Looking for information on hunting and trapping seasons in Vermont? Look no further! The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has got you covered. Whether you’re interested in hunting big game like white-tailed deer and moose, or if you prefer small game like squirrels and rabbits.
There are plenty of opportunities for every type of hunter. With a wide range of seasons and species to choose from, you’ll find something to suit your hunting preferences. So grab your gear, check the dates, and get ready for a thrilling hunting and trapping season in beautiful Vermont.
Vermont Hunting and Trapping Seasons
Welcome to Vermont, where the hunting and trapping seasons offer thrilling opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts like you. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting, Vermont has a wide range of seasons and game options to suit your interests.
From big game to small game, upland birds to waterfowl, and furbearers to trapping, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive in and explore all the exciting hunting and trapping seasons that Vermont has to offer.
Big Game Seasons
Vermont’s big game seasons are a highlight for hunters seeking larger game species. The state offers several big game hunting opportunities, including:
White-Tailed Deer Season
White-tailed deer hunting is a popular pursuit in Vermont, and the state offers multiple seasons for hunters to take part in. These seasons include:
Archery Season
Archery season for white-tailed deer runs from October 1 to December 15, providing a great opportunity for bowhunters to test their skills and bag a buck or doe.
Youth Weekend and Novice Weekend
During this special weekend, young hunters and novices have the chance to experience the thrill of deer hunting. This season takes place from October 21 to October 22.
Muzzleloader Antlerless Season
In select Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) where antlerless permits are issued, hunters can participate in the muzzleloader antlerless season from October 26 to October 29.
Regular Season
The regular season for white-tailed deer hunting in Vermont runs from November 11 to November 26, giving hunters ample opportunities to pursue these majestic animals.
Black Bear Season
Vermont’s black bear season offers a thrilling opportunity to hunt these elusive creatures. The season is divided into different periods, including:
Early Season
The black bear’s early season runs from September 1 to November 10, allowing hunters to target these magnificent animals during the early months of fall.
Resident Black Bear Hunters with use of dogs by permit
Resident hunters with a permit can take part in black bear hunting with the use of dogs from September 1 to November 19, maximizing the chances of a successful hunt.
Nonresident Black Bear Hunters with use of dogs by permit
Nonresident hunters who obtain a permit can also hunt black bears with the use of dogs from September 15 to November 19, making for an exciting hunting experience.
Late Season
The late season for black bear hunting in Vermont runs from November 11 to November 19, giving hunters one final opportunity to pursue these impressive animals before the season ends.
Moose Season
Moose hunting is a highly sought-after experience in Vermont, and the state offers two distinct seasons for hunters to participate in:
Archery Only Season
The archery-only moose season allows bowhunters to test their skills and try their luck at harvesting a moose. This season takes place from October 1 to October 7.
Regular Season
The regular moose hunting season provides hunters with the opportunity to pursue these magnificent creatures using various legal methods. This season runs from October 21 to October 26.
Turkey Season
Turkey hunting in Vermont is an exciting pursuit that attracts hunters from near and far. The state offers several seasons for turkey hunting, including:
Youth & Novice Weekend
This special weekend is dedicated to youth and novice hunters, providing them with a unique chance to experience the thrill of turkey hunting. The season takes place from April 29 to April 30.
Spring Season
The spring turkey season is a much-anticipated time for hunters in Vermont. It runs from May 1 to May 31, giving hunters ample opportunities to chase after these elusive birds.
Fall Archery – Statewide
For archery enthusiasts, the fall archery turkey season is a fantastic time to get out in the field and try to bag a turkey. This season runs from October 7 to October 20.
Shotgun or Archery – Limited to WMUs B, D, G, H, I, J, L, M, O, P, Q
Certain Wildlife Management Units are designated for shotgun or archery hunting only during the turkey season. These units include B, D, G, H, I, J, L, M, O, P, and Q.
Shotgun or Archery – Limited to WMUs F, K, N
In other Wildlife Management Units, specifically F, K, and N, shotgun or archery hunting for turkeys is permitted during this designated season, creating unique opportunities for hunters.
Caught your breath yet? There’s still more to explore in Vermont’s hunting and trapping seasons. Keep reading to discover the remaining game seasons and the contact information you’ll need to plan your adventure.
Deer Archery Season
Vermont’s deer archery season provides a unique hunting experience for bowhunters and is divided into different periods:
Youth Weekend and Novice Weekend
Similar to the white-tailed deer season, the youth and novice hunters have their dedicated weekend for deer archery hunting. This season takes place from October 21 to October 22.
Muzzleloader Antlerless – in select WMUs if antlerless permits are issued
In WMUs where antlerless permits are issued, hunters can participate in the muzzleloader antlerless season for deer archery from October 26 to October 29.
Deer Muzzleloader Season
The deer muzzleloader season in Vermont is an exciting opportunity for hunters to use these traditional firearms. The season is divided into two periods:
Regular Season
The regular season for deer muzzleloader hunting runs from November 11 to November 19, providing hunters with a chance to bag a deer using this unique weapon.
Archery Only Season
In addition to the regular season, there is also an archery-only season for deer muzzleloader hunting. This season takes place from December 2 to December 10.
Small Game Seasons
For hunters who prefer smaller game species, Vermont offers a variety of small game hunting opportunities:
Crow Season
Crow hunting season in Vermont runs from January 20 to April 11 and August 25 to December 18, but only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.
Gray Squirrel Season
Gray squirrel hunting season takes place from September 1 to December 31, giving hunters plenty of time to pursue these agile creatures.
Hare & Rabbit: All WMUs except D, E
Hunters can enjoy hunting hares and rabbits in all Wildlife Management Units except D and E from September 24 to March 12 and September 30 to March 10 of the following year.
Hare & Rabbit: WMUs D, E
In WMUs D and E, the season for hunting hares and rabbits remains open until March 31, providing extended hunting opportunities for these small game species.
Now that you’ve explored the big game and small game seasons, let’s take a look at the remaining categories: upland birds, waterfowl, furbearers, and trapping seasons.
Upland Birds Seasons
Upland birds are a treasured game species in Vermont, and the state provides seasons for the following bird species:
Ruffed Grouse (Partridge)
The season for hunting ruffed grouse, also known as partridge, runs from September 30 to December 31. This gives hunters plenty of time to pursue these elusive birds.
Waterfowl Seasons
Waterfowl hunting is a popular pursuit in Vermont, and the state offers seasons for several waterfowl species, including:
Snow Goose – permit required
The season for hunting snow geese extends from March 11 to April 22, but please note that a permit is required to participate in this specific hunt.
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers, Canada Geese, Brant – Youth Weekend
During the waterfowl youth weekend, young hunters have the opportunity to experience the thrill of waterfowl hunting. The specific dates for this season can vary, so be sure to check the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s official website for the most up-to-date information.
Furbearer Hunting Seasons
For those interested in furbearer hunting, Vermont offers seasons for the following species:
Bobcat
The bobcat hunting season runs from January 10 to February 7, giving hunters a limited window of opportunity to target these elusive felines.
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Muskrat
Hunting muskrats in Vermont is permitted from March 20 to April 19, allowing furbearer hunters to test their trapping skills.
Raccoon
Raccoon hunting season lasts from October 8 to December 31, providing hunters with ample time to pursue these nocturnal creatures.
Red & Gray Fox
The season for hunting red and gray foxes takes place from October 22 to February 12 in one year and October 28 to February 11 in the following year, giving hunters multiple opportunities to target these cunning animals.
Coyote
Coyote hunting in Vermont has no closed season, meaning hunters can pursue this elusive species throughout the year.
Fisher, Otter, Beaver
There is no open season for hunting fishers, otters, or beavers in Vermont, as these species are protected.
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Marten, Lynx, Wolf
It is important to note that hunting for marten, lynx, and wolf is not permitted in Vermont, as these species are also protected.
Furbearer Trapping Seasons
Trapping enthusiasts will find various opportunities to pursue furbearers in Vermont, including:
Mink, Skunk, Red & Gray Fox, Raccoon, Coyote, Opossum, Weasel
The trapping season for minks, skunks, red and gray foxes, raccoons, coyotes, opossums, and weasels runs from October 22 to December 31, providing ample time for trapping enthusiasts to engage in their favorite pursuits.
Otter
Trappers have the opportunity to catch otters during the trapping season, which takes place from October 22 in one year to March 31 in the following year, extending over several winter months.
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Muskrat
The muskrat trapping season aligns with the hunting season and lasts from October 22 in one year to March 31 in the following year, offering trappers an extended period to target these aquatic mammals.
Beaver
Similar to muskrats and otters, beavers can be trapped from October 22 in one year to March 31 in the following year, providing trappers with an opportunity to engage in this challenging pursuit.
Bobcat
The bobcat trapping season in Vermont runs from December 1 to December 16, allowing trappers a limited window to target these elusive felines.
Now that you have a better understanding of the hunting and trapping seasons in Vermont, it’s time to start planning your next outdoor adventure. But before you head out into the wild, it’s important to have the right contact information on hand.
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Contact Information
For any questions or additional information about Vermont’s hunting and trapping seasons, reach out to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. They are dedicated to conserving Vermont’s fish, wildlife, and habitat, and they offer valuable resources and guidance to hunters and trappers.
Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
- Commissioner: Christopher Herrick
- Address: 1 National Life Drive Davis 2 Montpelier, VT 05620-3702
- Phone: 802-828-1000
- Email: [email protected]
For a complete list of staff contacts at the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, visit their official website.
That wraps up our comprehensive guide to the hunting and trapping seasons in Vermont. We hope this information serves as a helpful resource as you plan your next outdoor adventure. Remember to always follow all applicable regulations and practice ethical and responsible hunting and trapping techniques. Good luck and happy hunting!
