Vermont’s legal deer season begins November 15; one buck permitted per hunter, reported data will aid state biologists

MONTPELIER - Hunters are gearing up for the start of Vermont’s traditional, 16-day regular deer season that begins Saturday, November 15, and ends Sunday, November 30. 
A hunter may take one legal buck during this season if one was not taken during the archery deer season.  The definition of a legal buck depends on the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU).  A map of the WMUs is on pages 24 and 25 of the 2025 Vermont Hunting & Trapping Guide available from license agents and highway rest areas. 
In WMUs C, D1, D2, E1, E2, G, I, L, M, P, and Q, a legal buck is any deer with at least one antler three inches or more in length.
In WMUs A, B, F1, F2, H, J1, J2, K, N, and O, a legal buck is any deer with at least one antler with two or more antler points one inch in length or longer.
Vermont hunting licenses include a buck tag for this season and a late season bear tag (for November 15 to 23). The cost is $28 for residents and $102 for nonresidents.  Hunters under 18 years of age will pay $8 for residents and $25 for nonresidents.  Licenses are available on Fish and Wildlife’s website and from license agents statewide. 
A 2025 Deer Season Hunting Guide can be downloaded from the department’s website at https://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/.  The guide includes a map of the Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), season dates, regulations, and other helpful information.
Hunters are required to report deer in person at a big game reporting station during the regular season.  Online reporting will not be available.  This requirement allows biologists to collect important information from as many deer as possible.
Hunters who get a deer on Saturday or Sunday, November 15 or 16, can help Vermont’s deer management program by reporting it at one of the biological check stations operated by Fish and Wildlife Department personnel listed below:
Bennington Fish Hatchery - Bennington
Guilford Country Store – Guilford
Back Country Sports – St. Albans
West Enosburg Country Store – Enosburg Falls
Windsor Fire Department – Windsor
Keith’s Country Store – Pittsford
Rack N Reel – New Haven
Lead & Tackle – Lyndonville
Maplefields – Plainfield
R&L Archery – Barre
Singleton’s Store – Proctorsville
Wright’s Sport Shop – Derby
Village Grocery & Deli – Waitsfield
Hunters who do not go to a biological reporting station are asked to provide a deer tooth.  Tooth envelopes and tooth removal instructions are available at all big game reporting stations.  Each tooth will be cross sectioned to accurately determine the deer’s age, and the results will be posted on the Fish and Wildlife website next spring.