Connecticut DEEP Announces New Deer Lottery Procedures
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection 06.04.13
On June 6, 2013, at 8:00 AM, Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will launch a new “Instant Award” method for issuing permits to hunt deer on certain state properties and controlled hunt areas, replacing the paper application lottery system used historically. Hunters may apply for limited access permits on-line or at the following DEEP locations (Mondays through Fridays, during regular office hours):
- DEEP License and Revenue – 79 Elm St., Hartford (9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.)
- DEEP Bookstore – 79 Elm St., Hartford (9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)
- Franklin Wildlife Management Area – 391 Route 32, North Franklin (8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area – 341 Milford St. (Route 69), Burlington (8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.)
- Eastern District HQ – 209 Hebron Rd. (Route 66), Marlborough (8:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.)
- Marine HQ – 333 Ferry Rd., Old Lyme (8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.)
- Western District HQ – 230 Plymouth Rd, Harwinton (8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.)
The new Instant Award process is designed to streamline the distribution of deer permits and allow hunters to know immediately whether they were selected for the limited access area of choice. Available areas and seasons are listed in the 2013 Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide and on the DEEP website (www.ct.gov/deep/hunting).
The likelihood of being selected is different for each area and is based on the number of permits available and the number of applicants. There is less of a chance of obtaining a lottery permit for popular hunting areas. Successful applicants will be able to purchase their permit immediately or at a later date. However, all permits must be purchased by August 31, 2013, the date the Instant Award sales end. As in the past, hunters may apply as an individual or as a member of a group. Up to four hunters will be allowed on group applications. Applicants will be able to specify up to six areas and also indicate their preference for the “A” or “B” season.
Starting on September 15, 2013, unissued permits will be made available for sale on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals who have NOT already purchased an Instant Award limited access permit or other state land deer permit will be able to purchase these permits on-line or at any of the above DEEP locations.
As a result of developing the new Instant Award system, the application process for 2013 was delayed. Starting in 2014, hunters will be able to apply for lottery permits earlier in the year. More detailed information about the new lottery system and instructions for applying are on the DEEP website at www.ct.gov/deep/DeerLottery.
