hunting their own property, without carrying dated written consent of the landowner for the current season specifying the firearm(s) type to be used on forms provided by the commissioner.

History

Effective February 16, 1994

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-86a-6 Open Seasons

(a) The hours for hunting deer authorized under the regulated sport hunting season permits shall be one-half hour before sunrise to sunset--prevailing time standard. The hours for hunting deer authorized under deer damage permits issued per Connecticut General Statutes section 26-82 shall be from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset--prevailing time standard.

(b) The open seasons shall be:

(1) for archery deer hunting on state lands open to archery deer hunting and firearms deer hunting, from September 15 through the second Tuesday before Thanksgiving Day and from the fourth Wednesday after Thanksgiving Day through December 31;

(2) for archery deer hunting on state lands open to archery deer hunting and closed to firearms deer hunting, and on private lands, from September 15 through December 31;

(3) for archery deer hunting on private lands in deer management zones designated by the commissioner and listed in the applicable annual Connecticut hunting and trapping guide, from September 15 through January 31;

(4) for muzzleloader deer hunting on state lands, from the second Wednesday after Thanksgiving Day through the fourth Tuesday after Thanksgiving Day;

(5) for muzzleloader deer hunting on private land, from the second Wednesday after Thanksgiving Day through December 31;

(6) for shotgun deer hunting on state lands, from the second Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day through the second Tuesday after Thanksgiving Day;

(7) for shotgun or rifle deer hunting on private land, from the second Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day through the second Tuesday after Thanksgiving Day;

(8) for revolver, as defined in section 29-27 of the Connecticut General Statutes, with a cartridge of .357 caliber or larger and subject to the revolver carry permit provisions of subsection (b) of section 29-28 of the Connecticut General Statutes, deer hunting on 10 or more acres of private land, the seasons shall be:

(A) by persons authorized to hunt deer pursuant to a free private land deer permit, as provided for in section 26-86a of the Connecticut General Statutes, and a revolver deer permit, from November 1 through December 31;

(B) by other residents of the state authorized to hunt deer pursuant to a private land shotgun rifle deer permit and a revolver deer permit, from the second Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day through the second Tuesday after Thanksgiving Day.

(1) for rifle, shotgun or muzzleloader on private land in areas of the state designated by the commissioner for antlerless deer only, from the fourth Wednesday before Thanksgiving through the second Tuesday before Thanksgiving Day;

(2) for shotgun deer hunting on state land by persons authorized to hunt deer pursuant to a Connecticut junior firearms hunting license and a state land shotgun deer permit, and accompanied by an adult simultaneously authorized to hunt deer pursuant to a Connecticut hunting license and a deer permit, from the third Saturday through the second Saturday before Thanksgiving Day. The adult mentor shall not carry a firearm and shall remain within physical contact of, and in a position to provide direct supervision and instruction of, the junior hunter at all times.

(3) for shotgun or rifle deer hunting on private lands by persons authorized to hunt deer on the subject property pursuant to a Connecticut junior firearms hunting license, a private land shotgun rifle deer permit and written permission of the landowner, the junior firearms permit holder shall be accompanied by an adult who is authorized to hunt deer on the subject property simultaneously authorized to hunt deer on the subject property pursuant to a Connecticut hunting license, private land shotgun rifle deer permit and written permission of the landowner, from the third Saturday through the second Saturday before Thanksgiving Day. The adult mentor shall not carry a firearm and shall remain within physical contact of, and in a position to provide direct supervision and instruction of, the junior hunter at all times.

History

Effective January 1, 1995; Amended August 30, 1999; Amended December 18, 2002; Amended August 3, 2009; Amended September 9, 2013; Amended February 4, 2020

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-86a-7 Fluorescent orange clothing (Repealed)

Repealed June 11, 2014.

Notes: For 2014 repeal, see Sec. 54 of Public Act 14-187. (June 11, 2014)

History

Adopted effective August 30, 1999; Repealed June 11, 2014

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-86a-8 Deer permit limit

(a) Each deer permit shall limit the number of deer by sex or antler class.

(b) When it is shown to the satisfaction of the commissioner that a deer is unfit for human consumption at the time it was taken during a regulated deer season, upon surrender of the carcass to a biological deer check station or to a wildlife biologist, the commissioner may issue the taker a special replacement deer permit of the same type, provided that season is still open.

(c) The commissioner may issue replacement tags for specific permit types to persons reporting deer taken during the regulated seasons as required at such times and places designated by the commissioner when it is determined to be biologically prudent for the resource and/or habitat.

History

Effective February 16, 1994; Amended August 3, 2009

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-86a-9 Daily regulated deer hunting areas

(a) On areas identified in the hunting and trapping guide published annually by the Department of Environmental Protection or designated by posting as wildlife management study areas, hunters and others using the area shall be required to observe the following:

(1) Enter and leave the area only at authorized check stations;

(2) Use the area by permit only; such permit shall be obtained at the check station or from an authorized issuing agent;

(3) Wear at all times while on the area an arm band or other visible identification furnished at the check station;

(4) As a condition of permit issuance, cooperate in the study, which may require that deer killed not be field dressed prior to submission to the check station and/or that the removal of teeth, jaws, body organs and tissue samples from deer killed be allowed.

(b) The issuance of permits by any agent for any daily regulated deer hunting area shall be on a first come, first served basis, and on days and at times approved by the department and advertised to the public.

History

Effective January 1, 1993; Amended August 3, 2009

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-86a-10 Hunting option

(a) In such areas of the state as designated by the Commissioner and listed in the applicable annual Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide, during the private land muzzleloader season specified in Section 26-86a-6(f) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and during the private land shotgun/rifle season as specified in Section 26-86a-6(d) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, a person possessing a valid archery permit may use a bow and arrow to hunt deer on private land provided:

(1) Any deer killed with a bow and arrow during the said muzzleloader and shotgun/rifle seasons shall be identified with a tag pursuant to section 26-86a-2(c) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. In addition, any deer killed with a bow and arrow on days specified in the hunting and trapping guide published annually by the Department of Environmental Protection shall be registered at an official deer check station pursuant to section 26-86a-1(b) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(2) Any person hunting with a bow and arrow during the said muzzleloader and shotgun/rifle seasons shall wear above the waist a minimum of 400 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing visible from all sides at all times except as provided in section 26-66-1(r) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

History

Effective February 16, 1994; Amended August 30, 1999; Amended April 27, 2005; Amended August 3, 2009

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-86a-11 Deer management for Bluff Point

(a) Hunting at Bluff Point. No person shall hunt at Bluff Point Coastal Reserve except for deer pursuant to an authorization lawfully obtained from the Commissioner under this section of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. All deer hunting at Bluff Point shall be conducted in accordance with subsections (d), (e), (f), (h), (I), (l) and (m) of section 26-66-1, section 26-86a- 3 and this section of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(b) Seasons for deer hunting, hours and deer hunting closure procedures.

(1) Through the issuance of press releases or using similar means, the Commissioner may declare a deer hunting season when the deer population as estimated by the Commissioner in November preceding the calendar year in which a hunt will occur exceeds by at least ten deer the population goal established under subsection (c) of this section. The Commissioner shall estimate the deer population on the basis of aerial survey data, night spotlight data, and any other scientifically recognized deer population survey methods that the Commissioner deems appropriate.

(2) If the Commissioner declares a deer hunting season, it may run for up to, but no more than, 20 days beginning no earlier than the first Monday in January and ending no later than the last day of March. During any such season, no person shall hunt on Sunday if such hunting is prohibited by law.

(3) The Commissioner shall close a deer hunting season when 90 percent of the harvest quota has been tagged at the check station. If 90 percent of the harvest quota is reached prior to 12:00 noon, the season shall close at sunset of that day. If 90 percent of the quota is reached after 12:00 noon, the season shall close at 12:00 noon on the following day. Upon conclusion of the deer hunting season, all permits issued for that season by the Commissioner for deer hunting at Bluff Point Coastal Reserve shall be null and void.

(4) The hours for hunting deer during a deer hunting season shall be from one half hour before sunrise until sunset.

(5) During a deer hunting season no person shall enter Bluff Point State Park or Bluff Point Coastal Reserve except for persons with lawful authorization from the Commissioner issued in connection with the taking of deer or state personnel engaged in the performance of their duties.

(1) Each year the Commissioner shall establish a deer population goal. The Commissioner shall establish such goal considering (A) any biological data collected from deer harvested at Bluff Point Coastal Reserve in previous years, (B) any data collected during field research at Bluff Point Coastal Reserve, and (C) any other relevant data or information, including, without limitation, vegetation conditions and deer health. The Commissioner's policy in establishing a deer population goal is to maintain the deer herd at a level consistent with sound principles of wildlife management, which include the health of the deer and of the Bluff Point Coastal Reserve ecosystem. For the first year following the effective date of this section, the Commissioner shall establish a deer population goal of 25. Thereafter, the Commissioner shall establish the deer population goal in accordance with the policy and procedures described in this subsection.

(2) Each year in which the Commissioner declares a deer hunting season, he shall establish a deer harvest quota. The deer harvest quota shall be the number of deer which is equal to the Commissioner's deer population estimate minus the deer population goal.

(3) In any year in which there has been a deer hunting season but the deer harvest quota has not been achieved, the Commissioner may take as many deer as necessary to achieve such quota. In any year in which there has not been a hunting season but the deer population exceeds the deer population goal, the Commissioner may take as many deer as necessary to achieve such goal. The Commissioner may take deer pursuant to this subsection and he may close Bluff Point State Park and Bluff Point Coastal Reserve for such purpose or he may take deer during hours when Bluff Point State Park and Bluff Point Coastal reserve are not open to the public. The Commissioner may use any legal method for any such taking.

(d) Restrictions on hunters. The Commissioner may limit the number of persons allowed on any day to hunt deer, and at no time shall that number exceed 30. Only graduates of Connecticut's Conservation Education/Firearms Safety program or an equivalent training program from another state or governmental entity and who possess a current valid Connecticut hunting license shall be eligible to receive a permit from the Commissioner to hunt deer at Bluff Point Coastal Reserve.

(e) Check station and reporting.

(1) Any person engaged in deer hunting shall, prior to beginning hunting on any day, check in at the Department of Environmental Protection Bluff Point Coastal Reserve deer check station and, after completing hunting on such day, check out at such station.

(2) Any person who takes a deer shall register such deer, and have a metal possession seal affixed thereto, at the official Bluff Point Coastal Reserve deer check station. Such deer shall be registered on the same date taken. No person shall register, or allow to be registered in his name, any deer which such person did not lawfully take. Employees of the Department of Environmental Protection may collect biological data, including removing teeth, jaws, or organs, from any deer registered at the Department of Environmental Protection deer check station for scientific or management purposes. No person shall hinder or interfere with the collection of such biological data.

(f) Firearms and ammunition. No person shall hunt deer except with a 12, 16, or 20 gauge smooth or rifled bore shotgun using ammunition loaded with a single soft alloy projectile. Any shotgun used to hunt deer shall be capable of carrying no more than three shells and shall be plugged with a one piece filler that cannot be removed unless the gun is disassembled.

(g) Clothing color requirements. No person shall hunt, pursue, wound or kill any deer during a deer hunting season at Bluff Point Coastal Reserve unless such person is wearing at least 400 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing visible from all sides.

(h) Permits and tags.

(1) No person shall apply for or be issued more than one permit to hunt deer at Bluff Point Coastal Reserve in a calendar year. The Commissioner shall issue permits for deer hunting at Bluff Point Coastal Reserve on the basis of a random selection of completed applications by applicants who possess a current valid Connecticut hunting license and who have competed Connecticut's Conservation Education/Firearms Safety Course or an equivalent training program from another state or governmental entity. Prior to selecting applicants, the Commissioner shall determine the number of permits to be issued. For the first deer hunting season following the effective date of this section, if the deer harvest quota is 49 or less deer, up to 200 permits will be issued, and if the deer harvest quota is 50 or more deer, up to 360 permits will be issued; thereafter, the Commissioner may make reasonable adjustments to the number of permits to be issued based upon experience from prior hunts, the factors set forth in subsection 26-86a-11(c)(1) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies or any other factor aimed at promoting, or consistent with, sound principles of wildlife management.

(2) Any permit issued pursuant to this section shall contain conditions reasonably deemed necessary by the Commissioner relating to the hunt. These conditions may include the number of days a person can hunt, the number of deer a person may take, the locations or areas within which a person can hunt, the allowable or non-allowable hunting methods or any condition related to the safety of the hunt.

(3) Each person who takes a deer shall, immediately upon taking such deer, detach a deer tag from his permit, punch out and remove the proper areas on the tag indicating the month and day the deer was killed, and immediately attach the tag to the carcass.

(4) No person shall (A) change or alter a permit issued by the Commissioner to hunt deer or a deer tag, (B) loan a permit or tag issued to himself to another person or allow another person to have or use such permit or tag, or (C) use any permit or tag issued to another.

(5) The Commissioner shall not issue to any person more than one deer hunting permit during any calendar year, except that the Commissioner may issue a replacement deer hunting permit to a permittee if such permittee makes a complete application therefore, pays the application fee established under section 26-86a of the general statutes, and demonstrates that the original permit has been lost, destroyed or mutilated beyond recognition.

(6) False or misleading information contained in an application for a deer hunting permit or replacement deer hunting permit shall be cause for the Commissioner to deny such application or revoke a permit issued pursuant to such permit.

(i) Definitions. For the purposes of subsection 26-86a-11(a)-(h) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies:

"Check station" means the Department of Environmental Protection's deer check station at Bluff Point Coastal Reserve.

"Commissioner" is defined as in section 22a-2 of the general statutes.

"Person" is defined as in section 22a-2 of the general statutes.

“Taking” is defined as in section 26-1 of the general statutes.

History

Effective October 4, 1995; Amended February 14, 2013

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-86a-12 Method of Take

(a) No person shall use a deer decoy to take or attempt to take any deer during the firearms deer hunting seasons as defined in subdivisions (4), (5), (6), (7) or (8) of section 26-86a-6(b).

(b) No person shall transport a deer decoy during the bow and arrow deer season, as defined in subdivisions (1), (2) and (3) of section 26-86a-6(b), unless such decoy displays at least 400 square inches of fluorescent material visible from all sides.

History

Effective October 4, 1995; Amended February 14, 2013

Department of Environmental Protection Department of Environmental Protection

26-102 Fish Spawning Areas and Refuges

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-102-1 Fish spawning areas and refuges

The following waters shall be designated fish refuges and shall be closed to all fishing.

(a) Farmington River power company canal from the Rainbow Dam downstream to it confluence with the Farmington River.

(b) Rainbow Reservoir from Rainbow Dam upstream to the buoys which mark the downstream limits of boating.

History

Effective September 15, 1976

26-108 Inland Waters and Marine District Defined

Regs., Conn. State Agencies § 26-108-1 Inland waters and marine district defined

The following lines across streams flowing into Long Island Sound, Fisher's Island Sound, Little Narragansett Bay and tributaries thereof shall be known as the inland-marine demarcation lines above which lines such water shall be known as the "inland district" and below which lines such water shall be known as the "marine district":

FAIRFIELD COUNTY

Byram River, Greenwich

marine district—up to and including the railroad crossing