Hunting

forest stream in fall

Deer Management

An important part of our wildlife management plan allows for limited bow and shotgun hunting for deer by special permit in carefully selected parts of the Centennial Watershed State Forest. This does more than provide hundreds of hunters with food each year. It also helps thin a deer herd that exceeds the carry capacity of the land due to the disappearance of natural predators. Left unchecked, this herd threatens the health of our reservoirs’ forest buffers and the surrounding landscape through overbrowsing.

With the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection as one of our Watershed partners, we coordinate this and other aspects of our management plan with county- and state-wide efforts to assure healthy, long-term habitats for deer and other populations of wildlife.

Recreational and wildlife management activities in the Centennial Watershed State Forest are carefully coordinated to assure healthy, diverse populations of all species. Detailed maps for hunters are available through the links below.

Bow Hunting

As part of our deer management plan, the Conservation Land Committee will permit bow hunting for deer this year on approximately 7,867 acres of designated land in the Centennial Watershed State Forest. This includes the 3,474 acres of Deer Lottery Area 56 (CWSF) previously for shotgun only. Archery hunting will be closed on this area during the shotgun deer season and will reopen once that season is closed.

Seasonal Information

Our season framework follows state regulations, and takes place in the fall from mid-September until the end of December each year. Key dates include:

  • June 1: Permit application becomes available
  • July 15–August 1: Permit and program info will be sent to successful applicants
  • Mid-September: Season begins
  • End of December: Season ends

Apply for an Access Permit

A limited number of access permits will be issued free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. To receive an access permit, you will need to:

  • Have a valid State of Connecticut archery deer permit
  • Complete the permit application form and send it along with the required documents to:

    Aquarion Water Company
    ATTN: Deer Management Program
    714 Black Rock Road
    Easton, CT 06612
Note: Applications for 2025 hunting permits are now closed. Join us on June 1, 2026, to apply for the 2026 season.

Maps for Bow Hunters

Download Permit Application

Shotgun Hunting

As part of our deer management plan, the Conservation Land Committee will permit shotgun hunting for deer this year on approximately 3,474 acres of land in the Centennial Watershed State Forest.

Apply for a Hunting License

Apply online for a Hunting License through Connecticut’s Online Sportsmen Licensing System (Reference deer lottery permit area 56).

Maps for Shotgun Hunters

Apply for Hunting License
green forest

Questions about Aquarion permits?

Talk to our Watershed & Environmental Management Office, located at 714 Black Rock Road (Rt. 58), Easton, CT 06612-1146, at (203) 445-7339 or email watershed@aquarionwater.com.
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