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Spring Edition 2025
Hunter Highlights is published by the Connecticut DEEP Wildlife Division. Please share the newsletter with others to help spread awareness about hunting and trapping in Connecticut!
Important: Several bills related to hunting are under consideration in Connecticut’s 2025 legislative session. Stay informed on these developments as they may impact hunting practices in the state: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgabillinfo.asp. Use the "Advanced Bill and Document Search" option to easily navigate proposed legislation.
Recently, 22 acres of Robbins Swamp Wildlife Management Area in Canaan were mowed to help create critical young forest habitat.
Habitat and Hunting Area Update
Habitat Management: Forestry mowing is helping maintain valuable shrubland and young forest habitat across the state. Recent mowing efforts include 35 acres at Pachaug State Forest in Plainfield, 22 acres at Robbins Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Canaan, and 18 acres at Roraback WMA in Harwinton.
Similarly, a 20-acre timber harvest at Talbot WMA in Scotland is also contributing to the creation of more young forest habitat.
Recent Acquisitions:
- In April 2024, one acre was added through donation to George Dudley Seymour State Park (Higganum Meadows).
- In May 2024, 28 acres were purchased as an addition to Mohegan State Forest in Sprague.
- In July 2024, 63 acres were purchased as an addition to Salmon River State Forest in Colchester.
- In November 2024, 475 acres were purchased by the State of Connecticut with assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as an addition to Algonquin State Forest in Colebrook.
- In December 2024, 5 acres were added through donation to Nipmuck State Forest in Stafford.
The Glastonbury Public Shooting Range will be open weekends in 2025 from Saturday, April 5 through Sunday, November 30.
Glastonbury Range Opening Soon
The Glastonbury Public Shooting Range will be open weekends starting Saturday, April 5, 2025, through Sunday, November 30, 2025. Reservations can be made through the Online Outdoor Licensing System. Please be sure to view the range webpage and range usage rules before signing up.
Federal funding for site improvements, range equipment, and seasonal staffing is provided through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program, commonly referred to as the Pittman-Robertson Act.
Nye-Holman State Forest is roughly 800 acres in size, sprawling across several sections of Ellington, Tolland, and Willington.
Dust Off Your Bow: The Nye Holman Archery Range Is Open!
Spring has arrived, and there is no better excuse to get outside than honing your archery skills! The Nye-Holman Archery Range in Tolland has been completely restored, featuring a 14-target field archery course that is open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours (unless otherwise posted for special events).
Whether you are fine-tuning your aim, introducing a friend to the sport, or setting up a friendly competition, this course offers the perfect outdoor challenge. Remember to follow all posted rules and keep safety a priority — this includes using field points only (broadheads are prohibited) and being mindful of others on the course.
Thanks to DEEP State Parks Division Shenipsit Park Unit Staff, CT Court Support Services Division, and the Linking Youth to Natural Communities Program for making this long-overdue upgrade a reality.
Grab your bow, bring some friends, and enjoy this newly revamped course in the beautiful Nye-Holman State Forest! Location: Route 74 in Tolland. The entrance is on South River Road.
Photo courtesy of Carl Ciarcia.
Gear Up for Turkey Season!
Spring turkey season is just around the corner—make sure you are prepared by refreshing your knowledge with Turkey Hunting Tips from the National Wild Turkey Federation. We've shared this valuable resource in past editions, and it is still available to help you fine-tune your skills.
A junior pheasant hunter prepares to take to the field alongside a DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Officer and dog handler.
Americans' Approval of Hunting and Sport Shooting. How Can We Reverse the Trend?
A new study by the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation and Responsive Management examines recent declines in public approval of hunting and sport shooting. From 2021 to 2024, support for legal hunting dropped from 80.8% to 75.7%, while sport shooting approval fell from 81.0% to 76.4% – a loss of millions of supportive adults. Funded through a Multistate Conservation Grant, this research aimed to understand why attitudes are shifting and how to strengthen cultural support for these traditions.
The study found that concerns about gun violence are a key factor influencing opinions on sport shooting, while opposition to hunting is often tied to misconceptions about wildlife management and conservation. Importantly, the research confirmed that education is critical – messages that emphasize the role of hunting in wildlife conservation, habitat funding, and responsible management are the most effective ways to maintain and grow public support. For sport shooting, highlighting safety and responsible firearm use resonates even with those who are skeptical.
A key takeaway is the impact of social media – while many hunters take pride in sharing their experiences, 40% of Americans feel that posting harvest photos does not show respect for wildlife, and offensive content related to hunting and shooting can harm public perception.
Moving forward, hunters and sport shooters have an opportunity to shape the conversation by promoting safety, conservation, and responsible stewardship.
Reports of dead wild birds, such as ducks, geese, raptors, and others, should be submitted to DEEP through the Wild Bird Mortality Reporting website.
Avian Influenza: What Hunters and Outdoor Enthusiasts Should Know
Avian Influenza (H5N1), commonly known as "bird flu", has been circulating in wild bird populations across the U.S. since early 2022. While this virus primarily spreads among birds –especially waterfowl and raptors– it has also impacted some domestic poultry. So far, all 50 states, including Connecticut, have reported cases in either wild birds or domestic flocks.
Risk to Humans and Other Wildlife
The good news? There have been no reported cases of H5N1 in people, livestock, or other domestic animals in Connecticut. Human infections are extremely rare, and the CDC continues to assess the risk to the public as low. However, surveillance for the virus in both people and animals remains ongoing.
What to Do if You Encounter Dead or Sick Birds
If you come across a dead or visibly ill bird while in the field, avoid direct contact –especially with waterfowl and raptors. If you notice five or more dead birds in one area or an unusual number of bird deaths over several days, report it through Connecticut’s Bird Mortality Reporting Portal.
If you need to dispose of a dead bird, follow these safety steps:
- Wear disposable gloves
- Use a plastic bag to pick up the bird, turning it inside out to contain it.
- Double-bag the bird, tie the bags shut, and spray the outer bag with a 10% bleach solution, as well as the area where the bird was found.
- Place the bagged bird in a third bag, tie it off, and discard it in a secure outdoor trash bin.
- Remove gloves carefully, turning them inside out as you take them off. Dispose of them in the trash.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Stay Informed
For more details on avian influenza in Connecticut, visit DEEP’s Avian Influenza Information Page. A One Health fact sheet from DEEP, the Department of Public Health, and the Department of Agriculture is also available for reference.
By staying aware and taking simple precautions, we can all do our part to protect both wildlife and ourselves.
Aedes japonicus. Photo by CAES.
Mosquito Season and Disease Monitoring
As warmer weather returns, so do mosquitoes. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) will continue with its annual mosquito surveillance and testing in May, monitoring their 108 trap sites across the state for viruses like eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV). The Statewide Mosquito Management Program is also updating its EEE and WNV Response Plans, which will be available to the public soon. Remember to take precautions against mosquito and tick bites as the season begins.
DEEP Wildlife Seasonal Resource Assistant Tayler holds up wood duck egg shell fragments, indicating successful hatching.
Annual Wood Duck Nest Box Results
The Wildlife Division has been monitoring wood duck nest boxes since 1953 and today it maintains over 400 boxes across state lands. Traditionally, these checks were done when it was safe to walk on the ice, but with warmer winters, staff now use small boats to access boxes starting in August.
This past season, Wildlife Division staff inspected 413 boxes at 143 sites throughout Connecticut. Wood ducks and hooded mergansers made good use of the boxes, with an overall duck occupancy rate of 76%. Hooded merganser use has been steadily increasing over the past two decades, and in 2024, this species occupied the majority of duck-used boxes. Out of all occupied boxes this past season, 86% were confirmed successful, producing a total of 1,688 ducklings.
To keep the program going strong, staff installed 11 new boxes, replaced 37, raised 26, and constructed 77 more for future use. For more information on wood duck boxes in Connecticut, contact Kelly Kubik at kelly.kubik@ct.gov.
With spring turkey season just around the corner, now is the time to find some recipes to create delicious wild game meals.
Seasonal Recipes: Orange-Clove Smoked Wild Turkey
This flavorful Orange-Clove Smoked Wild Turkey is a perfect way to enjoy your harvest this season. With a fragrant blend of herbs, spices, and a touch of citrus, this recipe creates a tender, smoky dish that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables. While the recipe below is for a 2 lb. turkey breast, you can easily adjust for a whole turkey; just modify the brine and cooking time accordingly.
View game recipes . . .
It is critical to take the time to know and practice proper tree stand safety well before your hunt.
Tree Stand Safety: Six Practices that Can Save Your Life
With spring turkey season just around the corner (typically a ground-level pursuit), it is easy to overlook tree stand safety. However, last year Connecticut had its first fatal tree stand accident – a tragic and stark reminder that tree stand incidents remain a serious risk for hunters. If you plan to hunt from an elevated stand, please take the time now to practice these rules and refresh your safety habits:
- Inspect Your Equipment. Before every hunt, check for broken or loose parts. Ensure straps are intact, steps are secure, and your harness is in good condition and within its wear-out date. If any part of your gear shows signs of wear, replace it.
- Use Your Lifeline. Always use a lifeline and attach it to your harness before leaving the ground.
- Wear a Full-Body Harness. A full-body harness should be worn every time you hunt from a tree stand as part of your personal fall arrest system (PFAS).
- Follow the 3-Point Rule. Maintain three points of contact while climbing onto or out of your stand.
- Use a Haul Line. Never carry equipment while climbing. Use a haul line to raise and lower your firearm, bow, or gear after you are safely on your stand.
- Have a Hunting Plan. Let someone know your location, when you plan to return, and check in before and after using your stand. A simple text or call can make all the difference in an emergency.
Falls from tree stands remain one of the leading causes of hunting-related injuries. We all have a role to play in making hunting safer. Take these precautions seriously and encourage others to do the same.
R3 Coordinator Maydiel Canizares draws back his bow.
Hunter Profile: Maydiel Canizares, DEEP Wildlife Division's R3 Coordinator
My path to hunting and conservation spans two countries, countless lessons in resourcefulness, and a rediscovery of the natural world that continues to inspire me every day.
I grew up in Cuba, a country where hunting is largely prohibited. During the economic crisis of the 1990s, my family occasionally relied on subsistence hunting to supplement our diet. With no access to modern hunting equipment, we made do with what we had: an old firearm shared among friends, hunting dogs for all sorts of game, snares, and even slingshots. Those challenging yet formative experiences taught me the value of wildlife, the balance of nature, and how hunting could directly sustain a family.
When I moved to the U.S. in 2018, I discovered archery through a bow-making class, and that reignited my passion for hunting. For the first time, I saw a culture where hunting wasn’t just accepted but actively encouraged, with state agencies providing pathways and instruction. This was a revelation for someone coming from a place where hunting opportunities were scarce and informal.
My first hunting experiences here were filled with learning moments, but they were also deeply rewarding. I had the privilege of finding amazing mentors among the New York Chapter of Hunters of Color and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, who helped guide me through the process and welcomed me into the hunting community.
Before moving to Connecticut, I worked as a wildlife biologist in Cuba’s largest national park: Zapata Swamp; and conservation has always been a part of my identity, but reconnecting with it through hunting has been truly transformative. Hunting is not just about putting food on the table (though for me, that remains the top reason, and sharing ethically sourced wild game with my family is deeply fulfilling), it is also about embracing your role in nature, contributing to conservation, and carrying forward traditions that connect us to the natural world and to each other.
As I reflect on my journey, I feel fortunate to have found a home in Connecticut’s outdoor community. My experiences have taught me that hunting isn’t just a useful skill to have or a pastime, it is a way of life, a means of conservation, and a bridge that brings people together.
In my role as R3 (Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation) Coordinator for the DEEP Wildlife Division, I’m especially focused on fostering opportunities for underrepresented groups, including women, people of color, and youth, and I dream of helping establish a local chapter of Hunters of Color in Connecticut. My goal is to ensure that anyone interested in hunting or trapping feels welcomed, informed, and supported as they embark on (or continue) their path. If you are on your own hunting journey, whether you are just starting out or have decades of experience, I would love to hear your story. Feel free to reach out to me at Maydiel.Canizares@ct.gov. Sharing our experiences is one of the best ways to grow the hunting community and keep
its traditions alive for future generations.
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