Shooting problem rabbits in Connecticut | Rabbit

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Connecticut > Animal is gnawing bark and clipping twigs from trees and shrubs > Rabbit

Shooting rabbits during regular hunting season can reduce populations in areas where it is legal to hunt. Discharging firearms in developed areas is often prohibited by local safety ordinances.

Rabbits causing severe damage may be controlled through regulated by hunting outside the season, and through special permits issued by state wildlife agencies to professional nuisance wildlife trappers.

Removing rabbits one year does not guarantee that the rabbit population will be lower the next year.

Laws and regulations to be aware of

Regulations for Connecticut

Trapping and shooting general information for homeowners Outside of regulated seasons, homeowners are strictly prohibited from trapping and shooting wildlife, unless the animal has been causing property damage or is an obvious threat to public health and safety. If trapping and/or shooting is undertaken under these circumstances, homeowners must still comply with the state’s regulated season trapping laws, which regulate trap types and sizes, baits and lures, location and placement, and how often traps must be checked Homeowners must also comply with regulated season firearms laws, which regulate allowable weapons and ammunition, and discharge and shooting times. Finally, homeowners must comply with all state and local firearms regulations and restrictions, and any other applicable local ordinances. For regulated season trapping and shooting regulations and any other information on the regulated season, see the CT Hunting and Trapping Guide. Please see the CT Law Library for information on state firearms regulations. Contact your municipality for information on local firearms restrictions and other applicable local ordinances.
Regulated hunting season In Connecticut, there is a legal hunting season for this species. Shooting may only be done by a licensed hunter or the landowner of the property, and hunters must follow all laws and regulations regarding allowable weapons and ammunition. Check the CT Hunting and Trapping Guide for information on season dates and required permits, and for any special conditions.

While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities.

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