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Vermont Whitetail Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
Archery Season Expanded Archery Early
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Expanded Archery in designated areas only.
Expanded Archery
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Expanded Archery Zone
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Expanded archery zones established in eight areas around the state, primarily developed areas around major cities and towns where deer cannot effectively be managed with firearms. Within these areas, archery season begins September 15 and is for antlerless deer only until the regular archery season begins October 1.
Archery
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Archery Season Expanded Archery
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Expanded Archery in designated areas only.
Regular Archery
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Licenses needed: Hunting and Archery, or NR Archery only.
October Muzzleloader
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Novice
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Youth hunters
Novice and Youth Deer season on November 7 & 8. Mentored hunting opportunity for new hunters.
Novice Weekend
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Youth hunters
16 Day Regular
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Rifle
16 Day Regular Season.
Regular
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Licenses needed: Hunting. A rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, handgun, bow and arrow, or crossbow may be used.
December Muzzleloader
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December Muzzleloader
Dates vary by unit
Five days added to the December muzzleloader season in 2026. Now begins on the Monday immediately after the regular season and extends for 14 days. Antlerless permits may be used during this season.
Novice Weekend
Dates vary by unit
Youth hunters
Moved back to the original youth weekend timing: the weekend before the regular season. The earlier timing since 2020 had resulted in reduced participation due to conflicts with other fall activities.
Vermont Whitetail Licenses
Resident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Archery-Deer License | OTC | — | $23.00 |
Hunting license required. Archery deer tag is only for use in archery deer season. | |||
| Resident Muzzleloader-Deer License | OTC | — | $23.00 |
Hunting license required. Muzzleloader deer licenses are only valid for use in muzzleloader deer season. | |||
Nonresident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonresident Archery-Deer License | OTC | — | $38.00 |
Hunting license required. Archery deer tag is only for use in archery deer season. | |||
| Nonresident Archery Only-Deer License | OTC | — | $75.00 |
Hunting license NOT needed. Archery deer tag is only for use in archery deer season. | |||
| Nonresident Muzzleloader-Deer License | OTC | — | $40.00 |
Hunting license required. Muzzleloader deer licenses are only valid for use in muzzleloader deer season. | |||
