Vermont Hunting Laws

What makes land legally posted in Vermont?

Unposted private land in Vermont is legally open to hunting. Landowners who want to prohibit hunting, or allow it by permission only, must put up signs of the Commissioner's standard size and design at each corner and no more than 400 feet apart along the boundaries. Signs must stay legible, be dated each year, and the posting must be recorded annually with the town clerk ($5 fee). 'Permission only' signs must show the owner's name and how to contact them.

The Vermont Constitution (Ch. II, § 67) gives the public the liberty to hunt on lands that are not enclosed, and properly posted land counts as enclosed.

Source: 10 V.S.A. § 5201 · official source

Does Vermont have a purple paint law?

No. Vermont does not recognize paint marks as posting. Land must be posted with signs that meet Commissioner standards and are registered annually with the town clerk.

Source: 10 V.S.A. § 5201 · official source

Do you need written permission to hunt private land in Vermont?

Permission is not needed to hunt unposted private land. On land properly posted against hunting or posted 'by permission only,' you need the owner's written consent. Landowner permission is also required during the youth and novice deer and turkey weekends.

You also need landowner permission to put up or use a tree stand or ground blind on private land.

Source: 10 V.S.A. § 5204 · official source

What is the penalty for hunting trespass in Vermont?

Taking game, or carrying a gun, bow or trap, on land properly posted under § 5201 without the owner's written consent carries a $25-$100 fine, and the landowner can sue for actual damages. General criminal trespass after notice by signs or direct communication is punishable by up to 3 months in jail and/or a $500 fine. Fish and wildlife convictions add points under the Uniform Point System; 10 points in 5 years brings a 1-year license suspension.

Source: 10 V.S.A. §§ 5204, 4502; 13 V.S.A. § 3705 · official source

How close to a house can you hunt in Vermont?

Vermont has no automatic setback from houses. Instead, an owner or occupant may post official 'Safety Zone, Shooting Prohibited' signs (at least 12 x 18 inches, furnished by the Department) within 500 feet of an occupied dwelling, camp, barn or related building, at each corner and no more than 200 feet apart. Inside a posted safety zone, no one may discharge a firearm or take a wild animal without the owner's or occupant's advance permission.

Violations carry a $50 fine.

Source: 10 V.S.A. § 4710 · official source

Can you hunt from or near a road in Vermont?

You may not shoot at wildlife with a firearm, muzzleloader, bow or crossbow while on the traveled portion of any public highway, or within 25 feet of a Class 1, 2 or 3 highway. Shooting over or across the traveled portion of a public highway is prohibited. Long guns may not be carried loaded in a vehicle within a highway right-of-way, and crossbows must be uncocked.

Fine up to $1,000.

Source: 10 V.S.A. § 4705 · official source

What are legal shooting hours in Vermont?

Game may not be taken between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise unless a statute or Board rule says otherwise. Deer hunting hours run from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

Turkey seasons have shorter hours; see the current guide.

Source: 10 V.S.A. § 4701(b) · official source

What are the blaze orange requirements in Vermont?

Hunter orange is not required by law in Vermont, though the Department strongly recommends at least an orange hat and vest.

Source: official source

Is night hunting legal in Vermont?

Game may not be taken from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. It is illegal to shine a spotlight or other artificial light on any highway, field or woods to spot, locate or take any wild animal. The only exception is raccoon hunting with a dog, after the raccoon is treed.

Source: 10 V.S.A. §§ 4701(b), 4702 · official source

Do you need a hunting license to hunt your own land in Vermont?

Yes. A resident landowner, spouse and minor children may hunt their own land without a license during open seasons. Nonresident landowners and families get the same privilege only if their land is not posted. The exemption does not cover seasons requiring a special tag (such as moose, antlerless muzzleloader and waterfowl) or anyone whose license rights are suspended.

Source: 10 V.S.A. § 4253 · official source

Who needs hunter education in Vermont?

There is no birth-date cutoff. Every first-time license buyer must show a hunter education certificate, from Vermont or any other state or province, or proof of a prior hunting license. Archery hunters need a bowhunter education certificate or a prior archery license. Newcomers can instead buy a mentored hunting license, but must hunt within 15 feet and under the direct control of a licensed adult 21 or older.

Applicants 15 or younger need a parent or guardian's signature.

Source: 10 V.S.A. § 4254 · official source

Is Sunday hunting legal in Vermont?

Sunday hunting is allowed. Vermont has no Sunday restriction.

Source: official source

Is it legal to bait deer in Vermont?

Hunting or taking deer, bear, turkey or waterfowl with bait is illegal, and feeding deer or bear is illegal at any time. Scents and lures are allowed if they are not meant to be eaten or licked, but deer lures with natural cervid urine or other bodily fluids are banned. Standing food plots, normal agriculture and naturally fallen food are not bait.

Selling commercial feed labeled as bait or feed for white-tailed deer is also illegal (6 V.S.A. § 324(d)).

Source: Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board rules · official source

Can you use a crossbow during archery season in Vermont?

Yes. Anyone may use a crossbow during any season that allows bow and arrow, including archery deer season, except for migratory waterfowl. Crossbow hunters must have an archery license or bowhunter education, and broadheads must be at least 7/8 inch wide.

A crossbow may not be transported cocked in any motor vehicle.

Source: 10 V.S.A. § 4701; Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board rules · official source

Can you use a drone to scout or recover game in Vermont?

You may not take or attempt to take wild animals with a drone. You also may not use any aircraft or drone to locate or surveil wildlife for hunting, to tell hunters on the ground where an animal is, or to drive or harass wildlife.

Source: Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board rules · official source

Is a landowner liable if someone gets hurt hunting on their land in Vermont?

Yes. A landowner is not liable for injury or property damage to someone who enters without paying for recreation, which expressly includes hunting, fishing and trapping. The exception is willful or wanton misconduct. Allowing free recreational use creates no duty to inspect the land and no presumption of permission to enter.

Source: 12 V.S.A. §§ 5792-5794 · official source