Vermont's Deer Hunting Season: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

As the leaves change and the air gets crisp, Vermont's regular deer hunting season is on the horizon. From Saturday, Nov. 11 to Sunday, Nov. 26, a span of 16 days, the woods will be filled with around 70,000 hunters eager to partake in this annual tradition. Nick Fortin, the deer and moose project leader for Vermont Fish & Wildlife, notes that even non-hunters will likely see the influx of outdoor enthusiasts. For those who enjoy the great outdoors but do not participate in hunting, it's recommended to wear blaze orange during this time for visibility. While Fortin reassures us that no non-hunter has ever been mistakenly shot by a hunter in Vermont, there have been a few incidents of hunters accidentally injuring themselves or their partners, typically during the unloading process. Therefore, safety measures like wearing visible colors and handling firearms responsibly are crucial. The upcoming deer hunting season allows each hunter to bag one legal buck, provided they have not already done so during the archery deer season which runs from Oct. 1 to Friday, Nov. 10. For those who prefer a different style of hunting, there's an additional archery deer season from Nov. 27-Dec. 15 and a deer muzzleloader season from Dec. 2-10. While the regular rifle hunting season limits hunters to one buck, those who participate in other seasons can take up to four deer total. Each deer, however, requires a separate license. All relevant regulations can be found on the Fish & Wildlife website. As Fortin notes, the more dedicated hunters often participate in bow and muzzleloader seasons, while casual or weekend hunters tend to engage in the upcoming regular season. Ideal hunting conditions include cold weather and snow as brown deer contrast sharply against a white background and leave easily traceable tracks in the snow. The state of Vermont boasts an estimated deer population of 140,000, with a significant concentration in the Champlain Valley. This area, however, is predominantly private land, making it a bit more challenging for hunters to find a spot. Nevertheless, hunters are encouraged to seek permission from landowners to hunt on their land and help keep the deer population in check. If you're on the hunt for larger deer, Fortin suggests heading to the more remote corners of the state, such as the Green Mountains and the Northeast Kingdom. These areas might not be as densely populated with deer due to harsher living conditions, but the deer that do inhabit these regions tend to grow larger and older due to less human interaction. One of the challenges in managing Vermont's deer population is encouraging hunters to consider shooting antlerless deer. Despite being legal, many hunters avoid shooting does and fawns out of respect for their role in reproduction. However, Fortin emphasizes that in an overpopulated environment, taking antlerless deer can be beneficial for the overall health of the deer population. As you prepare your gear for the hunting season, whether it's your reliable ar15 in stock or your newly purchased franklin armory binary trigger, remember to include safety equipment like solvent traps and keep a stock of solvent trap parts for maintenance. For those looking to upgrade their equipment, consider an ar 15 complete upper build kit. Regardless of your choice of gear, remember that hunting is not just about the trophies but also about respecting nature and contributing to the balance of our ecosystem. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a casual outdoorsman, Vermont's regular deer hunting season is a time-honored tradition that brings together people who share a love for nature and outdoor survival. So, let's gear up and get ready for another exciting season!