Hunting and Trapping Opportunities

Vermont's most reclusive big-game animal is remarkably abundant. Vermont has one of the densest black bear populations in the country, most commonly found in the Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom.

As of January 1, 2020, any person may use a crossbow during any season when the use of bow and arrow is permitted.

Furbearer refers to mammals that traditionally have been hunted and trapped primarily for fur. Furbearers that are legally harvested for human use are always common and abundant.

For many hunters, drawing a coveted moose hunting permit is the hunt of a lifetime. Moose are managed through a permit lottery system, by management unit, allowing the department to limit or expand the harvest numbers annually by region.

Vermont's varied habitats are home to locally abundant populations of cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hare, and gray squirrels.

Vermont offers some of the best upland game bird hunting in New England, particularly in the Northeast Kingdom.

Waterfowl hunters will find some surprisingly good hunting in Vermont. The best waterfowling occurs in the Champlain Valley, where numerous public wetlands and private farmland provide excellent hunting for ducks and geese.

"Hunting" in Vermont means deer hunting. Almost all of the state's 65,000 resident hunters hunt deer at some point during the fall and more bucks are taken per square mile in Vermont than in any other New England state.

Vermont boasts the best wild turkey hunting in New England. Considered "Big Game" under Vermont law, you will easily understand why after hunting them.