Vermont Bow Hunting: Seasons, Public Lands & Rules
Preliminary Guide — Pending Official Verification
Some season dates, license fees, and regulation details for Vermont are pending final verification against official Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VDFW) publications. Always consult official state regulations before hunting.
📅 2026 Season & License Info
Archery Season Open
[TODO: Verify 2026 VT date - typically Oct 1]
Archery Season Close
[TODO: Verify 2026 VT date - split season: Oct 1 - mid-Nov; Dec 5 - Dec 13]
Min Draw Weight
[TODO: Verify VDFW minimum draw weight - no minimum in statute, recommend 40+ lbs]
Resident License
$28/yr base + archery license [TODO: Verify VDFW resident fees]
Non-Resident License
$102/yr base + archery license [TODO: Verify non-resident rate]
Top Species
Whitetail Deer, Black Bear, Wild Turkey, Moose
📍 Top Public Hunting Spots
Green Mountain Forest
Whitetail Deer, Bear
Vermont's premier federal public land spanning south to north through central Vermont.
Groton State Forest
Whitetail Deer, Bear
Second largest state-owned tract in VT featuring granite boulders, northern hardwoods, and wetlands.
Victory Basin WMA
Whitetail Deer, Bear, Moose
Remote boreal basin in the Northeast Kingdom featuring spruce-fir bogs and cedar thickets.
⚖️ Vermont Archery Regulations
- •Crossbow legality: Crossbows are legal for all hunters of all ages during all archery seasons in Vermont [TODO: Verify recent regulatory modernization]
- •Split archery season: Vermont features an early archery season in October/November and a late archery season in December [TODO: Verify calendar dates]
- •Broadheads: Must have two or more sharp cutting edges with minimum 7/8 inch cutting width [TODO: Verify mechanical broadhead specs]
- •Tree stand rules: Permanent tree stands are illegal on public lands; portable stands must be labeled with owner name and address [TODO: Verify labeling rules]
- •Reporting requirement: Mandatory harvest checking within 48 hours at an official checking station or online check system [TODO: Verify electronic reporting]
💡 Expert Tips for Vermont
- →The Champlain Valley (western Vermont) holds significantly higher deer numbers and more agricultural fields than the mountain ridges
- →In the Green Mountain National Forest, hunt hardwood saddles and yellow birch flats below mature beech ridges
- →Beech nut crops dictate northern deer behavior; scout mountain ridges in August to determine which stands of beech are bearing mast
- →Late archery season in early December offers snow tracking opportunities when deer concentrate near south-facing hemlock yards
🏛️ Official Wildlife Agency & Sources
Hunting seasons, tag quotas, and bag limits are established by state wildlife agencies and change annually. For official regulations, proclamations, and license purchases, consult:
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VDFW)
Official State Wildlife Agency
Status: [Pending Verification - TODO]
Vermont Bowhunting FAQ
When does archery season take place in Vermont?
Vermont's regular archery season typically opens October 1 and runs through mid-November, with a second late archery season running for nine days in early to mid-December.
Can anyone use a crossbow during archery season in Vermont?
Yes. Vermont modernized its regulations to permit any licensed hunter to use a crossbow during any season where archery equipment is permitted.
What public lands are best for bowhunting in Vermont?
The 400,000-acre Green Mountain National Forest provides the largest public hunting area, while state forests like Groton, Mount Mansfield, and Camel's Hump offer excellent mountain hunting.