Regulations change. Always confirm with the official state fish and wildlife agency before you hunt or fish. This site is an unofficial index, not legal advice. Each fact shows its source and the date we last read it.
Vermont: 2026 hunting seasons, license rules and official links
Run by: Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. Below are the 2026 deer season dates, selected fall turkey, bear and small game dates, and license rules we could read on official pages. It is not a full list of seasons: waterfowl, other small game, trapping and fishing rules are on the official pages linked below.
2026 deer seasons
| Season | Dates (inclusive) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery deer | Oct 1, 2026 to Dec 15, 2026 | Expanded archery Sept 15-30 in designated zones only. |
| October muzzleloader (antlerless by permit) | Oct 29, 2026 to Nov 1, 2026 | Muzzleloader license and antlerless permit required, per the 2026 deer guide. |
| Youth and Novice weekend | Nov 7, 2026 to Nov 8, 2026 | One deer of either sex, per the 2026 deer guide. |
| Regular (16-day) deer season | Nov 14, 2026 to Nov 29, 2026 | One legal buck statewide; antlerless only with an antlerless permit. |
| December muzzleloader | Nov 30, 2026 to Dec 13, 2026 |
Source: Vermont Fish & Wildlife: Hunting and Trapping Seasons. Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Dates can vary by zone, unit or land type; check the official page for your location.
Other fall 2026 seasons: turkey, bear and small game
| Season | Dates (inclusive) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black bear, early season | Sep 1, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026 | |
| Black bear, late season | Nov 14, 2026 to Nov 22, 2026 | |
| Fall turkey, archery (statewide) | Oct 1, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026 | |
| Fall turkey, shotgun or archery (WMUs B, D, G, H, I, J, L, M, O, P, Q) | Oct 24, 2026 to Nov 1, 2026 | |
| Fall turkey, shotgun or archery (WMUs F, K, N) | Oct 24, 2026 to Nov 8, 2026 | |
| Ruffed grouse | Sep 26, 2026 to Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Gray squirrel | Sep 1, 2026 to Dec 31, 2026 |
Source: Vermont Fish & Wildlife: Hunting and Trapping Seasons. Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Licenses, permits or stamps may be required for each species; check the official page.
Good to know before you buy a license or head out
- Applying for a hunting license requires a copy of a current or previous hunting license from any state or province, or a hunter education certificate.
Source: Vermont Fish & Wildlife: license information. Last verified Oct 17, 2026. - Vermont lists 1-, 3- and 7-day non-resident fishing licenses and a 3-day resident fishing license (see the fee table on the official page; fees are set by statute and can change).
Source: Vermont Fish & Wildlife: license information. Last verified Oct 17, 2026. - Vermont has an online map tool that shows the fishing rules for a specific waterbody, including a current-location feature.
Source: Vermont Fish & Wildlife: online fishing regulations tool. Last verified Oct 17, 2026.
Official links (Vermont)
- License information and fees
- Hunting and trapping seasons
- 2026 deer season guide (PDF)
- Hunting home
- Fishing home
- Online fishing regulations tool (by waterbody)
- Vermont State Parks (camping)
Compare all states listed | Planning a trip across state lines?