Hunters are gearing up for the start of Vermont’s statewide traditionally popular 16-day rifle deer season that begins November 15 and ends Sunday, November 30.
A hunter may take one buck during this season with at least one antler having two or more points one inch or longer. A point must be one inch or longer from base to tip. The main beam counts as a point, regardless of length. Spike-antlered deer, mostly yearlings, are protected during this season.
“Vermont’s pre-hunt deer population is estimated at approximately 135,000 this year with the greatest numbers of deer found in the southwest, east-central, and northwestern regions of the state,” said Deer Project Leader Adam Murkowski.
The 2013 Vermont Deer Harvest Report, available on the Fish & Wildlife Department’s web site (www.vtfishandwildlife.com) has a wealth of information to help plan a hunt, including the number of deer taken in each town. Click on “Hunting and Trapping” and then “Big Game” to download a copy of the report.
Vermont’s regular hunting licenses, including a November rifle season buck tag and a late season bear tag (for Nov. 15-23), cost only $25 for residents and $100 for nonresidents. Hunters under 18 years of age get a break at $8 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. Licenses are available on Fish & Wildlife’s web site and from license agents statewide.
Hunters are reminded of a new law prohibiting shooting a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow while on or within 25 feet of the traveled portion of a public highway. An exception is a Class 4 public highway where it is illegal to shoot within the travelled portion. Class 4 roads are designated on town highway maps.
The new law also prohibits shooting a firearm, muzzleloader, bow and arrow, or crossbow over or across the travelled portion of a public highway.
Fish & Wildlife urges hunters to wear a fluorescent orange hat and vest to help maintain Vermont’s very good hunting season safety record.
A 2014 Vermont Deer Hunting Guide can be downloaded from the department’s website at www.vtfishandwildlife.com. The guide includes a map of the revised Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), season dates, regulations, and other helpful information.
Contact the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department for more information. Telephone 802-828-1000 or Email fwinformation@state.vt.us.
Hunters who get a deer on opening weekend of rifle season can help Vermont’s deer management program by reporting their deer at one of the biological check stations listed below that will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on November 15 and 16:
Marty’s Sports & Gunsmithing, Inc. Đ Bennington
Jericho General Store Đ Jericho
St. Marie’s, Inc. Đ Swanton
Wright’s Enterprises Đ Newport
Keith’s Country Store, Inc. Đ Pittsford
R&L Archery Đ Barre
Guilford Country Store Đ Guilford
