Hunters are gearing up for the start of Vermont’s traditionally popular 16-day regular deer season that begins Saturday, Nov. 16 and ends Sunday, Dec. 1.
A hunter may take one legal buck during this season if they did not already take one during the archery deer season.
“The greatest numbers of deer continue to be in western regions of the state and other valley areas,” said Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s deer biologist Nick Fortin. “The Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom offer more of a big woods experience with fewer, but often larger, deer.”
Vermont hunting licenses include a buck tag for this season and a late season bear tag (for Nov. 16-24) and cost residents $28 and nonresidents $102. Hunters under 18 years of age get a break at $8 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. Licenses are available on Fish & Wildlife’s website and from license agents statewide.
“I am urging all hunters to wear a fluorescent orange hat and vest to help maintain Vermont’s very good hunting season safety record,” said Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Christopher Herrick.
Same advice goes for those hiking through the woods during hunting season.
Hunters are required to report deer in person at a big game reporting station during the regular season. Online reporting will not be available. This requirement allows biologists to collect important information from as many deer as possible.
Hunters who get a deer on Nov. 16 or 17 can help Vermont’s deer management program by reporting their deer at either the Windsor Fire Department in Windsor or Keith’s Country Store in Pittsford, locally.
Hunters who do not go to a biological reporting station are asked to provide a tooth from their deer. Tooth envelopes and tooth removal instructions are available at all big game reporting stations. Each tooth will be cross sectioned to accurately determine the deer’s age, and the results will be posted on the Fish & Wildlife website next spring.
For more information, visit: vtfishandwildlife.com.
