The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on Wednesday announced the opening days of fall firearms hunting seasons.

Peak hunting during these seasons occurs during early morning and late afternoon, primarily during the period from mid-October through mid-December. Hunters who plan to harvest migratory birds (waterfowl, woodcock, snipe, rail and crows) and resident game birds (pheasant, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, partridge and quail) should be aware of several new or changed laws and regulations that took effect on July 1.

• The fall firearms turkey season opens statewide on Saturday and continues through Oct. 31.

• Regular waterfowl season opens statewide on Oct. 8, in both the north and south hunting zones.

• Small game hunting season opens at 7 a.m. on Oct. 15, for pheasant, quail, ruffed grouse, chukar partridge and cottontail rabbit.

• Statewide firearms deer hunting season begins Nov. 16.

Junior hunters have the opportunity to hunt on special designated days for pheasants, waterfowl and deer. DEEP, in cooperation with local sportsmen’s organizations, will host special junior pheasant hunter training events in October and November. The first event is scheduled for Saturday at Snake Meadow Club in Danielson. For dates of Junior Hunter Training days, including details and registration information about pheasant hunting events, visit www.ct.gov/deep/JuniorHunter.

For information about new Resident Game Bird Conservation Stamp and turkey permits and other hunting regulations changes, visit www.ct.gov/deep/hunting; select “License & Permit Info.”