When does whitetail season open in Vermont in 2026?

Vermont's 2026 whitetail archery season opens September 15 and runs through September 30. Always confirm exact dates with the state wildlife agency before hunting.

What big-game species can you hunt in Vermont?

In 2026, Vermont has hunting seasons for whitetail.

How much is a Vermont hunting license for nonresidents?

A hunting license (annual) in Vermont is $102 for nonresidents and $28 for residents.

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Vermont Hunting Seasons & Prices

2026 big-game season dates and license/tag prices.

Vermont offers 2026 hunting seasons for whitetail across archery, muzzleloader, and firearm methods. Seasons run from September 15 through December 15, 2026. A hunting license (annual) costs $28 for residents and $102 for nonresidents.

Planning reference only — always confirm dates and prices with the state wildlife agency before applying, buying a license, or hunting.

Season dates

Whitetail

Season	Method	Opens	Closes	Track
Expanded Archery (designated areas)	Archery	Sep 15, 2026	Sep 30, 2026	🔔
Regular Archery	Archery	Oct 1, 2026	Dec 15, 2026	🔔
October Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Oct 29, 2026	Nov 1, 2026	🔔
Youth & Novice Weekend	Firearm	Nov 7, 2026	Nov 8, 2026	🔔
Regular Rifle (16 days)	Firearm	Nov 14, 2026	Nov 29, 2026	🔔
December Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Nov 30, 2026	Dec 14, 2026	🔔

License & tag prices

License	Resident	Nonresident
Hunting License (annual)	$28	$102
Archery Deer Permit	—	$38
Muzzleloader Permit	—	$40
Nonresident Archery-Deer-Only License	—	$75

The hunting license covers regular deer season; archery and muzzleloader are add-on permits. Nonresidents can buy an archery-deer-only license without the base license.

Source: Vermont Fish & Wildlife 2026 license fees (vtfishandwildlife.com)

Vermont hunt units

Explore harvest history, success rates, and draw odds by unit.

WMU B Black bear WMU C Black bear WMU D1 Black bear WMU D2 Black bear WMU E1 Black bear WMU G Black bear WMU H Black bear WMU I Black bear WMU J1 Black bear WMU M Black bear WMU N Black bear WMU O Black bear

Browse all Vermont harvest data →

Vermont hunting FAQ

When does whitetail season open in Vermont in 2026?: Vermont's 2026 whitetail archery season opens September 15 and runs through September 30. Always confirm exact dates with the state wildlife agency before hunting.
What big-game species can you hunt in Vermont?: In 2026, Vermont has hunting seasons for whitetail.
How much is a Vermont hunting license for nonresidents?: A hunting license (annual) in Vermont is $102 for nonresidents and $28 for residents.