Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is reminding residents to stay alert amid the opening of deer hunting season on Wednesday.
“This is a popular time for residents to enjoy the many outdoor recreation opportunities our state has to offer, such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and biking,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “It is especially important for all outdoor users to be safe, respectful and aware of others who may be recreating on public lands.”
“Connecticut hunters have an excellent safety record, and awareness on the part of all outdoor users can help in our efforts to keep hunting safe for everyone,” Dykes said. “It’s also critically important for hunters and others recreating in the outdoors to be aware of the wildfire activity occurring around the state, to avoid areas where fires are occurring, and to take care to avoid starting a wildfire.”
DEEP is reminding anyone who will travel outdoors this winter to observe basic safety precautions including:
- Wear brightly colored clothing at all times of the year, not just during the hunting season. A fluorescent orange vest and/or hat is recommended.
- If you see another person while in the woods, whether a hiker, hunter, biker, or horseback rider, call out to make them aware of your presence.
- Respect property rights. Remember, all users are required to obtain permission from a landowner before entering private property.
- When you plan to spend time outdoors, let someone know where you are going and when you will return.
- Familiarize yourself with the area where you plan to go and know the activities that occur there.
- Look up and watch out for hazardous trees while in forested areas. Many trees have damaged limbs due to storms and drought.
Hunting is allowed on private lands with the permission of the landowner, in most state forests and wildlife management areas, and in some state parks, according to DEEP. Peak hunting time occurs during early morning and late afternoon, primarily from mid-October through mid-December, according to officials with DEEP. During those times, it is important for anyone who is outdoors in wildlife areas to stay extra vigilant and practice safety tips.
The mating, or rutting, season for deer in Connecticut runs from late October to mid-December, with the peak being the last two weeks in November, according to the Connecticut DEEP. During this time, mature bucks become increasingly active and less cautious to establish dominance within their territory. Deer also commonly abandon typical daytime habits and begin moving about in search of a mate, DEEP said. While the increased deer activity is good for hunting, it can cause problems for Connecticut motorists as deer frequently cross roadways.
DEEP is also reminding outdoor enthusiasts that a statewide emergency burn ban remains in effect for all state parks, forests and wildlife management areas, prohibiting any outdoor flames, including grills, fire pits, and campfires, according to the state’s DEEP. Over 90 towns in the state have also implemented local burn bans to address the elevated fire danger this fall. For residents who live in a town with a local burn ban, the use of outdoor grilling or fire pits is prohibited in backyards.
Since Oct. 21, Connecticut has experienced about 150 brush fires, of which 74 fires are currently being monitored and 13 fires are in the mop-up stage, according to DEEP. Among those being monitored, 59 fires are being carefully watched for signs of reignition due to ongoing dry and windy weather.
“Additionally, hunters should take extra precautions if smoking in the outdoors and properly dispose of cigarette butts. You should also make sure you have a spark arrester on your ATV, and be careful where you park your vehicle. No vegetation should come in contact with your vehicle, as heat alone from the undercarriage could be enough to spark a fire,” DEEP officials said in a press release.
DEEP is urging anyone who observes an outdoor fire to report immediately to DEEP Dispatch at 860-424-3333 or to local emergency dispatch by dialing 9-1-1.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at [email protected]
