Hunting Temporarily Banned Along River In New Haven: CT DEEP

NEW HAVEN, CT — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has temporarily halted hunting in the area along the Quinnipiac River in New Haven - from the southernmost tip of Fargeorge Preserve (Granis Island) at the mouth of Hemingway Creek, across the river to Lombard Street, north to the I-91 Bridge - department officials announced Wednesday.

This location is contiguous to an area already closed to hunting, and the ban is for one year. DEEP will be posting this area as closed to hunting, and those found hunting in the area will be subject to arrest and could be charged with a Class D Misdemeanor for Illegal Hunting.

New Haven Police Chief Anthony Campbell requested the closure to allow DEEP to review public safety concerns related to waterfowl hunting in the area, including police responses to reports of gunshots in the vicinity that divert public safety resources and can cause confusion.

To study the issue, DEEP has requested records of hunting-related incidents received by the New Haven Police Department over the past three years. After the department receives those reports, DEEP will conduct a thorough review of the matter and make a recommendation to the Office of the Commissioner for further action.

"Following a request by New Haven Police Chief Campbell, I have issued a temporary closure of a limited area along the Quinnipiac River to hunting," said DEEP Commissioner Rob Klee in a statement. "I have made this decision in the interest of public safety, while also recognizing the importance of hunting in our state. Once DEEP staff complete their review, they will make a recommendation to the Office of the Commissioner for further action regarding this area of the river."

Image via Shutterstock

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