Turkey Hunting in Connecticut

Connecticut

C

Not available

Wild Turkey Population

Easterns

Turkey Subspecies

5,052

Number of Licenses Sold Annually

$47 to $69

Firearms hunting, $19 (alternative: archery deer/small game, $41); game-bird conservation stamp, $28

Cost of Resident License and Permit

$63 to $119

Three-day out-of-state bird hunting, $35; firearms hunting, $91; game-bird conservation stamp, $28

Cost of Non-Resident License and Permit

The Nutmeg State offers the opportunity to hunt birds on private and state land, with a five-bearded-bird limit. 

Brood production has been good the past two years, but population estimates aren't available. During spring 2022, 5,052 hunters took 1,139 bearded turkeys.

Public-land hunts see more pressure, though some areas are big enough you'll likely not encounter another hunter. Private land offers some opportunities afield (as with neighboring Rhode Island), but it's not always easy to gain access.

The Cockaponset State Forest offers 17,186 hunting acres. Natchaug State Forest (13,454 acres) and Naugatuck State Forest (4,295 acres) offer plenty of room to chase spring birds. Other parcels are smaller but hold turkeys, too, including spots you can access by landowner permission.

An official signed written consent landowner form must be carried at all times while hunting private land. It's available online.

Turkey Hunting in Connecticut. Image by Tes Randle Jolly

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