Vermont 2025-2026 Hunting Seasons – Legal Weapons, Tags & Wildlife Areas
Vermont’s picturesque landscapes aren’t just for leaf peepers and ski enthusiasts—they’re also home to some of the Northeast’s finest wildlife pursuits. Nestled among rolling hills, dense forests, and pristine waterways, the Green Mountain State offers sportspeople a diverse array of quarry throughout the year. Whether you’re planning your first expedition or are a seasoned woodsman seeking updated information, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need for a successful Vermont adventure in 2025.
Overview of Vermont’s 2025 Hunting Calendar
Vermont’s game regulations strike a careful balance between conservation and sporting opportunity. The state’s Fish & Wildlife Department meticulously manages wildlife populations through carefully structured seasons, special permits, and distinct management units. From the early spring turkey hunt to late-season muzzleloader opportunities, you’ll find options spanning nearly the entire calendar year.
Below, we’ve compiled opening and closing dates for all major game categories, including details on specific methods, special youth weekends, and zone-specific regulations that might impact your plans.
Quick Reference Summary Table
| Species | Opening Date | Closing Date | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🦌 Deer (Archery) | October 1, 2025 | November 14 & December 1-15, 2025 | Bow |
| 🦌 Deer (Regular) | November 15, 2025 | November 30, 2025 | Rifle/Shotgun |
| 🐻 Black Bear (Early) | September 1, 2025 | November 14, 2025 | Multiple Methods |
| 🦃 Turkey (Spring) | May 1, 2025 | May 31, 2025 | Shotgun/Bow |
| 🐿️ Gray Squirrel | September 1, 2025 | December 31, 2025 | Small Game Methods |
| 🦆 Ducks & Coots | October 12, 2025 | Variable by Zone | Shotgun |
| Moose (Archery Only) | October 1, 2025 | October 7, 2025 | Bow (Permit Required) |
| Moose (Regular) | October 18, 2025 | October 23, 2025 | Various (Permit Required) |
All Big Game: Archery & Rifle 🎯
White-tailed Deer 🦌
Vermont’s premier big game species offers multiple opportunities throughout the fall and early winter:
- Archery Season: October 1 – November 14, 2025, then December 1-15, 2025 (closed during rifle period)
- Youth & Novice Weekend: October 25-26, 2025 🎟️
- Regular 16-Day Season: November 15-30, 2025
- Muzzleloader Period: December 6-14, 2025
- Special Antlerless Muzzleloader: October 30 – November 2, 2025 (select WMUs only, if permits issued)
Black Bear 🐻
Multiple opportunities exist for bear enthusiasts:
- Early Period: September 1 – November 14, 2025
- Late Period: November 15-23, 2025
- With Dogs (Residents): September 1 – November 23, 2025 (permit required)
- With Dogs (Nonresidents): September 15 – November 23, 2025 (permit required)
Moose 🫎
Limited permit-only opportunities:
- Archery Only: October 1-7, 2025 (if permits issued)
- Regular Period: October 18-23, 2025 (if permits issued)
Check the official website for permit availability and application deadlines.
Turkey Season: Spring, Fall, Youth 🦃
Spring Opportunities
- Youth & Novice Weekend: April 26-27, 2025
- Regular Spring Period: May 1-31, 2025
Fall Periods
The fall turkey schedule varies by Wildlife Management Unit (WMU):
- Archery Only (Statewide): October 4-24, 2025
- WMUs B, D, G, H, I, J, L, M, O, P, Q: October 25 – November 2, 2025 (shotgun or bow)
- WMUs F, K, N: October 25 – November 9, 2025 (shotgun or bow)
Furbearers 🦝
Furbearer Hunting Dates
- Bobcat: January 10 – February 7, 2025
- Red & Gray Fox: October 26, 2024 – February 9, 2025 & October 25, 2025 – February 8, 2026
- Raccoon: October 11 – December 31, 2025
- Muskrat: March 20 – April 19, 2025
- Coyote (without dogs): No closed period
- Coyote (with dogs): December 15 – March 15, 2025 (permit required)
Closed Species
Fisher, Otter, Beaver, Marten, Lynx, and Wolf have no open periods for targeting.
Upland Birds 🐦
Ruffed Grouse (Partridge)
- Dates: September 27 – December 31, 2025
- Method: Shotgun or archery
American Woodcock
- Dates: Statewide September 28 – November 11, 2025
- Federal stamp not required
Upland Animals 🐿️
Gray Squirrel
- Period: September 1 – December 31, 2025
- Excellent for beginners
Hare & Rabbit 🐰
- Most WMUs: September 27, 2025 – March 8, 2026
- WMUs D & E: September 27, 2025 – March 31, 2026 (extended period)
Other Small Game 🐦⬛
| Species | Dates | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crow | Jan 17-Apr 11 & Aug 22-Dec 19, 2025 | Friday-Monday only |
| Weasel | Year-round | No closed period |
| Skunk | Year-round | No closed period |
| Opossum | Year-round | No closed period |
Migratory Birds 🦅
All migratory bird participants must register with the Harvest Information Program (H.I.P.) and possess appropriate federal stamps where required.
Youth Weekend
- September 28-29, 2024: Special youth waterfowl weekend for hunters 17 and under (15 and under in Connecticut River Zone)
Ducks, Scaup, Mergansers 🦆
Lake Champlain Zone
- First Split: October 12 – November 3, 2025
- Second Split: November 23 – December 29, 2025
Interior Vermont Zone
- First Split: October 12 – November 10, 2025
- Second Split: November 23 – December 22, 2025
Connecticut River Zone
- First Split: October 9 – November 11, 2025
- Second Split: November 27 – December 22, 2025
Daily Limit: 6 ducks (with species restrictions)
Geese 🦢
Canada Geese
September Early Period: September 1-25, 2025 (all zones)
October-November Period:
- Lake Champlain & Interior Zones: October 12 – November 10, 2025
- Connecticut River Zone: October 9 – November 11, 2025
December-January Period:
- Lake Champlain & Interior Zones: December 1 – January 19, 2026
- Connecticut River Zone: November 27 – December 22, 2025 & December 23 – January 11, 2026
Snow Geese (Including Blue Geese)
Conservation Order periods offer extended opportunities:
- October 1 – December 31, 2025
- February 26 – March 10, 2026
- March 11 – April 20, 2026
No bag limit during Conservation Order periods
Other Waterfowls 🦆
Brant
- Lake Champlain Zone: October 12 – November 10, 2025
- Interior Vermont Zone: October 12 – November 10, 2025
- Connecticut River Zone: October 9 – November 7, 2025
More Games (Additional Species) 🎪
Furbearer Trapping
Extended opportunities beyond traditional periods:
- Multi-species Group (Mink, Skunk, Fox, Raccoon, Coyote, Opossum, Weasel): October 25 – December 31, 2025
- Water Species (Otter, Muskrat, Beaver): October 25, 2025 – March 31, 2026
- Fisher: December 1-31, 2025
- Bobcat Trapping: December 1-16, 2025
Vermont Hunting Zone Map 🗺️
Vermont divides its territory into Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) to better manage game populations based on habitat conditions and other factors. These units are labeled A through Q, with some further subdivided (like D1, D2, E1, E2, etc.).
Understanding which WMU you’re hunting in is essential, as bag limits, antlerless permits, and even legal buck definitions can vary between units. For instance, some northern units have more restrictive antler point requirements than southern units.
View the complete WMU map here
License Information 🎟️
Resident Licenses
- Hunting: $28.00 (5-year option: $134.00)
- Youth Hunting (under 18): $8.00
- Combination (Hunting and Fishing): $47.00
- Archery Deer (add-on): $23.00
- Turkey (add-on): $23.00
- Muzzleloader Deer (add-on): $23.00
- Early Season Bear (add-on): $5.00
- Permanent License (66 or older): $60.00
Non-Resident Licenses
- Hunting: $102.00 (5-year option: $504.00)
- Youth Hunting (under 18): $25.00
- Combination (Hunting and Fishing): $143.00
- Archery Deer (add-on): $38.00
- Turkey (add-on): $38.00
- Muzzleloader Deer (add-on): $40.00
- Early Season Bear (add-on): $15.00
- Small Game: $50.00
Additional License Information
- Licenses expire December 31 each year
- Hunter education certification required for first-time license buyers
- Licenses available online, from authorized agents, or directly from Vermont Fish & Wildlife
- Federal Duck Stamp required for waterfowl hunting (ages 16+)
- Vermont Waterfowl Stamp required for waterfowl hunting ($7.50)
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Q: How many deer can I harvest in Vermont during 2025?
A: You can harvest up to four deer per calendar year, of which only one may be a legal buck (unless you’re a youth or novice hunter who may take two legal bucks if one is during youth/novice weekend).
Q: Do I need permission to hunt on private land in Vermont?
A: By law, landowner permission is not required on unposted land. However, it’s strongly encouraged to always ask permission as a courtesy. Posted land requires explicit permission from the landowner.
Q: What are the antler point restrictions in Vermont?
A: In WMUs A, B, F1, F2, H, J1, J2, K, N, and O, a legal buck must have at least one antler with two or more points at least one inch long. In other WMUs, any deer with an antler at least three inches long is legal.
Q: Can I use bait when hunting in Vermont?
A: No, baiting or feeding of deer is illegal in Vermont. Natural urine-based deer lures are also prohibited.
Q: Are crossbows legal for hunting in Vermont?
A: Yes, crossbows are legal for all hunters during any season when archery equipment is permitted.
Q: What public land options exist for hunting in Vermont?
A: Vermont offers numerous Wildlife Management Areas, state forests, and federal lands open to hunting. The state also has a strong tradition of private lands remaining open for responsible hunting.
Related Resources 🔗
- New Hampshire Hunting Seasons
- Maine Hunting Seasons
- Massachusetts Hunting Seasons
Plan Your Vermont Hunting Adventure Today
Vermont’s diverse ecosystems and carefully managed wildlife populations create opportunities for memorable hunting experiences throughout the year. From the spring turkey woods to autumn deer stands, the state offers something for every outdoor enthusiast. Before heading afield, always verify the latest regulations, check your WMU-specific rules, and secure the proper licenses and permits.
Remember that successful hunting reflects proper preparation, ethical conduct, and respect for the game and land. Vermont’s hunting tradition thrives when participants embrace conservation principles alongside their sporting pursuits. Whether you’re a lifelong Vermonter or visiting from afar, the Green Mountain State welcomes responsible hunters to participate in its rich outdoor heritage.
