Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
CT
Deer Hunting in Connecticut: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in Connecticut starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $19 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $68 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Sep 15 – Dec 31 Archery
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Connecticut Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Connecticut deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
Archery; also check Shotgun/Rifle (Private Land).
For Connecticut deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Firearms deer permits are $19 resident / $68 non-resident; archery deer uses the Small Game and Deer Archery permit ($41 / $135).. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. Connecticut does not list a current CWD detection here, but carcass import rules can still affect travel.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Connecticut
Deer hunting in Connecticut is permit-specific rather than a single free deer-tag system. Firearms hunters need the base firearms hunting license plus the correct private-land, state-land lottery, state-land no-lottery, or muzzleloader deer permit; most of those permits are $19 for residents and $68 for non-residents. Archery deer access uses the Small Game and Deer Archery permit instead of a separate firearms deer permit. CWD has not been detected in Connecticut's wild deer herd, but DEEP still uses carcass-import restrictions and surveillance, so hunters returning from CWD-affected jurisdictions should follow the current import list and processing rules.
Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS
Connecticut Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Connecticut offers 4 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the CT DEEP - Wildlife Division — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Connecticut Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$19
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$68
Over-the-counter tag available
Firearms deer permits are $19 resident / $68 non-resident; archery deer uses the Small Game and Deer Archery permit ($41 / $135).
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Connecticut deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Connecticut license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Connecticut
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Not Detected
CWD Testing / Transport
No in-state detection listed
Connecticut restricts import of whole cervid carcasses from CWD-affected jurisdictions; use deboned meat, cleaned skull caps, hides, or finished taxidermy forms when returning from those areas.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: Up to 4 (2 archery + 2 firearms)
At least 1 antlerless; bonus antlerless in management zones; lotteried state land
Allowed Weapons
Bow, shotgun, muzzleloader
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: CT DEEP - Wildlife Division . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Connecticut — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Connecticut?
No statewide mandatory testing rule is listed for Connecticut deer hunters. CWD has not been detected in Connecticut wild deer, but DEEP still restricts import of whole cervid carcasses from CWD-affected jurisdictions and hunters should check the current DEEP guidance before bringing deer parts into the state.
Can you use a rifle for deer hunting in Connecticut?
On private land only — rifles ARE permitted for deer hunting on private property during the November firearms season (Nov 19–Dec 9), provided the landowner gives written consent. On state-managed land, only shotguns are permitted for the firearms deer seasons, and state land permits are issued by lottery. Archery (bow and crossbow) is legal statewide from Sep 15–Dec 31. Muzzleloaders are legal Dec 10–Dec 31 statewide.
What are the antler restrictions in Connecticut?
Connecticut does not enforce antler point restrictions (APR). Tags are issued as 'Either-sex' (can harvest a buck or doe) or 'Antlerless only'. Any deer without visible antlers is considered antlerless. This gives hunters maximum flexibility compared to states like Michigan or Indiana that enforce 3- or 4-point minimums in some zones.
Do I need a draw to hunt deer in Connecticut?
Connecticut deer access is mixed. Private-land permits, archery access, muzzleloader permits, and state-land no-lottery permits are generally purchasable, but many state-land or controlled-hunt firearms opportunities require the DEEP deer lottery.
How much does a deer hunting license cost in Connecticut?
For firearms deer hunting, Connecticut generally requires a base firearms hunting license plus a deer permit. Current permit examples are $19 for residents and $68 for non-residents for private-land, state-land, and muzzleloader deer permits. Archery deer access is handled through the Small Game and Deer Archery permit instead.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Connecticut?
Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Connecticut, but they should budget for the correct license and permit rather than assuming deer tags are included. A non-resident firearms hunting license is separate from the $68 firearms deer permits, while archery deer uses the non-resident Small Game and Deer Archery permit.