Is It Legal to Trap and Kill Raccoons in Connecticut [No]

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Raccoons are naughty animals that can do damage to your property. If you are considering effective raccoon control measures, the possibility of shooting a raccoon on your territory has probably crossed your mind. But is it legal to trap and kill raccoons in Connecticut?

No, it is illegal to trap and kill raccoons in Connecticut. Outside of regulated seasons, homeowners are strongly forbidden from capturing and shooting wildlife unless the species has been dangerous to property or public health and safety.

In this article, we will read about a few Connecticut laws regarding the trapping and killing of raccoons. It is only permissible under certain conditions.

Without a license, you cannot trap in Connecticut. The raccoon has a set season during which a registered trapper can catch it. Before any animal trapping operation starts, you should request to see licenses and permits if you’re engaging a contractor to remove any animals from your land.

Raccoons that cannot be freed on-site are forbidden from being relocated due to their danger of contracting rabies and, most significantly, because doing so is illegal under state law.

The best action for homeowners with raccoon problems is to contact a pest control specialist for assistance because raccoons are untamed creatures that can be unpredictable.

There is a permitted hunting season for this species in Connecticut. Only a licensed hunter or the property’s landowner may shoot, and hunters must abide by all laws and regulations relating to permitted firearms and ammunition.

Every year, raccoons are taken throughout the established hunting and capturing seasons, providing recreation for several Connecticut sportsmen and aiding in the control of regional raccoon populations.

Laws governing gun use during designated seasons, which set restrictions on the types of weapons and ammunition permitted and the permitted times for shooting, must also be followed by homeowners. 

Laws Governing Raccoon Trapping in Connecticut

Raccoon trapping is only permitted when these species are causing harm or damage to humans, property, or the community. See the CT Hunting and Trapping Guide for details on the regulated season, including regulations for trapping.

Since this species can spread rabies, Connecticut law states that if it is live-trapped, it must be put to death rather than relocated and released. The animal may only be returned on the same piece of property where it was captured.

All traps must have the trapper’s name clearly attached. Obtain the landowner’s written consent and hold it in your possession. Approval must be reissued in writing each year.

Laws Governing About Raccoon Shootings in Connecticut

There are regulated and legal hunting seasons for raccoons in Connecticut. Even if shooting is done, landowners must abide by the state’s-controlled season hunting laws.

No person may ever enter a state wildlife refuge or a closed area to take, hunt, kill, or attempt to kill the raccoon. Additionally, no person may take, hunt, shoot, or kill any wildlife in a lane or highway adjacent to any property owned, leased, or controlled by the state.

The law states that killing animals unnecessarily is brutal and unethical. It should be discouraged among people. However, if raccoons are harming you, killing them becomes necessary, and the wildlife authorities are there to help you.

How Can You Trap Raccoons in Connecticut State?

According to Connecticut’s trapping statutes, anyone who sets a trap must check it once daily and identify it with their name. 

  1. Ideally, raccoon-sized cage traps (10″ x 12″ x 32″) should be placed as close as possible to an opening or damaged site.
  2. To lessen the possibility of trapping non-target animals, bait the traps with delicious fruit, marshmallows, or jam. 
  3. A small amount of bait should be strewn immediately inside the trap door and a small quantity of bait should be placed behind the trigger of the trap. 
  4. To stop raccoons from accessing the bait without accessing the trap, make sure the rear of the trap is covered with 12-inch mesh or less.

How Can You Shoot and Hunt Raccoons in Connecticut?

You can hunt and shoot raccoons in Connecticut by using the following ways:

  1. Only a licensed hunter or the property’s landowner may engage in the shooting.
  2. If humane euthanasia with a .22-caliber pistol or rifle or by placing the raccoon in a carbon dioxide chamber is not an option, consider releasing the animal nearby. 
  3. Do not shoot the raccoon in the head if it will be tested for rabies.
  4. It is not permitted to hunt raccoons at night with a 22-caliber rimfire. 
  5. Any necessary licenses or permits must be on hand for anyone using a pistol for hunting.

Wrapping it up

Raccoon trapping and killing are prohibited in Connecticut state. You can only trap and kill nuisance raccoons that are causing damage to public health, safety, and property. There are some terms and conditions which you need to abide by. 

Without them, you can be charged with illegal conduct. It would be best if you had a registered gun for hunting down raccoons. A licensed person is allowed to kill raccoons if they mean to cause you harm. You can always report the authorities and have them come over to look at your raccoon problem.