11/06/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/06/2024 12:38
Hunters are gearing up for the start of Vermont's traditionally popular 16-day regular deer season that begins Saturday, November 16 and ends Sunday, December 1.
A hunter may take one legal buck during this season if they did not already take one during the archery deer season. The definition of a legal buck depends on the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). A map of the WMUsis on pages 24 and 25 of the 2024 VERMONT HUNTING & TRAPPING GUIDEavailable from license agents statewide.
In WMUs C, D1, D2, E1, E2, G, I, L, M, P, and Q a legal buck is any deer with at least one antler three inches or more in length.
In WMUs A, B, F1, F2, H, J1, J2, K, N, and O a legal buck is any deer with at least one antler with two or more antler points one inch in length or longer.
"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), cost $28 for residents and $102 for nonresidents. Hunters under 18 years of age get a break at $8 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. Licenses are available on Fish and 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 and Wildlife Commissioner Christopher Herrick.
pA 2024 Deer Season Hunting Guidecan be downloaded from the department's website at www.vtfishandwildlife.com. The guide includes a map of the Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), season dates, regulations, and other helpful information.
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 November 16 or 17 can help Vermont's deer management program by reporting their deer at one of the biological check stations
listed below:
Emmon's Supermarket - Grand Isle
Guilford Country Store - Guilford
Back Country Sports - St. Albans
West Enosburg Country Store - Enosburg Falls
Windsor Fire Department - Windsor
Keith's Country Store - Pittsford
Rack N Reel - New Haven
Lead & Tackle - Lyndonville
R&L Archery - Barre
Singleton's Store - Proctorsville
Wright's Sport Shop - Derby
Village Grocery & Deli - Waitsfield
Bennington Fish Hatchery - Bennington
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 and Wildlife website next spring.