Vermont Hunting Seasons Information and Regulations

*All information listed below is disclosed based on research we have conducted. We do our best to ensure that all information is up to date and accurate. However, rules and regulations are changing every day. Please make sure to verify your state-specific regulations prior to your hunt.

In Vermont, hunting season runs from late September to early December each year. The most popular hunting game in the state is deer hunting, followed by small game hunting, such as rabbit and ruffed grouse. Other hunting game available to pursue in Vermont include turkey, bear, moose, and waterfowl. To hunt in Vermont, you must have a hunting license, which can be bought at hunting stores or through the Vermont Fish & Wildlife website. Hunters are also required to take a hunter safety course, which is available online for free or in-person for a fee. In addition to hunting licenses and hunter safety courses, hunters must adhere to hunting laws and regulations specific to their hunting location. Regulations vary from one hunting area to another, so it’s important to check the hunting regulations in your area before beginning your hunting excursion.

For more information on hunting in Vermont, visit the Vermont Fish & Wildlife website for hunting laws and regulations, hunting season dates, hunting locations, hunting equipment and more.

Vermont Deer Seasons

ArcheryOct. 1 – Dec. 15
Youth WeekendOct. 22 – Oct. 23
Novice WeekendOct. 22 – Oct. 23
Muzzleloader AntlerlessOct. 27 – Oct. 30
November RegularNov. 12 – Nov. 27
MuzzleloaderDec. 3 – Dec. 11

*Vermont hunters are allowed a maximum of four deer yearly, but only one may be an authorized buck. Youth and novice participants can bag two legal bucks in total, plus no more than four deer altogether. Antler limits do not apply to young hunters when they partake in Youth Deer Weekend. For more information visit the Vermont Fish & Wildlife website.

Vermont Black Bear Seasons

Early SeasonSept. 1 – Nov. 11
Late SeasonNov. 12 – Nov. 20

*With a large population of black bears — one bear for every three square miles — hunters in Vermont have a great chance at success. The state has an Early Bear Season tag requirement to hunt during the early season. Each hunter is only allowed to take one bear per year, and baiting is not allowed. Hunting with dogs is legal if the hunter has a bear-dog permit and uses six or fewer dogs. For more information visit the Vermont Fish & Wildlife website.

Vermont Moose Seasons

ArcheryOct. 1 – Oct. 7
General SeasonOct. 15 – Oct. 20

*For those wishing to hunt moose, obtaining a permit is only achievable through a lottery. Residents and nonresidents are eligible for the lottery, but fees differ based on residency status. Unfortunately for out-of-state hunters, permits can be hard to come by as the state will award no more than 10% of its moose hunting permits to nonresident applicants. For more information visit the Vermont Fish & Wildlife website.

Vermont Turkey Seasons

Fall 2022 ArcheryOct. 1 – Oct. 21
Fall 2022 Shotgun or ArcheryOct. 22 – Nov. 6

*The dates for hunting seasons vary depending on the specific zone. For more information visit the Vermont Fish & Wildlife website.

Vermont Small Game Seasons

Gray SquirrelSept. 1-Dec. 31
Rabbit and HareSept. 24-March 12
Ruffed GrouseSept. 24-Dec. 31
Quail and PartridgeOpen Season

*The amount of game that can be bagged in Vermont, as well as the number of licenses available, differ based on location and lottery. To learn more about how to obtain a season license for hunting, check out the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website.

Vermont Crossbow Regulations

Crossbow Specific Regulations: Crossbow hunting is legal for disabled hunters by permit only during seasons in which it is permitted to take game with a bow and arrow. The individual must appear before the Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife and present certification of disability from a physician in order to obtain a hunting permit.

Disabled, permit carrying hunters only are allowed to take game from a motor vehicle which is no less than 10 feet from the traveling part of a road or from a stationary boat. Hunters must obtain the owner of the land’s permission to park. It is illegal to shoot across any road. Know more by visiting the official website of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website.

Vermont Hunting License

In Vermont, hunting licenses are required for all hunting activities, including hunting of wild animals and hunting with a bow. All hunters must acquire a valid hunting license prior to hunting in Vermont. Residents of Vermont may purchase hunting licenses from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, while non-residents may obtain hunting licenses from hunting license vendors. The fees for hunting licenses vary, depending on the type of hunting activity and duration of the hunting season.

Additionally, hunting licenses may be obtained for a 24-hour or 7-day hunting period. All hunting license purchases in Vermont require proof of age and Hunter Education Certification, unless hunting on private land with permission from the owner.

Hunters must abide by hunting regulations and bag limits as set by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. It is important to check hunting regulations, bag limits and season dates prior to hunting in Vermont.

If you want to check out the next state on our list, click here to see Virginia.

Or, you can check out the last state on our list, Utah.

About Al Parsons

Al Parsons is originally from Alabama, but has had the pleasure of hunting all over the United States. Al is an expert on crossbow hunting, as well as traditional rifle hunting. His favorite time of year is the start of Archery Deer season in Alabama, so usually in October.