CT HB05358

Authorizes the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to adopt regulations permitting black bear hunting in Litchfield County, effective October 1, 2018.

Limits first-year black bear take to no more than 5 percent of the total state black bear population as of the bill's effective date.

Requires the commissioner to submit a report to the joint standing committee on environment within one year of black bear hunting beginning, detailing the number of bears taken, licenses issued, and recommendations for modifications.

Permits black bear hunting with firearms, muzzleloaders, shotguns, and bow and arrow under the same licensing and permitting requirements as deer hunting.

Allows black bear hunting on Sunday with bow and arrow on private property in overpopulated management zones, subject to landowner permission and existing bow and arrow restrictions.