Vermont Hunting License Guide
Complete guide to Vermont hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through Vermont Fish and Wildlife.
Vermont Hunting License Fees (2025-2026)
Vermont offers classic New England hunting managed by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. The Green Mountain State features mixed hardwood forests, rolling farmland, and mountainous terrain supporting white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, moose (limited permit), and diverse small game. Vermont's hunting license system operates on a calendar year basis. A resident hunting license costs $28, while non-residents pay $102. The state offers an excellent 5-year license option and a permanent license for residents 66+. Vermont is known for its traditional November rifle season and is one of few northeastern states with moose and bear hunting. The Mentored Hunting License ($10) lets new hunters learn alongside experienced mentors. Vermont also offers a unique archery-only non-resident license for deer. Hunter education is required for first-time buyers.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $28.00 | — | Calendar year | |
| NR Hunting License | — | $102.00 | Calendar year | |
| Resident Combination (Hunt + Fish) | $47.00 | — | Calendar year | |
| NR Combination (Hunt + Fish) | — | $143.00 | Calendar year | |
| Resident 5-Year Hunting | $134.00 | — | 5 years | |
| NR 5-Year Hunting | — | $504.00 | 5 years | |
| Resident Archery Deer | $23.00 | — | Season | |
| NR Archery Deer | — | $38.00 | Season | |
| NR Archery Deer Only (no license req) | — | $75.00 | Season | |
| Resident Muzzleloader Deer | $23.00 | — | Season | |
| NR Muzzleloader Deer | — | $40.00 | Season | |
| Resident Turkey | $23.00 | — | Season | |
| NR Turkey | — | $38.00 | Season | |
| Resident Early Bear | $5.00 | — | Season | |
| NR Early Bear | — | $15.00 | Season | |
| Youth Hunting (under 18) | $8.00 | $25.00 | Calendar year | |
| Permanent License (66+) | $60.00 | — | Lifetime | One-time fee for residents 66+ |
| Mentored Hunting License | $10.00 | $10.00 | Calendar year | Any residency |
| NR Small Game | — | $50.00 | Calendar year | |
| VT Waterfowl Stamp | $7.50 | $7.50 | Calendar year |
Prices from Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. Last verified: 2026-03-13. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for first-time buyers. Mentored Hunting License ($10) allows learning alongside experienced hunters.
How to Buy a Vermont Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department or an authorized retail agent (Walmart, sporting goods stores).
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Vermont.
Need help? Call Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department at 802-828-1000
Vermont Hunting Seasons (2025-2026)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | October 1 | November 14 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Rifle | November 15 | November 30 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | December 6 | December 14 | |
| Black Bear | Early Season | September 1 | November 14 | |
| Black Bear | Rifle Season | November 15 | November 30 | |
| Moose | Lottery Draw | October 1 | October 19 | Limited lottery permits |
| Turkey | Spring | May 1 | May 31 | |
| Turkey | Fall | October 1 | November 7 | |
| Duck | General | October 4 | December 20 |
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Permanent ($60) | Residents 66+ — one-time $60 permanent license |
| Youth | Reduced ($8) | Youth hunting license for under 18 |
| Disabled Veteran | Free | Permanently disabled Vermont veterans |
| Active Military | Resident rates | Active duty military stationed in Vermont |
Vermont Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Vermont official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange/pink clothing may be required during firearms seasons. Check Vermont specific requirements.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
Recommended Gear for Vermont Hunting
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Vermont Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Vermont?
A resident hunting license in Vermont starts at $28.00. Non-resident licenses start at $102.00. Additional tags and endorsements may be required depending on the species you plan to hunt.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Vermont?
Yes, Vermont requires hunter education for first-time buyers. Required for first-time buyers. Mentored Hunting License ($10) allows learning alongside experienced hunters. The state accepts hunter education certificates from other states.
Can non-residents hunt in Vermont?
Yes, non-residents can purchase a Vermont hunting license. The non-resident general hunting license costs $102.00. Some special tags or units may have limited non-resident allocations.
What is the deer season in Vermont?
Archery: October 1 – November 14. Rifle: November 15 – November 30. Muzzleloader: December 6 – December 14
Are there free hunting licenses in Vermont?
Yes, Vermont offers free or reduced-cost licenses for: disabled-veteran (Permanently disabled Vermont veterans).
Can I buy a Vermont hunting license online?
Yes, you can purchase a Vermont hunting license online through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website at https://vtfishandwildlife.com/licenses-and-lotteries. Licenses may also be available at authorized retail locations.