Vermont

Vermont Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Vermont hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31) season.

Last updated: March 2026

Resident License $28 General hunting

Non-Resident License $102 General hunting

Hunter Education Required Born after 1958-01-01

Online Purchase Yes Calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31)

LICENSE FEES

Vermont Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31).

Resident Licenses

Resident Hunting $28 —

Resident Combination (Hunt + Fish) $50 —

Resident 5-Year Hunting $134 —

Resident Youth (Under 18) $8 —

Non-Resident Licenses

Non-Resident Hunting — $102

Non-Resident Combination (Hunt + Fish) — $127

Non-Resident 5-Year Hunting — $504

Non-Resident Youth (Under 18) — $25

Non-Resident Archery Deer Only — $75

Tags & Permits

Archery Deer $23 $38

Muzzleloader Deer $23 $40

Antlerless Deer (Lottery) $10 $25

Early Season Bear Permit $5 $15

Turkey $23 $38

Moose Permit $100 $350

Endorsements & Stamps

Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl hunters 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30

HIP Certification Free Free, required for migratory birds

PURCHASE

How to Buy a Vermont Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit vtfishandwildlife.com. Create account or sign in. Select hunting license. Add archery/muzzleloader/turkey tags. Pay with credit/debit card. Print your license

Buy In Person

Local sporting goods stores, Town clerk offices, VT Fish & Wildlife offices

Buy By Phone

Call 802-828-1000. Service fee may apply

Shop for hunting gear at our partners:

Bass Pro Shops → Cabela's → Amazon → Academy Sports →

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Vermont hunting license is online through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Vermont

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after January 1, 1958

Online course: Available — Cost: Free

Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required

Minimum age: 12 years old

Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education

Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt

Start Your Hunter Education Course

EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Vermont?

Youth (Under 18) $8 res / $25 NR Youth hunting license

Senior (65+) Reduced Reduced license fees for VT residents 65+

Disabled Veteran Free 100% disabled veterans receive free licenses

Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in VT hunt at resident rates

SEASONS

Vermont Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

White-tailed Deer Archery Oct 4 – Oct 31 Bow and crossbow

White-tailed Deer Rifle Nov 8 – Nov 23 Rifle, shotgun

White-tailed Deer Muzzleloader Dec 6 – Dec 14 Muzzleloader

Moose Lottery Oct 1 – Oct 19 Rifle, bow, muzzleloader

Turkey (Spring) Spring May 1 – May 31 Shotgun, bow

Turkey (Fall) Fall Oct 4 – Oct 19 Shotgun, bow

Black Bear General Sep 1 – Nov 23 Rifle, bow, muzzleloader

BAG LIMITS

Vermont Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

White-tailed Deer 1 1 antlered + 1 antlerless (archery) One buck per year; additional antlerless possible with archery tag

Moose 1 1 Lottery permit only; ~100 permits issued

Turkey (Spring) 1 2 Bearded turkeys only

Turkey (Fall) 1 1 Either sex

Black Bear 1 1 One per year; long season Sep-Nov

COMPARE

How Vermont Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

Vermont $28 $102

New Hampshire $32 $113 Massachusetts $40 $112 New York $22 $100

Compare All 50 States

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Vermont?

Resident hunting costs $28. Non-residents pay $102. 5-year resident licenses are $134. Youth licenses are $8 resident / $25 non-resident. A combination hunt/fish license is $50 resident / $127 non-resident.

Can I hunt moose in Vermont?

Yes, Vermont has a limited moose season in the Northeast Kingdom area (WMU E). Permits are awarded by lottery — $100 resident, $350 non-resident. About 180 permits are issued annually (80 either-sex + 100 antlerless). Apply by mid-June.

How much is a deer tag in Vermont?

Your hunting license covers rifle deer season. Archery tags are $23 res/$38 NR, muzzleloader $23/$40. Starting in 2026, hunters may hold two antlerless permits via lottery.

What changed for Vermont deer hunting in 2026?

Starting in 2026, the rifle season allows antlerless deer harvest (previously bucks only). Hunters may also hold two antlerless permits — one via lottery and a potentially second if permits remain available for a different WMU.

Can non-residents get archery-only access?

Yes, Vermont offers a unique Non-Resident Archery Deer Only license for $75. This doesn't require a base hunting license — ideal for non-residents who only want to bowhunt deer in Vermont.

How much is a bear permit in Vermont?

The early season bear permit costs just $5 for residents and $15 for non-residents. The early season runs Sep 1 through the day before rifle deer season. One bear per year bag limit.

Can I buy a Vermont hunting license online?

Yes, at vtfishandwildlife.com. Licenses are calendar year (Jan 1–Dec 31). Also available from authorized agents and town clerk offices statewide.

Is hunter education required in Vermont?

Yes, all hunters born on or after January 1, 1958 must complete a hunter education course. Vermont offers free courses with online study and a required field day. Apprentice hunting program is available for first-time hunters.