NEWPORT — Hunters are gearing up for the start of the traditionally popular 16-day rifle deer season that begins Saturday, November 11 and ends Sunday, November 26.
A hunter may take one buck during this season with at least one antler having two or more points one inch or longer.
A point must be one inch or longer from base to tip. The main beam counts as a point, regardless of length. Spike-antlered deer, mostly yearlings, are protected during this season.
“Vermont’s pre-hunt deer population is estimated at approximately 157,000 this year with the greatest numbers of deer found in the southwest, east-central, and northwestern regions of the state,” said Deer Project Leader Nick Fortin.
Vermont’s regular hunting licenses, including a November rifle season buck tag and a late season bear tag, costs $26 for residents and $100 for nonresidents. Hunters under 18 years of age get a break at $8 for residents and $25 for nonresidents.
Licenses are available on Fish & Wildlife’s website and from license agents statewide.
Fish & Wildlife urges hunters to wear a fluorescent orange hat and vest to help maintain Vermont’s very good hunting season safety record.
Biologists are collecting middle incisor teeth from November season deer in order to evaluate regional differences in ages and antler characteristics of bucks as well as to help estimate population size, growth rate, health, and mortality rates.
Each tooth will be cross-sectioned to accurately determine the deer’s age, and the results will be posted on the Fish & Wildlife website next spring.
