Discover everything you need to know about hunting in Vermont, from regulations and season dates to public lands, outfitters, and essential gear recommendations.
Table of Contents
Vermont Hunting Regulations
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department (VFWD) manages all hunting regulations. The official Vermont Hunting Guide provides updates on season dates, bag limits, legal firearms, and special hunting permits.
Hunting Seasons Calendar
Vermont offers diverse hunting opportunities across multiple seasons. Key dates include:
- Deer: Archery, Youth Weekend, Rifle, and Muzzleloader seasons.
- Moose: Limited permit draw system.
- Bear: Early and late bear hunting seasons.
- Turkey: Spring and fall turkey hunting seasons.
- Waterfowl: Duck and goose hunting with federal and state regulations.
For exact season dates and regulations, visit the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.
Public and Private Hunting Lands
Public Hunting Lands
Vermont offers extensive public hunting areas across state forests, wildlife management areas (WMAs), and the Green Mountain National Forest.
- Green Mountain National Forest: Large tracts open for hunting.
- Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Over 130 WMAs managed for hunting and conservation.
- State Forests & Parks: Many are open to regulated hunting.
Find maps and hunting access points on the Vermont Public Hunting Lands Page.
Private Land Access
Vermont has a unique tradition of allowing hunting on private lands unless posted otherwise. Hunters should always seek permission from landowners before hunting on private property.
Hunting Licenses and Permits
Vermont hunting licenses are available through the VFWD Online Licensing Portal. Hunters must complete a Hunter Education course before purchasing their first license.
- Resident and non-resident hunting licenses
- Youth hunting licenses
- Moose permit applications
- Turkey and bear tags
Vermont Outfitters and Hunting Guides
Vermont requires professional guides to be licensed. Licensed hunting guides specialize in species such as white-tailed deer, bear, turkey, and moose.
For a list of Vermont’s licensed hunting guides, visit the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Website.
Gear Recommendations for Vermont Hunts
Vermont’s terrain and weather conditions require specialized hunting gear:
- Clothing: Layered, waterproof, and insulated clothing for varying temperatures.
- Footwear: Waterproof and insulated boots for mountainous terrain.
- Firearms & Archery: Rifles and bows suited for dense woods hunting.
- Hunting Equipment: Tree stands, scent control, and calls for big game hunting.
Conservation and Ethical Hunting
Vermont prioritizes wildlife conservation. Hunters contribute through license fees and taxes supporting habitat restoration and wildlife protection.
Programs such as the Habitat Stamp Program help maintain healthy game populations.
Hunting Tips for Vermont
Improve your success rate with these Vermont-specific hunting tips:
- Scout hunting areas ahead of time using topographic maps and trail cameras.
- Be mindful of Vermont’s quiet, low-pressure hunting environment—deer tend to move cautiously.
- Use calls and scents strategically in dense wooded areas.
Plan Your Next Vermont Hunt
Whether you’re after white-tailed deer, black bear, or wild turkey, Vermont offers a diverse and rewarding hunting experience. Get your licenses, gear up, and explore the Green Mountain State’s hunting opportunities today!
Vermont Hunting Seasons 2025-2026
Big Game Hunting Seasons
- Turkey (Youth & Novice Weekend): April 26 – April 27, 2025
- Turkey (Spring Season): May 1 – May 31, 2025
- Black Bear (Early Season): September 1 – November 14, 2025
- Black Bear (Resident, with dogs): September 1 – November 23, 2025
- Black Bear (Nonresident, with dogs): September 15 – November 23, 2025
- Deer (Archery): October 1 – November 14 & December 1 – 15, 2025 (closed during regular Nov season)
- Turkey (Fall Archery): October 4 – October 24, 2025
- Turkey (Shotgun/Archery, WMUs B,D,G,H,I,J,L,M,O,P,Q): October 25 – November 2, 2025
- Turkey (Shotgun/Archery, WMUs F,K,N): October 25 – November 9, 2025
- -deer (Youth & Novice Weekend): October 25 – October 26, 2025
- Deer (Muzzleloader Antlerless): October 30 – November 2, 2025 (select WMUs if permits issued)
- Black Bear (Late Season): November 15 – November 23, 2025
- Deer (Regular Season): November 15 – November 30, 2025
- Deer (Muzzleloader): December 6 – December 14, 2025
- Moose (Archery Only): October 1 – October 7, 2025 (if permits issued)
- Moose (Regular Season): October 18 – October 23, 2025 (if permits issued)
Small Game Hunting Seasons
- Crow: August 22 – December 19, 2025 (Fri-Sun-Mon only)
- Gray Squirrel: September 1 – December 31, 2025
- Hare & Rabbit (All WMUs except D,E): September 27 – March 8, 2026
- Hare & Rabbit (WMUs D,E): September 27 – March 31, 2026
Upland Birds Hunting Seasons
- Ruffed Grouse (Partridge): September 27 – December 31, 2025
Furbearer Hunting Seasons
- Red & Gray Fox: October 25 – February 8, 2026
- Raccoon: October 11 – December 31, 2025
Furbearer Trapping Seasons
- Mink, Skunk, Red & Gray Fox, Raccoon, Coyote, Opossum, Weasel: October 25 – December 31, 2025
- Otter: October 25 – March 31, 2026
- Muskrat: October 25 – March 31, 2026
- Beaver: October 25 – March 31, 2026
- Bobcat: December 1 – December 16, 2025
- Fisher: December 1 – December 31, 2025
Note: Always check the official Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department website for the most up-to-date information on hunting seasons and regulations.