Vermont shotgun season?

[jmele13]

I have been trying to get a definitive answer on this for a while but can't find it on the Vermont state website. Is there a shotgun season for deer and bear in VT? If so what are the dates and is there any stipulation regarding smooth bore or rifled barrels? I have a Mossberg 535 deer/turkey combo and want to plan a trip up to VT this winter. Thanks In advance for any replies.

[Champlain Islander]

There is no shotgun season here in Vt. All big game is hunted with any weapon you want to use from bow to ML, shotgun or rifle. There are a few restrictions eliminating rifles in a few towns like Montpelier city limits but for the most part any hunting in the country areas are rifle for deer or bear. Turkey has to be hunted with a shotgun with nothing larger than #2 shot. The ML season is strictly ML and scopes and sabots are allowed. Bow season is bows only and you aren't allowed to carry a side piece. Hope this helps. I think to deer hunt I would try other states but if you haven't been hunting in VT then it is probably ok just for the experience. Bear and turkey hunting is good.

[vtbuckrulrss]

Originally Posted by Champlain Islander

There is no shotgun season here in Vt. All big game is hunted with any weapon you want to use from bow to ML, shotgun or rifle. There are a few restrictions eliminating rifles in a few towns like Montpelier city limits but for the most part any hunting in the country areas are rifle for deer or bear. Turkey has to be hunted with a shotgun with nothing larger than #2 shot. The ML season is strictly ML and scopes and sabots are allowed. Bow season is bows only and you aren't allowed to carry a side piece. Hope this helps. I think to deer hunt I would try other states but if you haven't been hunting in VT then it is probably ok just for the experience. Bear and turkey hunting is good.

You forgot the archery hunt for turkeys in the fall and you can also use a bow in the spring.