Connecticut Duck Season
2026–2027
Season dates by zone, bag limits, youth days, and license requirements — verified against the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
- Earliest opener
- Oct 10
- Latest close
- Jan 19
- Daily bag
- 6 ducks
- Possession
- 18 ducks
North Zone
South Zone
Species limits apply
3× daily bag
North Zone opens in
16 days
Start your Connecticut log — free. MarshHQ counts every species against these limits as you log, and shows legal shooting light for the spot you’re hunting.
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Season dates by zone
Duck season, by zone. Always confirm shooting hours with CT DEEP.
North Zone
70 days
- Oct 10 – Oct 17, 2026
- Nov 7 – Nov 11, 2026
- Nov 14, 2026 – Jan 9, 2027
Full boundary ↓Hide ↑
That portion of Connecticut north of Interstate 95. (Canada goose regulations use separate population-management units - AP/AFRP/NAP-H - whose boundaries do not track this duck-zone line; those are held pending a modeling decision, see the file _notes.)
South Zone
71 days
- Oct 10 – Oct 12, 2026
- Nov 11, 2026
- Nov 14, 2026 – Jan 19, 2027
Full boundary ↓Hide ↑
The immediate coastal strip of Connecticut south of Interstate 95. (Canada goose population-management units are held pending a modeling decision, see the file _notes.)
Other waterfowl seasonsCoot, Early Canada goose, Light goose (snow, blue, Ross’s), Brant
Coot
North Zone
- Oct 10, 2026 – Jan 9, 2027
Coot
South Zone
- Oct 10, 2026 – Jan 19, 2027
Early Canada goose
North Zone
- Sep 1 – Sep 30, 2026
Early Canada goose
South Zone
- Sep 15 – Sep 30, 2026
Light goose (snow, blue, Ross’s)
North Zone
- Oct 1, 2026 – Jan 9, 2027
- Feb 16 – Mar 10, 2027
Light goose (snow, blue, Ross’s)
South Zone
- Oct 1, 2026 – Jan 9, 2027
- Feb 16 – Mar 10, 2027
Brant
North Zone
- Dec 7, 2026 – Jan 9, 2027
Brant
South Zone
- Dec 16, 2026 – Jan 19, 2027
Youth & special days
Youth waterfowl
- Statewide:
- Oct 3, 2026 · Oct 31, 2026
Bag limits
Daily limit is 6 ducks total. Within those, no more than:
Light geese: 25 daily.
Scaup (North Zone): 1, then 2 daily, 6 in possession.
Scaup (South Zone): 1, then 2 daily, 6 in possession.
What you need to hunt ducks in Connecticut
Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp — Required for all migratory bird hunters, including ages 12–15; HIP registration is included in this one stamp.
Federal Duck Stamp — Required for hunters age 16 and older.
Nontoxic shot — Lead shot is prohibited for waterfowl nationwide.
- Hunters under 16 do not need the Federal Duck Stamp.
License and permit names and exemptions are set by the state and can change without notice, and fees aren’t listed here for the same reason. MarshHQ is not responsible for errors or out-of-date information — confirm current requirements directly with CT DEEP (opens in a new tab) before you hunt.
Disclaimer: Bag limits and season dates are for reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify with USFWS and your state wildlife agency before hunting. Dates and limits above reflect the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s published 2026–2027 waterfowl regulations as checked on 2026-07-23. Confirm with the official source before you hunt: portal.ct.gov (opens in a new tab)
Not affiliated with any state wildlife agency.