On April 13, 2016

Tooth-based deer ages now available on the VT Fish & Wildlife website

Antler size now requested

RUTLAND—Hunters who provided the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department with a tooth from their deer can now find out how old their deer was by visiting the department’s website.

A total of 2,672 teeth were received from successful rifle season hunters. When added to the 1,937 deer examined by biologists during the youth and rifle seasons, the department was able to get accurate ages for 4,609 deer.

“We are thankful to the thousands of hunters who were willing to support our deer management efforts by providing us with a tooth from their deer,” said Deer Project Leader Nick Fortin. “We are particularly grateful to the handful of dedicated reporting stations that collected a tooth from every deer they reported. This effort would not have been as successful without their assistance.”

Now, the department would like more info on antler size in older bucks. “Relatively few mature bucks are harvested each year, so it’s important that we collect antler data from as many of these deer as possible,” said Fortin. “This information helps us evaluate concerns related to antler development and the current antler point restriction.”

If your deer was three years old or older and it wasn’t examined by a biologist at the reporting station, Fish & Wildlife would like to measure its antlers. To get antlers measured, bring them to a Fish & Wildlife district office during the month of April. Or, send a picture (or two) to AntlerPics@vermont.gov. Pictures must clearly show all antler points. Get details at vtfishandwildlife.com.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Pico is pristine on a powder day

February 12, 2025
A fresh 18 inches of snow have blanketed Killington and Pico over the past week with about 10 inches of light fluffy snow falling overnight Saturday. Skier and riders woke up to sunny skies and temps in the mid-20s Sunday — it simply doesn’t get better than that! The resorts are now 100% open, Killington…

Killington area skier Doris Reed prepares to turn 90

February 12, 2025
By James Kent Doris Reed is no ordinary skier. At 89 years old, she proves age is but a formality. You’ll find her resilience, determination, and passion on the slopes of Pico and Killington most days of the week. Reed’s story is more than skiing; it’s about living life to the fullest every year, every…

Rikert Outdoor Center expands accessibility with Adaptive Bike Days

February 11, 2025
RIPTON—This winter, the Rikert Outdoor Center is launching Adaptive Bike Days, a program aimed at making outdoor recreation more accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. Running every Wednesday through March, this initiative allows participants to explore Vermont’s winter landscapes on specially designed adaptive bikes. The program is offered free of charge and takes place from…

Backcountry lessons

February 11, 2025
We all do dumb things in our 20s, right? When you are testing the boundaries of life to see which lines are flexible and which are legit. But in your 20s, you don’t have any experience in life, and you certainly cannot imagine listening to those who went before you. You might not mean to…