Substitute House Bill No. 7231, also known as Public Act No. 25-138, amends Connecticut's hunting laws to permit Sunday hunting on private lands starting October 1, 2025. The bill repeals and replaces Section 26-3 of the general statutes, allowing the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to take fish and wildlife for scientific and educational purposes at any time, including Sundays, which was previously prohibited. It also modifies Section 26-73 to establish that Sunday is a closed season for hunting migratory birds while allowing hunting on private property under specific conditions, such as obtaining written permission from the property owner. The bill removes the previous restriction on hunting deer with a bow and arrow on Sundays and introduces new regulations, including prohibiting hunting within forty yards of public trails and allowing the shooting of artificially propagated birds on licensed private shooting preserves with town permission.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for landowners and primary lessees to kill deer using shotguns, rifles, or bows with a damage permit from the commissioner, valid until October 31 of the year issued. It also allows municipalities and nonprofit organizations to manage deer populations when significant ecological damage is demonstrated, removing the previous Sunday prohibition. The bill clarifies hunting permit regulations, establishes a fee structure, and ensures permits can be revoked for violations. It also allows municipalities and nonprofit organizations to take resident Canada geese on Sundays, provided they submit an approved management plan to the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection. Overall, the bill aims to expand hunting opportunities while maintaining necessary protections and regulations.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 26-3, 26-52, 26-73
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute: 26-3, 26-73
File No. 724: 26-3, 26-73
File No. 979: 26-3, 26-73
Public Act No. 25-138: 26-3, 26-73