Substitute House Bill No. 7231 seeks to authorize Sunday hunting on private lands in Connecticut, amending Section 26-3 of the general statutes to remove the prohibition against hunting on Sundays. The bill allows the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to take fish and wildlife for scientific and educational purposes at any time, including Sundays. It introduces provisions permitting deer hunting on private property on Sundays, contingent upon obtaining written permission from the property owner and adhering to safety regulations, such as maintaining a distance from public trails. Additionally, the bill establishes that Sunday will remain a closed season for hunting migratory birds while allowing deer hunting under specified conditions.

The bill also modifies Section 26-73, removing restrictions on municipalities, homeowner associations, or nonprofit organizations from taking deer on Sundays if they can demonstrate severe nuisance or ecological damage. It clarifies the requirements for deer hunting permits and the definition of "muzzleloader," while also allowing the use of jacklights for deer hunting under certain conditions. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025, reflecting a significant shift in the management and regulation of deer hunting practices in the state, balancing the interests of hunters with public safety and wildlife management principles.

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