Bowhunters may get an extra 10 days to get in the woods this season thanks to a proposal requested by hunters, but a reduction in the bag limit by a deer also is on the table.
Three of the proposed changes would take effect this year. The first part of Vermont’s archery deer season would be lengthened by ten days – seven days prior to the existing season and three days after. Crossbows would be legalized for use whenever a regular bow and arrow could be used. Archery and muzzleloader season limits would be reduced from three to two deer.
A prohibition on the possession and use of deer urine-based lures while deer hunting would be effective in 2016. This is a precaution against the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) into Vermont.
The proposed deer hunting regulation changes can be seen on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website www.vtfishandwildlife.com. Comments also may be submitted on the website.
Anyone who is interested Vermont’s deer and moose herd but is unable to attend this month’s hearings in person may watch the March 23 hearing on Vermont PBS’s live web stream, available at www.vermontpbs.org/outdoorjournal.
Those interested in attending in person should plan to come to one of the following hearings, held from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m:
March 23 Barre – Spaulding High School, 155 Ayers St., Barre, VT 05641
March 23 Bennington – Mt. Anthony Middle School Cafeteria, 747 East Road, Bennington, VT 05201
March 24 Brighton – Brighton Elementary School, 825 Railroad St., Island Pond, VT 05846
March 24 Brattleboro – Brattleboro UHS, 131 Fairground Road, Brattleboro, VT 05478
March 26 St. Albans – St. Albans Town Educational Ctr., 169 South Main St., St. Albans, VT 05478
March 26 Castleton – Kehoe Conservation Camp, 636 Point of Pines Road, Castleton, VT 05735
All six of the hearings will include results of Vermont’s 2014 deer seasons and prospects for deer hunting next fall as well as an opportunity for hunters to provide their observations and opinions about the current status of the deer herd and proposed deer hunting regulation changes.
The three hearings being held in Barre, Brighton and Castleton will include a review of the proposed 2015 moose hunting season, and an opportunity for the public to provide feedback on the number of moose permits recommended for 2015.
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