Vermont Bear Season 2026
Vermont bear season dates start with Sep 1-Nov 13, 2026. The table below keeps every listed bear row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Vermont's listed 2026 bear season runs Sep 1-Nov 13, 2026.
Firearm Black Bear opens Sep 1, 2026 and closes Nov 22, 2026.
Hunting with Dogs - Resident Black Bear opens Sep 1, 2026 and closes Nov 22, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Vermont Fish & Wildlife.
Bear
Black Bear
Early Season
Early Season
Black Bear
Firearm
Resident Black Bear Hunters with use of dogs by permit
Black Bear
Hunting with Dogs - Resident
Resident Black Bear Hunters with use of dogs by permit
Black Bear
Firearm
Nonresident Black Bear Hunters with use of dogs by permit
Black Bear
Hunting with Dogs - Nonresident
Nonresident Black Bear Hunters with use of dogs by permit
Black Bear
Late Season
Late Season
The Friday Hunting Briefing.
Gear deals worth grabbing, the week's hunting news, and field-tested picks — curated every Friday by a hunter, for hunters. Free, unsubscribe anytime.
Nearby bear seasons
Vermont Bear Season FAQ
When does bear season open in Vermont?
September 1, 2026 is the earliest listed bear opener in Vermont — early season black bear runs Sep 1-Nov 13, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with Vermont Fish & Wildlife.
What are the 2026 bear season dates in Vermont?
Vermont lists 6 bear season windows: Early Season Black Bear (Sep 1-Nov 13, 2026); Firearm Black Bear (Sep 1-Nov 22, 2026); Hunting with Dogs - Resident Black Bear (Sep 1-Nov 22, 2026); Firearm Black Bear (Sep 15-Nov 22, 2026); Hunting with Dogs - Nonresident Black Bear (Sep 15-Nov 22, 2026); Late Season Black Bear (Nov 14-22, 2026). Always verify against Vermont Fish & Wildlife before hunting.
Are there different bear seasons in Vermont?
Yes — Vermont lists separate bear seasons for Early Season Black Bear, Firearm Black Bear, Hunting with Dogs - Resident Black Bear, Hunting with Dogs - Nonresident Black Bear, Late Season Black Bear. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Vermont Fish & Wildlife.
Do I need a license to hunt bear in Vermont?
Yes. Vermont generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and bear hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Vermont Fish & Wildlife.