State Of Connecticut Department Of Environmental Conservation
Wildlife Division

• 79 Elm St.
  Hartford, CT 06106-5127

REGARDING THE USE OF CROSSBOWS:

Effective January 1, 1993, regulations section 26-66-1(b) were amended to allow the use of crossbows for hunting deer and turkey by persons who have a permanent physical disability to the degree that he or she cannot operate a long, recurve, or compound bow.

PROVISIONS OF THESE REGULATIONS

• Must have a permanent disability.
• Must show proof of successful completion of Connecticut's Conservation Education/Firearms Safety Advanced Bowhunting course or its equivalent.
• Must appear before a Dept. representative with a completed application form including certification from a licensed Connecticut physician verifying the disability.
• The crossbow permit is not a replacement for a valid archery deer or turkey permit and must be carried at all times while hunting.
• The crossbow used must meet specifications outlined in the regulation.

PROVISIONS FOR APPLYING FOR A PERMIT:

• Obtain special information packet and application from the DEP Wildlife Division.
• Complete application and obtain physician's certification on the application form.
• Mail your application, by the application deadlines of February 15 and August 15, to the DEP Wildlife Division (address above).
• Once your application has been received, an interview will be arranged.
• The application and the interview report will be reviewed by the Wildlife Division for appropriate action.