Vermont Hunting License Requirements: What Every Hunter Needs to Know

Vermont is one of the few states in the country where hunting is protected as a constitutional right — and the Green Mountain State’s forests, wetlands, and ridgelines offer some of the finest hunting in New England. Whether you’re after white-tailed deer in a hardwood hollow or wild turkeys along a spring ridge, getting properly licensed is the first step before you ever set foot in the field.

Understanding Vermont’s hunting license requirements keeps you legal, supports wildlife conservation, and ensures you’re ready for whatever season you plan to pursue. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from who must carry a license to how to buy one and when it expires.

Who Needs a Hunting License in Vermont

Anyone engaged in hunting or taking any wild animals in Vermont must be properly licensed, except under specific conditions. This applies to both residents and out-of-state visitors, regardless of the species you’re pursuing or the method you’re using.

In Vermont, anyone who wishes to hunt legally must possess a valid hunting license, with specific rules depending on age, residency, and the species being hunted. Residents of Vermont must obtain a resident hunting license to hunt within the state, and non-residents who plan to hunt in Vermont must purchase a non-resident hunting license.

Your license and a photo ID should be carried whenever you go hunting. A digital version of your license carried with you is also acceptable. Big game or transportation tags are required to be carried when hunting big game.

Important Note: Minor children who are hunting must still carry a paper license signed by their parent, even if a digital license is otherwise acceptable for adults.

Vermont also offers a Mentored Hunting License for individuals who have never held a hunting license anywhere and have not completed hunter education. A mentored hunting license is available to a resident or nonresident who has never successfully completed a hunter education course and has never held a hunting license in Vermont or any other state or province. A person issued a mentored hunting license may hunt when accompanied by an adult 21 years of age or older who holds a valid Vermont hunting license. The term “accompanied” means the mentored hunter is in the direct control and supervision of the fully licensed adult hunter and is within 15 feet of the fully licensed adult hunter.

A good Hunting Backpack is worth having from your very first outing — it keeps your license, tags, and gear organized and within reach whenever a warden asks to see your credentials.

Exemptions From Hunting License Requirements in Vermont

Vermont law carves out a handful of meaningful exemptions to the general licensing requirement. Knowing whether you qualify can save you the cost of a license in specific circumstances.

Landowner Exemption: A resident owner of land in Vermont, his or her spouse, and minor children may hunt within the boundary of that land and take fish from a private pond within the boundary of that land without a license within season — except if their right to obtain a license is under suspension, or for seasons requiring a special tag such as moose, antlerless muzzleloader, and waterfowl seasons.

A nonresident owner of land has equal privilege if his or her land is NOT posted. “Posted” means any signage that would lead a reasonable person to believe that hunting is prohibited on the land, except for “Safety Zone” signs.

Active-Duty Military: Any resident of Vermont who is serving on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or is performing, or is under orders to perform, a homeland defense or state-side contingency operation for a period of 120 or more consecutive days may obtain at no cost a hunting or fishing license or combination hunting and fishing license. A nonresident member of the armed forces of the United States who is on active duty and stationed at a military, air or naval post, station or base within Vermont may buy a license to hunt or fish at the resident fee.

Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities: A Vermont resident who is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces and who is, or ever has been, 60 percent disabled as a result of a service-connected disability may receive a free fishing, hunting, or combination hunting and fishing license that shall include all big game licenses, except for a moose license.

Persons with Disabilities: A Vermont resident with paraplegia or a permanent, severe, physical mobility disability certified by a physician may receive a free permanent fishing license or, if the person qualifies for a hunting license, a free combination hunting and fishing license.

Nonresident Students: A nonresident student who is enrolled in a high school, college, or university within the state is entitled to a resident fishing, hunting, or combination license. To qualify, the student must have successfully completed two successive semesters at his or her Vermont secondary school, college, or university, must present an admission card, and must pay the resident fee.

Resident vs. Non-Resident Hunting Licenses 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. Non-residents — hunters who do not live in the state — can still hunt, but at a higher cost.

The state differentiates between these two groups primarily for fee purposes and eligibility for certain permits. Resident licenses are significantly less expensive across every license category, and certain lottery permits — such as the moose permit — are structured to favor Vermont residents.

Key Insight: Vermont was the first state in the country to include constitutional language protecting the rights of citizens to hunt, making it a constitutional right rather than just a privilege.

Non-residents are welcome to hunt all legal game species in Vermont, but they must purchase non-resident hunting licenses and follow all state regulations. Some species, like moose, require entering a lottery drawing.

If you’re comparing licensing requirements across state lines, you may also find it useful to review fishing license requirements in Michigan or fishing license requirements in Wisconsin, two neighboring Great Lakes states with similarly robust outdoor traditions.

Types of Hunting Licenses in Vermont

Vermont provides several hunting license options to suit different needs. Choosing the right one depends on your residency status, the game you plan to pursue, and the methods you’ll use.

• General Hunting License: Covers most hunting activities and is a foundational choice for many hunters.
• Small Game License: Entitles the holder to take small game, furbearers, and other wild animals (except big game) by any lawful means other than a trap.
• Archery License: Required for bowhunters aiming to participate in Vermont’s archery seasons. The archery deer tag is only for use in archery deer season.
• Muzzleloader License: Ideal for those who enjoy the tradition of hunting with primitive firearms. Muzzleloader deer licenses are only valid for use in muzzleloader deer season.
• Youth Hunting License: Available to hunters age 17 or under at a significantly reduced fee, encouraging the next generation to participate in Vermont’s hunting traditions.
• Combination Hunting and Fishing License: Bundles both privileges into a single license at a discounted combined rate compared to purchasing each separately.
• Mentored Hunting License: Available everywhere licenses are sold, this license is available to a resident or nonresident who has never successfully completed a hunter education course. It allows supervised hunting under a licensed adult mentor.
• Permanent License: Any Vermont resident who is 66 or older may apply for a permanent license. Permanent licenses have a one-time fee of $60. Permanent licenses do not include duck stamps or entries into the moose and antlerless lotteries or permits.
• Lifetime License: A resident or nonresident lifetime fishing, hunting, or combination fishing and hunting license may be obtained from Vermont Fish and Wildlife. Applications are available on the department’s website or from the main office in Montpelier.

Crossbow hunters should note that Vermont allows crossbow use during all archery seasons without special permits, as crossbows are considered archery equipment under state regulations.

A quality pair of Hunting Binoculars complements any license type — whether you’re glassing for deer in rifle season or scanning timber edges during archery season in Vermont’s dense hardwood terrain.

How Much a Hunting License Costs in Vermont

According to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s 2026 license fee schedule (as published on eRegulations.com, December 2025), the following fees apply for the 2026 license year:

License Type	Resident (1-Year)	Resident (5-Year)
Hunting	$28.00	$134.00
Youth Hunting (age 17 or under)	$8.00	—
Combination Hunting/Fishing	$47.00	$229.00
Permanent License (age 66+)	$60.00 (one-time)	—

Non-residents need a general hunting license ($102) plus an archery deer permit ($38) for bowhunting or a muzzleloader permit ($40) for muzzleloader seasons. Non-resident licenses generally cost approximately $90 annually, though the actual general hunting license runs $102. Total costs range from $140 to $142 depending on hunting method, not including antlerless deer permits.

Pro Tip: Vermont also offers a 5-year license option for residents, which locks in the current annual rate and saves you the hassle of renewing each year. If you hunt consistently, the multi-year option is worth considering.

License buyers can also easily add a $15 Habitat Stamp to their purchase to further support habitat conservation in Vermont. This optional add-on directly funds wildlife habitat projects across the state.

For residents in neighboring states curious about how license costs compare elsewhere in the region, see fishing license requirements in Connecticut or fishing license requirements in Ohio for additional context.

Special Permits, Tags, and Stamps in Vermont

Beyond your base hunting license, Vermont requires additional permits, tags, and stamps for certain species and seasons. Each year, special permits are issued through a lottery system for hunting moose and antlerless white-tailed deer.

Waterfowl Stamps: Vermont and federal waterfowl stamps are required to hunt migratory waterfowl for hunters 16 and older. Federal stamps are sold at post offices, federal wildlife refuges, and online at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website. Vermont State Waterfowl stamps are available on the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website, from district offices, and license agents statewide. A state waterfowl stamp is good for the calendar year and no longer needs to be signed by the hunter.

H.I.P. Registration: 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 when hunting migratory birds. To hunt woodcock and snipe, you need a H.I.P. number, but duck stamps are not needed.

Big Game Tags: Big game or transportation tags are required to be carried when hunting big game. A transportation tag, available for free at license agents, is an acceptable tag.

Moose Permit: Moose hunting in Vermont is by limited permit only, issued through a lottery. Some species like moose require entering a lottery drawing.

Blaze Orange Requirement: Yes, 200 square inches of fluorescent orange must be worn above the waist during all big game rifle seasons. This includes deer, bear, and turkey seasons when firearms are legal. A Blaze Orange Hunting Vest is a practical way to meet this requirement while keeping your hands free in the field.

Hunters pursuing game across multiple states may also want to review fishing license requirements in Montana or fishing license requirements in Colorado, two popular western destinations with their own distinct licensing frameworks.

Hunter Education Requirements in Vermont

Vermont takes hunter education seriously, and the requirement applies broadly. According to Vermont law, all hunters must complete hunter education certification in order to purchase a hunting license in Vermont unless they have evidence of a hunting license or hunter education certification from another state or province.

In Vermont, hunter education is generally required for anyone who wants to purchase a hunting license and hunt within the state. This requirement applies to both residents and non-residents, ensuring that all hunters have a basic understanding of safety, wildlife conservation, and hunting regulations.

These courses cover topics like firearm safety, wildlife identification, hunting ethics, and state hunting laws. First-time hunters of all ages are subject to Vermont’s hunter education requirement. There are no age exemptions.

Course options by age:

• Online-only classes are available for Vermont residents age 18 and older.
• If you are under 18 years of age, you’ll need to take the online Homework Course, then complete your state’s in-person requirements.
• Anyone of any age is permitted to take the course. The class content, exam, and paper and electronic materials are written at a grade 6 reading level.

Archery and Bowhunter Education: If you plan to hunt during an archery season, you’ll need to complete an archery-specific education course. Bowhunter education is required to hunt big game with a bow and arrow. Bowhunting proves a unique challenge to hunters, but it allows an extended season to those who accept that challenge. This course readies students for bow, arrow, and treestand selection and safety.

Reciprocity: All U.S. states, provinces, and other countries that have mandatory hunter education requirements will accept the Vermont Hunter Education Certificate. Likewise, Vermont will accept hunter education certifications issued by other jurisdictions that meet official IHEA-USA requirements. A Vermont hunter education card entitles you to hunt in all 50 states, as well as some international locations.

Mentored Hunting as an Alternative: Vermont offers a mentored hunting license, which allows new hunters to hunt under the supervision of another qualified hunter at least 21 years of age. The permit may only be used twice in a hunter’s lifetime, after which point they are required to complete hunter education certification.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to hunt in fall, aim to complete your hunter education course by late summer. According to Vermont Fish and Wildlife, many courses are held in August and September — and spots fill up quickly heading into deer season.

Once you’ve harvested game, a reliable Field Dressing Kit ensures you can properly care for your animal in the field — an essential skill also covered in Vermont’s hunter education curriculum.

How to Buy a Hunting License in Vermont

Vermont makes the licensing process straightforward, with multiple purchase options available to both residents and non-residents.

1. Online: Vermont’s online licensing portal lets you get your license from the comfort of your own home. Visit vtfishandwildlife.com to purchase directly through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s license center.
2. Authorized License Agents: Purchase your license from an authorized license agent. A list of license agents is available on the department’s website, or you can call (802) 828-1190 for an agent closest to you.
3. District Offices: You can also visit any Vermont Fish and Wildlife district office in person to purchase a license or get assistance with your application.

What you’ll need to provide:

• An applicant for a hunting, combination hunting and fishing, archery, or trapping license must present either a previous or current hunting license from any state or province, a certificate or letter of proof showing satisfactory completion of an approved hunter safety course, or a signed affidavit attesting to having a prior hunting license from Vermont or any other state or province.
• A credit card — Vermont accepts Visa, Discover, or MasterCard for payment.
• Your Conservation Identification Number (CID). You can look up your Conservation ID on the website or find it on your previous license.

Minor children who are hunting must still carry a paper license signed by their parent. Keep this in mind when purchasing licenses for young hunters in your group.

Hunters heading out from other states may also want to check out fishing license requirements in Indiana or fishing license requirements in Iowa if you’re planning multi-state trips throughout the year.

License Validity and Renewal in Vermont

Vermont keeps things simple with calendar-year licenses that run January 1 through December 31. This means your license covers the full calendar year regardless of when you purchase it — though buying early ensures you’re ready for any season that opens.

Vermont 2026 hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses, as well as the 2026 lawbooks for these activities, are available on the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s website and wherever licenses are sold. New licenses for each calendar year typically become available in mid-December of the prior year.

Multi-Year and Permanent Licenses: The Commissioner may issue multi-year hunting, fishing, trapping, or combination hunting and fishing licenses of up to five years’ duration. Existing five-year, permanent, or lifetime licenses can be updated online on January 1.

Annual Update Requirement for Lifetime/Permanent Holders: If you intend to hunt, fish, or trap in a given year, you must update by reprinting your lifetime, permanent disability, or permanent license regardless of whether or not you used your tags. This statutory requirement has been put in place to allow the department to collect accurate harvest and licensing information. This updated license will include current year tags. You may update your license at no cost online at vtfishandwildlife.com.

Important Note: Permanent license holders must notify the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department each year they intend to exercise their hunting privileges. Failure to do so will not result in license points, but you will not receive your current-year tags without completing the annual update.

If you are unable to go online to update or reprint your license, you can call (802) 828-1190 or go to any authorized license agent or Fish and Wildlife office. A license agent may charge you up to $1.50 for a reprint.

Vermont’s calendar-year license structure makes annual renewal simple and predictable. Set a reminder each December to pick up your new license so you’re ready the moment January 1 arrives — especially if you plan to pursue any winter seasons. Hunters who also fish across multiple states can explore fishing license requirements in Nebraska, fishing license requirements in Utah, or fishing license requirements in Tennessee for additional multi-state planning resources.

Always verify the most current fees, season dates, and regulation changes directly with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department before heading afield, as rules can change from year to year based on wildlife management decisions.