Vermont Hunting Laws: Licenses, Seasons, and Regulations Every Hunter Should Know

Vermont takes its hunting heritage seriously — it was the first state to include constitutional language protecting the rights of citizens to hunt, making it a right rather than a privilege. That tradition comes with responsibility, and staying current on the rules is the foundation of every legal, ethical hunt in the Green Mountain State.

Whether you are chasing whitetail deer through hardwood ridges, calling in spring turkeys, or working waterfowl along Lake Champlain, Vermont’s regulations govern every step of the process — from purchasing your license to reporting your harvest. This guide walks you through the key hunting laws in Vermont so you can plan confidently and stay compliant in the field.

Key Insight: Vermont Fish and Wildlife regulations can change from year to year based on population surveys and wildlife management goals. Always verify current season dates, bag limits, and permit availability directly with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department before heading out.

Hunting License and Permit Requirements in Vermont

Vermont offers licenses for both residents and non-residents. Residents are Vermonters who have lived in the state for at least six months, while non-residents can still hunt — but at a higher cost. Understanding which license applies to your situation is the first step before any season opens.

All first-time hunters in Vermont must pass a hunter education course before getting a hunting license — unless you can show proof of a hunter education card or license from another state. Hunters under the age of 18 must take the online course and then complete an in-person class to fulfill the hunter education requirements. Bowhunter and Trapper Education are also mandatory for first-time license buyers.

Vermont keeps things simple with calendar-year licenses running January 1 through December 31. Archery, muzzleloader, turkey, bear, and waterfowl all need separate permits in addition to your base hunting license. As of April 2026, non-residents need a general hunting license ($102) plus an archery deer permit ($38) for bowhunting or muzzleloader permit ($40) for muzzleloader seasons, with the general hunting license running approximately $102.

Archery tags are $23 for residents and $38 for non-residents; muzzleloader permits are $23 for residents and $40 for non-residents. Vermont also offers a unique Non-Resident Archery Deer Only license for $75 — it does not require a base hunting license and is ideal for non-residents who only want to bowhunt deer in Vermont.

Special License Categories

• Any Vermont resident who is 66 or older may apply for a permanent license through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website, at an authorized license agent, at a district office, or through the mail.
• A Vermont resident who is paraplegic or who is certified by a physician to have a permanent severe physical mobility disability may receive a free permanent fishing, hunting, or combination license if qualified, with proper proof of disability.
• Landowners can hunt their own property without a license; however, hunting regulations such as weapon restrictions and shooting hours still apply.
• A person who holds a mentored hunting license is not eligible to hold a moose permit or accompany moose hunters. Anyone 16 or older with a mentored license is required to purchase and carry a federal duck stamp in order to hunt waterfowl. A mentored hunting license may only be issued twice to any one individual.

Vermont has a limited moose season in the Northeast Kingdom area (WMU E). Permits are awarded by lottery — $100 for residents and $350 for non-residents — with about 180 permits issued annually (80 either-sex plus 100 antlerless).

For a look at how Vermont’s licensing framework compares to neighboring states, see our guides to hunting laws in Minnesota and hunting laws in Ohio.

Pro Tip: Vermont hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses and permits may be suspended for failure to comply with child support orders of the Family Court. Resolve any outstanding obligations before applying for a license.

Season Dates, Bag Limits, and Possession Limits in Vermont

Legal game species you can hunt in Vermont include white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, moose (by limited permit only), coyote, bobcat (regulated season), snowshoe hare, ruffed grouse, waterfowl (ducks and geese), and various small game species. Seasons and dates are set annually, so the figures below reflect the most recently confirmed 2025–2026 schedule — always check with Vermont Fish and Wildlife for the current year’s official dates.

Deer

A person shall not take more than four white-tailed deer in a calendar year, only one of which may be a legal buck. As of February 2026, the most significant regulatory change allows antlerless deer harvest during the regular November rifle season for the first time, and archery season will continue through the regular firearm season. There is also a new “earn-a-buck” program allowing hunters to take a second buck if they meet specific conditions, including harvesting an antlerless deer.

Deer Season	Dates (2025–2026)
Archery	Oct 1 – Nov 14; Dec 1–15
Youth and Novice Weekend	Oct 25–26
Regular Rifle	Nov 15–30
Muzzleloader	Dec 6–14
Antlerless Muzzleloader (select WMUs)	Oct 30 – Nov 2 (if permits issued)

In Wildlife Management Units C, D2, E1, E2, G, I, L, M, P, and Q, a legal buck is any white-tailed deer with at least one antler three inches or more in length; in WMUs A, B, D1, F1, F2, H, J1, J2, K, N, and O, a legal buck is any white-tailed deer with at least one antler with two or more antler points one inch in length or longer.

Bear, Turkey, and Moose

Bear early season runs September 1 – November 14, with a late season from November 15–23. Hunting with dogs is permitted for residents from September 1 – November 23 (permit needed) and for non-residents from September 15 – November 23 (permit needed). The early season bear permit costs $5 for residents and $15 for non-residents.

The bag limit for turkey is one bearded bird per day during the spring season. The youth and novice turkey weekend falls on April 26–27, with the regular spring season running May 1–31. Fall turkey hunting is available through limited archery and shotgun seasons in select Wildlife Management Units.

You can hunt moose in Vermont, but only if you draw a special permit. Vermont runs a highly limited moose hunt each year, with permits awarded through a lottery system. Applications are due by mid-June.

Small Game and Furbearers

Species	Season Dates
Ruffed Grouse	Sep 27 – Dec 31 (shotgun/bow)
Gray Squirrel	Sep 1 – Dec 31
Snowshoe Hare / Rabbit (most WMUs)	Sep 27, 2025 – Mar 8, 2026
Snowshoe Hare / Rabbit (WMUs D, E)	Sep 27, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026
Raccoon	Oct 11 – Dec 31
Fox (Red/Gray)	Oct 25, 2025 – Feb 8, 2026
Bobcat	Dec 1–16
Coyote (no dogs)	Open year-round
Coyote (with dogs)	Dec 15 – Mar 15 (permit needed)
Crow	Jan 17–Apr 11 and Aug 22–Dec 19 (Fri–Mon only)
Weasel / Skunk / Opossum	Open year-round

Waterfowl

Waterfowl season dates and bag limits are set in three zones: Lake Champlain, Interior Vermont, and Connecticut River. A statewide open season for resident Canada geese occurs September 1–25, with a daily bag limit of five in the Connecticut River Zone and eight in the rest of the state. Woodcock hunting season runs statewide from September 27 to November 10 with a three-bird bag limit.

Vermont prohibits all wildlife pursuit on Sundays statewide. Youth and novice hunters get special weekend opportunities for deer (Oct 25–26) and turkey (April 26–27), plus extended waterfowl access during youth weekend (Sept 27–28).

If you hunt in other states as well, compare these rules with our overviews of hunting laws in Arkansas and hunting laws in Virginia.

Weapons and Legal Hunting Methods in Vermont

Vermont authorizes several hunting methods depending on the species and season. Knowing which equipment is legal — and which is not — keeps you compliant and safe in the field.

Firearms

Centerfire rifles and shotguns are legal during the regular firearms deer season. Only shotguns that are 10-gauge or smaller may be used for waterfowl. If your shotgun holds more than three shells, it needs a one-piece plug that you cannot remove without disassembling the gun. For turkey hunting, you may only use shotguns, bows and arrows, or crossbows.

The legalization of suppressor hunting, effective July 1, 2022, allows hunters in Vermont to use suppressors during legal hunting seasons. This applies to lawfully owned suppressors used during open seasons in accordance with all other regulations.

Archery and Crossbow

Vermont allows crossbow use during all archery seasons without special permits. Crossbows are considered archery equipment under state regulations. However, equipment standards apply: no person shall hunt with a crossbow if the bolt has an arrowhead less than seven-eighths of an inch at its widest point and has less than two sharp cutting edges. A crossbow must have a minimum pull of 125 pounds, a working mechanical safety, and a stock no less than 23 inches in length.

If you plan to hunt turkey, bear, or deer with a bow or crossbow, carry proof that you held an archery license or finished a bowhunter education course from Vermont or any other state. For state-by-state comparisons on archery regulations, see our guides on bow hunting laws in Tennessee and bow hunting laws in Michigan.

Muzzleloaders

A muzzleloader license is required for those who enjoy the tradition of hunting with primitive firearms. The muzzleloader deer season runs in early December for the general season, with a separate antlerless muzzleloader season available in select WMUs in late October if permits are issued.

Prohibited Hunting Methods

Several methods are strictly off-limits in Vermont. You may not hunt from a sink box, a moving motor vehicle, or an aircraft. You may not shoot from a motorboat or sailboat unless the motor is completely off and the boat is not moving. For waterfowl specifically, no live decoys, recorded calls, or electronic callers can be used, and no baiting is allowed — you may not place any feed to attract the birds.

Important Note: Coyote hunting competitions are prohibited in Vermont. For small game such as raccoon, caliber restrictions apply — you must use a .22 caliber rimfire or a shotgun with #2 shot or smaller.

Legal Shooting Hours

Legal shooting light is typically 30 minutes before and after daylight hours, depending on the season and game. For turkey, the spring season limits shooting to one-half hour before sunrise to 12 noon, while the fall turkey season allows hunting from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Refer to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife sunrise and sunset tables for your specific hunting date and location.

Land Access and Hunting Zones in Vermont

Vermont’s tradition of open access is as old as statehood, and the values that support this tradition are fundamental to its strong sense of community. However, that openness has clear legal boundaries that every hunter must understand before stepping onto any property.

Private Land

In Vermont, private lands are generally accessible for hunting unless posted otherwise by the landowner. However, building respectful relationships with landowners is key, as they retain the right to grant or deny permission to hunters. It is the hunter’s responsibility to ensure they are not trespassing.

Hunting, fishing, or trapping on properly posted land is illegal without written permission — this includes land posted for hunting, fishing, or trapping by permission only. In order to be properly posted, the landowner must file with the town clerk and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. The posting must be recorded annually at the town clerk’s office for a fee of $5. Signs must be not less than 8.5 inches by 11 inches, with lettering and background in contrasting colors. Signs must be maintained at all times, dated each year, and erected on or near all boundaries, at each corner, and no more than 400 feet apart.

Safety Zones

A Safety Zone establishes a 500-foot buffer around the buildings on a property. Signs must be 12 inches wide and 18 inches tall and placed at all corners of the buffer and no more than 200 feet apart. Hunting and shooting is prohibited within the buffer unless the owner has given permission to do so.

Tree Stands and Ground Blinds

A person must have the landowner’s permission to build, erect, maintain, use, or occupy a permanent or portable tree stand or ground blind on any private land in Vermont. Anyone who builds, erects, or maintains a tree stand or ground blind must permanently mark it with the owner’s name and address, legibly placed so it can be read conveniently.

Permanent tree stands and ground blinds are prohibited on state Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Temporary tree stands and ground blinds are allowed without written permission from the department from the third Sunday in August through the third Saturday in December, May 1–31, or during any Youth Hunting Day or Youth Hunting Weekend.

Public Lands

Encompassing 400,000 acres in central and southern Vermont, the U.S. Forest Service manages the Green Mountain National Forest for wildlife habitat and associated uses including access for hunting, trapping, and fishing. The state also has more than 800,000 acres of state public land open to hunting activities.

Vermont divides the state into Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) labeled with letters and numbers (A through Q, with some subdivisions). These units help manage harvest and determine specific regulations for different areas. WMU boundaries directly affect legal buck definitions, antlerless permit availability, and some season dates.

Motor vehicles, including ATVs, motorcycles, or snowmobiles, are not permitted on state lands except on designated trails where motor vehicles are explicitly authorized. It is illegal to operate an ATV or snowmobile on any privately owned land or body of private water unless the operator has written permission of the owner or is a member of a club that has landowner permission.

For a comparison of land access rules in other states, see our guides to hunting laws in Montana and hunting laws in Idaho.

Mandatory Harvest Reporting Requirements in Vermont

Vermont requires hunters to report certain harvests, and failure to comply can result in penalties. Reporting also helps the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department manage populations effectively, so your participation directly supports the resource.

Deer Reporting

Archery and muzzleloader deer can be reported online; Youth, Novice, and Regular November season deer need to be reported at official reporting stations. A deer carcass must be field dressed prior to reporting. A deer carcass may be quartered or deboned in the field prior to reporting provided all legal requirements are met. The viscera, hide, upper and lower leg bones, backbone, pelvis, and ribs may be left in the field, but evidence of sex — including genitalia and antlers — must be retained for reporting.

All required biological samples must also be retained for reporting, including both central incisors of deer during the November firearm season and novice weekend. These tooth samples allow biologists to estimate age structure within the herd.

Turkey Reporting

You must tag your turkey as soon as it is taken. Wearing blaze orange is recommended, and you must let the game office know about your harvest within two days.

Migratory Bird Reporting (H.I.P.)

All migratory game bird hunters — including woodcock, duck, and goose hunters — must be registered with the Harvest Information Program (H.I.P.) in each state they hunt. You can register on the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s website or by calling toll-free 1-877-306-7091.

For waterfowl hunting, you need a valid game license, a federal duck stamp, and a Vermont state duck stamp (for those over 16), as well as a Harvest Information Program (H.I.P.) number.

Pro Tip: If you intend to hunt this year with a lifetime, permanent disability, or permanent license, you must update it by reprinting regardless of whether you used your tags in the prior year. This requirement allows the department to collect accurate harvest and licensing information.

Bear and Moose

Bear and moose harvests must be reported to a Vermont Fish and Wildlife check station or warden. All covered wild game — including moose, deer, bear, turkey, small game, and furbearers — must be picked up for food use or processing. Abandoning harvested game in the field is a violation of state law.

Safety Requirements and Hunter Responsibilities in Vermont

Hunting in Vermont is one of the safest outdoor activities. Since hunter education became mandatory in 1975, the number of yearly hunting-related shootings has dropped over 80 percent. Maintaining that record requires every hunter to take their responsibilities seriously.

Hunter Education

All first-time hunters in Vermont must pass a hunter education course before getting a hunting license. You can take it online or in-person, depending on your age and preference. The courses are free and offered year-round. Completing hunter education is not just a legal requirement — it forms the foundation for safe, ethical hunting throughout your career.

Blaze Orange

Vermont does not legally require hunter orange, but it is strongly recommended for your safety. Two hundred square inches of fluorescent orange must be worn above the waist during all big game rifle seasons, including deer, bear, and turkey seasons when firearms are legal. While the statute stops short of a universal mandate, wearing orange significantly reduces the risk of being mistaken for game.

License and Permit Carry Requirements

Hunters must carry their licenses and any necessary permits while hunting and present them upon any request by a wildlife officer or other law enforcement official. Whether the property is posted or not, a hunter shall show their license if requested by the landowner.

Firearm Handling and Zones

Shooting across a road is prohibited. There must be no hunting within 500 feet of a residential building without explicit landowner permission. A permanently disabled hunter with a proper permit may hunt from a stationary boat or a motor vehicle that is at least 10 feet from the traveled portion of a public highway when the hunter has the landowner’s permission to park.

Mentored and Youth Hunting

Fines for any violation committed during a mentored hunt are doubled and assessed against the fully licensed adult hunter accompanying the mentored license holder. Points for the violations will also be assessed against the fully licensed adult hunter. Adult mentors carry a serious legal responsibility — know the rules before taking a new hunter afield.

No novice hunter shall hunt on privately owned land without first obtaining the permission of the owner or occupant. A “novice” is defined as a person who purchased their first hunting license within the past 12 months and is 16 years of age or older. A “youth” is a person who is 15 years of age or younger.

For a look at how other states handle hunter safety standards, see our guides to hunting laws in South Carolina and hunting laws in Tennessee.

Prohibited Practices and Penalties in Vermont

Vermont enforces its hunting laws firmly. Violations can result in fines, license suspension, and criminal charges — and in some cases, the consequences extend across state lines.

Poaching and Wildlife Violations

Big game violations could bring fines, loss of license, and even jail time. Civil penalties are capped at $42,500 for a single violation. Federal penalties may also apply, particularly for violations involving migratory birds or federally protected species.

Unlawful hunting conduct includes hunting outside of designated seasons, exceeding bag limits, and employing illegal hunting methods. Violators are subject to penalties, which may include fines, license suspension, and even criminal charges.

Interstate Compact

Vermont is a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (IWVC), which ensures that nonresident violators receive the same treatment as resident violators. Member states reciprocate in the suspension or revocation of licenses and permits resulting from violations of hunting, fishing, or trapping laws. If an individual’s license or permit privileges are revoked in one compact member state, they are subject to suspension or revocation in all other member states.

Baiting Prohibitions

No person shall take deer by using bait. Baiting is defined as the use of any animal, vegetable, or mineral matter — including scents and lures — that has the effect of enticing wildlife to a certain location. Exemptions exist for incidental feeding within active livestock operations, standing food plots, and grain scattered as a result of normal agricultural practices.

Common Mistake: Elevated bird feeders near occupied dwellings are exempt from baiting rules only if they are at least five feet above the ground and within 100 feet of the dwelling. Placing feeders beyond that range or at ground level near a hunting area may constitute illegal baiting for deer.

Buying and Selling Game

It is illegal to buy or sell a wild bird, cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, or gray squirrel. A person shall not buy or sell big game or the meat of big game within the state except during the open season and for 20 days thereafter — and a person shall not sell the paws or internal organs of a black bear. Neither anadromous Atlantic salmon taken in the Connecticut River Basin, nor wild turkey, shall be bought or sold at any time.

Reporting Wildlife Crimes

If you witness a wildlife crime or are aware of a poaching situation, Vermont Fish and Wildlife operates the Operation Game Thief program to receive your information. Reporting poaching helps protect the wildlife populations that sustain Vermont’s hunting opportunities for everyone.

For a broader look at prohibited practices across the region, see our guides to hunting laws in Indiana, hunting laws in Kansas, and coyote hunting laws in Virginia.

Threatened and Endangered Species

The complete list of threatened and endangered species is available on the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website. The list includes lake sturgeon, stonecat, timber rattlesnake, spruce grouse, beach heather, great laurel, Canada lynx, marten, little brown bat, and Indiana bat. Taking any listed species carries serious civil and potentially federal penalties.

Vermont’s hunting regulations reflect a careful balance between tradition, opportunity, and conservation. Always double-check the latest regulations on Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s official website, as wildlife management decisions can change based on population surveys and environmental conditions. Staying informed is the mark of a responsible hunter — and it keeps Vermont’s remarkable hunting heritage intact for the next generation.