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HB 5140

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE USE OF A SINGLE-SHOT HANDGUN TO HUNT DEER ON CERTAIN PRIVATE PROPERTY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Anne Dauphinais and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut bill allows single-shot handgun deer hunting on select private land, modifying traditional firearm hunting regulations.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Environment
#deer #firearms #hunting
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Bill Summary · HB 5140

Legislative bill overview

HB 5140 would permit hunters to use single-shot handguns as an alternative method for hunting deer on private property in Connecticut, where such hunting is currently restricted to rifles, shotguns, and crossbows. The bill targets specific private land scenarios and represents a modification to Connecticut's existing deer hunting regulations.

Why is this important

This bill reflects ongoing debates about hunting methods and firearm access. Handgun hunting is less common than rifle or shotgun hunting and raises questions about hunter safety, weapon effectiveness for humane kills, and ammunition ballistics in populated areas. The outcome could establish a new precedent for Connecticut hunting regulations and may influence how other northeastern states approach similar requests.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety concerns: Single-shot handguns have different ballistics and range characteristics than traditional hunting rifles; critics may worry about accuracy, stray bullets, and whether private property adequately isolates shooting areas from neighbors
  • Hunting ethics and animal welfare: Debate over whether handguns are sufficiently effective for quick, humane deer kills compared to established hunting weapons
  • Scope and precedent: Limiting this to "certain private property" creates enforcement and definition questions; opponents may fear this opens the door to broader handgun hunting expansion

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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