Orvis, I've been hunting state lands in Connecticut longer than I've been hunting on Private lands with permission. I may be wrong but I beleive the caliber restriction especially after Deer season is because hunting is still open for other species and hunters are still out and about.

I do understand what your saying about the restriction after all other seasons have closed. I think the reasoning for the restrictiion is due to the fact that State Lands are open and used by the general public for just about any purpose.

During Deer season the publi's use of State lands is lower due to the public's experiance and knowledge of Deer hunters in the woods, BUT.....

I've been questioned many, many times from a variety of different people at work questioning about which season it is currently, if hunters are allowed to use the old rail trail systems running thru S.F's, distance requirements, and even orange requirements.

These people don't hunt, and most don't object to it but have had encounters while hiking, biking or walking their dogs on S.F. trails. I've even heard stories of hunters giving those who appoached and questioned me that were using the S.F's during hunting season a hard time and even being close to the reports of guns fired and not knowing the hunter was even in the area.