Researcher: JKL Page 1 4/16/25
OLR Bill Analysis
sHB 5388
AN ACT CONCERNING FISHING AND HUNTING RIGHTS OF
CERTAIN NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES.
SUMMARY
This bill reduces, from 250 to 10 acres, the required minimum size of
an Indian’s reservation in order for the Indian to qualify for a free
private land deer permit from the Department of Energy and
Environmental Protection (DEEP) to take (e.g., hunt, kill, or capture)
deer on the tribe’s reservation land. As under existing law, an Indian
can only be issued one private land deer permit per season, and the
permit must allow for the use of rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, or bow
and arrow on the reservation from November 1 until December 31 (i.e.
the same season and weapons allowed for certain landowners with
private land deer permits).
The bill also requires DEEP to develop a ceremonial taking permit,
under which an Indian may take an animal on state lands for ceremonial
purposes. The permit must be free and allow for only one taking of an
animal that is otherwise allowed to be taken on state lands.
By law, an “Indian” is a person who is a member of the Paucatuck
Eastern Pequot, Mashantucket Pequot, Schaghticoke, Golden Hill
Paugussett, or Mohegan tribe (CGS § 47-63).
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2025
COMMITTEE ACTION
Environment Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 33 Nay 0 (03/28/2025)