FISH; HUNTING;

FISH AND GAME;

You asked if the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is considering reducing the current 300-acre minimum size for private pheasant hunting preserves, and whether the limitation is in statute or regulation.

Under state regulation, DEP cannot issue a private shooting preserve permit unless the preserve is between 300 and 1,000 contiguous acres (Conn. Agencies Reg. § 26-48-2(a)). DEP’s Ed Parker says DEP is evaluating whether to reduce the 300-acre minimum and may hold a public hearing on the issue next spring.

In deciding whether to recommend changes in the regulations, DEP is considering, among other things:

1. why DEP originally set the minimum preserve size at 300 acres;

2. how much land is needed to hunt safely, taking into account topography and nearby development; and

3. the likelihood that noise from hunting would pose a nuisance to neighbors.

Parker said DEP will meet with the clubs that are seeking the change before deciding whether it will recommend a regulatory change and what form it would take. He said DEP will hold a hearing if it proposes to change the regulations, and make its final recommendation after considering hearing testimony. The department will not hold a hearing if it decides the existing regulations should stand.

Parker notes that clubs that meet the minimum size do not automatically receive a DEP private shooting preserve hunting permit, but must undergo a DEP review.

PF: ro