Preparing for bow hunting season

Here is a link to a fairly unbiased (yet brief) starter’s guide for someone considering buying a compound bow.
 

Some suggestions for the newcomer to bow-hunting/archery:

 

• Speak to members of the club who already use bows

• Go to the pro shops, (big and small) seek out and find the most knowledgeable staff

• Read up on bows and consider for what and how you plan on using them. 

• If you never had a bow before, you might buy a second hand bow, quiver and accessory equipment from someone getting a newer bow

• Buy your arrows new ~ make certain the span of your arrows meets your own arm length needs.
 

Even if you plan only to do archery target practice by all means, get your bow hunter’s license, and take a certified hunter safety course, 

 

There will be a certified course offered at the MSC club site in October. You must register with CT DEEP in advance: If you do not see an upcoming course listed, you can also contact the DEEP Franklin Wildlife Management Area office at 860-642-7239 (deep.franklinwildlife@ct.gov)

Once you’ve got all that down, welcome to the world of modern archery and bow hunting.
 

That said, here’s a link from Hunter’s Friend ~ http://www.huntersfriend.com/compound_bow_selection_guide.html

 

Click the following link for online copy of Connecticut's most recent Hunter Safety Manual or print out this briefer 2014 Hunting/Trapping field guide to carry with you.

Autumn Hunting Seasons near

Deer archery and turkey bow hunting season will be here sooner that you think.

In Connecticut, bow/archery season starts on the
15th of September.

Depending on whether you hunt in the north [9/1/10] or south [9/15/10] zone, the September hunt period for Canada Geese may have started already.

Check the charts.

A NOTE TO LANDOWNERS: Hunters appreciate when you offer permission to hunt on your land, but an oral agreement is not sufficient. If you are allowing someone to harvest those nuisance deer gobbling your landscape, please give us a note in writing. We have to carry it with us. Thanks.

activites of interest

 • Saturday, Feb 21 Wood Duck Box Building Day. 10:00 am to 3 pm. Lunch Provided. This year the event will be at the Deerborn barn (shop) at Flaherty Field Trial Area in East Windsor. If you want to attend, click here for directions. Participants are asked to please bring your own portable drills and hammers.

 • Friday thru Sunday Feb 20 to 22 2009 Springfield Sportsmen's Show at the "Big E," the Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, Massachusetts. This year's 'Super Show' will include hunting, fishing, boating and outdoor recreation all bundled together. Admission: adults - $12; children 6 to 12 $5.

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DEP Firearms Hunting Course and DEP Bowhunter Course
 • February 25, 26, 27, March 5 & 6 (6:00 PM- 9:00 PM), and March 8 (9:00 AM- 4:00 PM)  DEP Firearms Hunting Course at the Moodus Sportsmen's Club. Pre-Registration is Mandatory. All firearms hunting courses are 16 hours or longer. You must attend all scheduled class times. To register call Franklin WMA at 860-642-7239 or e-mail the Franklin DEP office at dep.franklinwildlife@ct.gov. Office hours are 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM

 • March 7  DEP Bowhunting Course (9:00 AM- 4:00 PM)at the Moodus Sportsmen's Club. Pre-Registration is Mandatory. All bowhunting courses are 6 hours or longer. You must attend all scheduled class times. To register call Franklin WMA at 860-642-7239 or e-mail the Franklin DEP office at dep.franklinwildlife@ct.gov. Office hours are 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM


Who should take courses?
 • All first time hunters at least 11 years old and trappers of any age.
 • Those hunters who have not held a resident license within the past five years from another state or country.
 • After January 1, 2002, all persons who wish to hunt with a bow and have not taken the CE/FS bowhunting course or its equivalent.
 • Those individuals who have never taken the course and want to participate in a controlled hunt.
 • Individuals who want to learn more about outdoor safety, hunting and wildlife management.