Advanced Hunter Education
The DEEP Wildlife Division’s Conservation Education/Firearms Safety (CE/FS) Program offers hunting safety classes on firearms and archery hunting and trapping throughout the year. The classes are taught by a dedicated corps of certified volunteer instructors. The CE/FS Program is now offering Advanced Hunter Education seminars and clinics on such topics as waterfowl hunting, hunter marksmanship, small game hunting, venison processing, and wild turkey hunting. These hunting seminars and clinics are meant to expand on the knowledge and skills of hunters and anyone else who wants more information about pertinent topics in hunting. All programs are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is mandatory and opens approximately 30 days before the event on the Hunter Education Registration System. All clinics and seminars are one-day events that are offered at various locations across the state.
2020 Workshop Schedule
Wild Turkey Hunting Clinic
Both experienced and first-time turkey hunters stand to benefit from attending one of these clinics. They will provide hunting information, which includes safe hunting practices, specialized equipment, calls and decoys, site setup, and other strategies for harvesting turkeys. Participants will have an opportunity to pattern their shotguns for turkey hunting following classroom instruction.
March 21, 2020: at Fairfield County Fish and Game (310 Hammertown Road, Monroe). (Register here).
April 11, 2020: at Franklin Swamp Wildlife Management Area (391 Route 32, North Franklin). (Register here).
April 19, 2020: at Manchester Sportsmen's Association (612 Merrow Road, Coventry). (Register here).
Specific dates for the following workshops will be determined at a later date. Please check back as the listed months approach.
Waterfowl Hunting Seminar:
One seminar to be held in September. Sponsored by the Connecticut Waterfowl Association (CWA), this seminar will provide participants with all of the basic information needed to get started or become a more successful waterfowl hunter! Expert instructors will provide interactive presentations on various aspects of duck and goose hunting, including decoy spreads, biology, shooting, calling, and hunting techniques.
Small Game Hunting Clinic:
Clinics to be held on two dates in September. Small game hunting is one of the most overlooked types of hunting. This clinic is designed to give hunters the tools and knowledge to hunt small game in Connecticut. Habitat, techniques, tactics, and game care will be covered. Participants will have the opportunity to skin a squirrel and receive some great recipes for preparation.
Hunter Marksmanship Clinic:
Clinics to be held on two dates in October. Today’s hunter understands that owning and mastering a rifle or shotgun is part of his/her hunting heritage. Whether you are a new shooter or a seasoned marksman, this clinic can help you improve your mastery of marksmanship skills. After a review of marksmanship principles, participants will be coached one-on-one; get sighted in to 100 yards; and have the opportunity to shoot from multiple shooting positions. All sessions will be held at the Glastonbury Shooting Range in Meshomasic State Forest (directions).
The following workshops have already taken place this year. Stay tuned for the scheduled dates in 2021.
Venison Processing Workshop:
This workshop guides participants through all the steps of taking a deer from whole animal to freezer-ready, packaged venison. The workshop team includes a professionally trained butcher, a restaurant owner/chef, and a cadre of experienced deer hunters. Participants leave the seminar with a recipe booklet, list of processing supplies, and an enhanced understanding of how to break down a white-tailed deer.
The Connecticut CE/FS Program receives 75% of its funds from the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program. The remaining 25% state match is derived by using the value of the services provided by the volunteer instructors. The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program is funded by the excise tax paid by sportsmen on rifles, shotgun, ammunition, handguns, and archery equipment.
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Content last updated on February 28, 2020.