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, which previously restricted the taking of fish and wildlife for scientific and educational purposes on Sundays. It also modifies Section 26-73 to establish that while Sunday is a closed season for hunting migratory birds, hunting for deer and trapping on private property is allowed with written permission from property owners. New regulations require hunters to carry this written permission and prohibit hunting within forty yards of public trails. The previous allowance for hunting deer with a bow and arrow on Sundays has been removed, and possession of hunting implements on Sundays is now considered prima facie evidence of hunting.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for landowners and primary lessees to kill deer using firearms or bows with a damage permit, which is available at no cost for those experiencing significant income loss due to deer damage. It allows municipalities and nonprofit organizations to manage deer populations at any time if they demonstrate severe nuisance or ecological damage. The bill also establishes a random selection process for shotgun and muzzleloader permits, disqualifying individuals with multiple applications. Furthermore, it repeals the prohibition on municipalities and nonprofit organizations taking resident Canada geese on Sundays, allowing them to do so with an approved management plan. Overall, the legislation aims to balance the interests of landowners facing deer-related issues with the need for regulated hunting practices.

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