The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is reminding hunters and anglers aged 65 to 68 who want a permanent license, but don’t yet don’t have one, to buy one before midnight on Dec. 31, 2016. Starting Jan. 1, the eligible age will be raised to 70, and that license will be free.
A permanent hunting and fishing license is currently available to Vermont residents aged 65 and older for a one-time fee of $50. Those without a permanent license who will turn 70 before the next hunting or fishing season should wait until their 70th birthday to pick up a 2017 permanent license, at which time it will be available to them for free.
Hunters and anglers who already have a permanent license do not need to purchase another but should renew theirs in 2017.
Eligible current 2016 license holders can purchase a permanent license in person at a license agent or Fish & Wildlife Department district office. Those who have not yet purchased a 2016 license can either purchase a permanent license in person at a license agent or district office or go online at vtfishandwildlife.com.
The change in eligibility was made to bring Vermont’s permanent license structures in line with neighboring states. In New York and Massachusetts, hunters and anglers are eligible for a permanent license at age 70. New Hampshire does not offer a permanent license, but instead offers a discount on annual licenses starting at age 68.
A permanent license allows the holder to hunt and fish without purchasing additional licenses for the rest of their lifetime. Vermont’s permanent license includes all regular season tags, including archery, muzzleloader, and turkey tags. An additional tag for second archery, moose and antlerless lotteries, and waterfowl stamps must be purchased separately. Permanent licenses must be renewed every year, which is free of charge online or at any district office.
Permanent licenses are different from lifetime licenses, which can be purchased at any age and are generally purchased for young children.
Photo by Chris Saunders, courtesy of VTF&W
A young buck looks up at the camera with ears pricked forward. This year’s deer hunting season has been very successful according to many reporting stations.
