Vermont’s Regular Deer Season Starts Nov. 11

Eagle Times Staff
MONTPELIER, VT — Hunters are gearing up for the start of Vermont’s traditionally popular 16-day regular deer season that begins Saturday, Nov. 11 and ends Sunday, Nov. 26.

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).

“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. 11-19) and cost $28 for residents and $102 for non-residents. Hunters under 18 years of age get a break at $8 for residents and $25 for non-residents. 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 Christopher Herrick, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Commissioner.

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. 11 or 12 can help Vermont’s deer management program by reporting their deer at one of the biological check stations listed below that will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., unless the store closes earlier:

R&L Archery – Barre

Buck Stop Mini Mart – Bennington

Wright’s Sport Shop – Derby

West Enosburg Country Store – Enosburg Falls

Guilford Country Store – Guilford

Bob’s Quick Stop – Irasburg

Lead & Tackle – Lyndonville

Rack N Reel – New Haven

Keith’s Country Store – Pittsford

Singleton’s Store – Proctorsville

Lost Nation Guns & Ammo – Swanton

Village Grocery & Deli – Waitsfield

Hunters who do not go to a biological reporting station are asked to provide a tooth from their deer. 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.