Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
VT
Deer Hunting in Vermont: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in Vermont starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $23 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $38 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Oct 4 – Oct 31 Archery
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Vermont Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Vermont deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
Archery; also check Rifle.
For Vermont deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Regular rifle deer is covered by the hunting license; archery deer is $23 resident / $38 non-resident, muzzleloader deer is $23 / $40, and antlerless permits are controlled by current WMU rules.. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. Vermont does not list a current CWD detection here, but carcass import rules can still affect travel.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Vermont
Vermont deer access is split between the base hunting license and season-specific deer licenses. The base hunting license covers regular rifle deer season, while archery and muzzleloader deer require separate licenses, and antlerless permits depend on current WMU allocations and the 2026 rule changes. Vermont has not detected CWD in wild deer, but Fish and Wildlife still uses carcass-import limits and a natural deer-urine lure ban to reduce disease risk. Antler rules are WMU-specific, so hunters should verify the current lawbook before assuming a single statewide point rule.
Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS
Vermont Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Vermont offers 3 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Vermont Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$23
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$38
Over-the-counter tag available
Regular rifle deer is covered by the hunting license; archery deer is $23 resident / $38 non-resident, muzzleloader deer is $23 / $40, and antlerless permits are controlled by current WMU rules.
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Vermont deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Vermont license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Vermont
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Not Detected
CWD Testing / Transport
No in-state detection listed
Vermont restricts import of whole carcasses and high-risk cervid parts from CWD-affected areas and bans natural deer urine lures; confirm current Fish and Wildlife guidance before travel.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: 1 antlered + 1 antlerless (archery)
One buck per year; additional antlerless possible with archery tag
Allowed Weapons
Bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Vermont — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Vermont?
No statewide mandatory CWD testing rule is listed for routine Vermont deer hunters. Vermont has not detected CWD in wild deer, and the state relies on import restrictions, surveillance, and a natural deer-urine lure ban to reduce risk.
What are the antler point restrictions (APRs) in Vermont?
It depends entirely on your WMU. Many units (like WMU D1) require at least one antler with two or more points, while others simply require a basic 3-inch antler.
Do I need a draw to hunt deer in Vermont?
Regular rifle, archery, and muzzleloader deer access is not a general deer draw, but antlerless permits are controlled by WMU allocation and current-year rules. Check the current Fish and Wildlife lawbook before assuming a permit is available.
What deer species can I hunt in Vermont?
Vermont is home to White-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Vermont?
Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Vermont. The full non-resident hunting license covers regular rifle deer, while non-resident archery deer is $38 with a hunting license or $75 as an archery-only deer license, and non-resident muzzleloader deer is $40.