State Guide

Vermont Hunting Guide 2026

Complete Vermont hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.

Wildlife Agency

Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department

Official Site

Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers

Vermont Hunting Seasons

Whitetail Deer

Res: $28 Non-res: $102

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Archery	Oct 1	Dec 15
Rifle	Nov 11	Nov 26
Muzzleloader	Dec 2	Dec 10

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 buck + antlerless by lottery

Antlerless deer permits by lottery in select WMUs. Vermont is known for quality buck hunting. Youth weekend available.

Turkey

Res: $28 Non-res: $102

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	May 1	May 31
Archery	Oct 1	Nov 3

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (1 spring, 1 fall)

Spring bearded turkey. Fall archery and shotgun seasons. Good populations in the Champlain Valley and southern Vermont.

Moose

Res: $100 Non-res: $350

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Oct 14	Oct 20

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1

Lottery draw only. Very limited permits. Northeast Kingdom has best populations. Season may be restricted due to winter tick concerns.

Bear

Res: $28 Non-res: $102

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Sep 1	Nov 11
Archery	Oct 1	Nov 3

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1

Early bear season with dogs. Bear tag included with big game license. Good populations in the Green Mountains.

Duck/Waterfowl

Res: $28 Non-res: $102

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Oct 3	Dec 10

Bag limits: daily: 6, season: No season limit

Federal duck stamp required. Lake Champlain and Connecticut River Valley are key areas. Atlantic Flyway.

Planning Tools

Tag-to-Trail Planner — interactive map: public land, harvest records, water, burns
Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
Application Timeline — never miss an application deadline
Preference Point Tracker — track points across all your states

Vermont Hunting FAQ

Do I need a hunting license in Vermont?

Yes. All hunters in Vermont must hold a valid hunting license from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.

What is the hunting license cost in Vermont?

Vermont license costs vary by species. Whitetail Deer: resident $28, non-resident $102. Turkey: resident $28, non-resident $102.

When is deer season in Vermont?

Vermont deer seasons: Archery: Oct 1 - Dec 15, Rifle: Nov 11 - Nov 26, Muzzleloader: Dec 2 - Dec 10.

Does Vermont require a hunter safety course?

Yes, Vermont requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.

Who manages hunting regulations in Vermont?

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in Vermont. Their website (https://vtfishandwildlife.com) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.