Board Rules

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board considers, amends, and votes on rules that govern management of fish and wildlife resources within the state.

Proposed Seasons and Rules

Fishing

• Appendix 122 Fish Management Rule - annotated
• Appendix 141 Baitfish Rule - annotated
  • Baitfish Regulatory Concept Proposal
  • Baitfish Regulation Revision Proposal (9.19.2018)
    • Baitfish Option Comparison

Comments on the proposed rule can be emailed to ANR.FWPublicComment@vermont.gov  Public comment period ends January 24, 2019.

Hunting and Trapping

• 2019 Antlerless Harvest and Youth Season Recommendation and Antlerless Permit Numbers 
  (Comments on the proposed rule can be emailed to ANR.FWPublicComment@vermont.gov  Public comment period ends May 22, 2019.)

  Public Hearing Scheduled - May 21, 2019 and June 4, 2019 (this meeting will focus on the proposed deer hunting changes for 2020 only). These meetings will include: 

  • Proposed rules that amend the current deer management rule. Changes include modifying and expanding the timing and duration of the archery hunting season, the creation of a new antlerless deer season, a change to the number of deer that may be taken annually, a new novice hunting season, field dressing requirements for deer, and changes to the current antler-point restriction regime. 
  • In addition, the rules allow crossbows to be used by archery hunters when hunting bear, turkey, moose or deer; deletes sections of the youth deer day and second archery license that are no longer consistent with statute; clarifies the bear rule requirements for tags, and requires the submission of bear teeth within 30 days rather than 48 hours.
• Title 10 Appendix - Chapter 1. Game - Subchapter 1. General Provisions
  (Comments on the proposed rules listed below, Secs 2d - 37, can be emailed to ANR.FWPublicComment@vermont.gov  Public comment period ends June 12, 2019.)
  • Sec 2d. Archery Deer Hunting Licenses - annotated
  • Sec 4. Bow and Arrow Hunting - annotated
  • Sec 7. Bear Management Rule - annotated
  • Sec 22. Turkey Seasons - annotated
  • Sec 33. Moose Management Rule - annotated
  • Sec 36. Youth Hunting Day Deer - annotated
  • Sec 37. Deer Management Rule - annotated
    • Deer Management Rule Change Recommendation
      presented to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board – March 20, 2019

      • Summary of Proposed Changes to Vermont Deer Hunting

      • FAQs about Proposed Changes to Vermont Deer Hunting
    • 2019 Moose Management Proposal
      • ​2018 Moose Harvest Summary
• Furbearer Rule - Taking Rabbits and Furbearers in Defense of Property for a Fee - 2nd vote

Newly Adopted Rules

Fishing

Hunting and Trapping

• 2019 - 2020 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons

See also:

• Vermont Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Laws
• Fish & Wildlife Statutes and Regulations
• Commissioner's Rules
• Fish & Wildlife Board
• Fish & Wildlife Board Members

Contact us:

• General Questions/Comments: fwinformation@vermont.gov