Where in Southern Vermont?? That is a huge bear for VT, most in Southern VT tend to go around 200-250. Yes, you can shoot a bear anytime in defense of your property, but don't hang out a bird feeder then shoot one claiming defense (some wingnut already tried that). Most of the bears around my neighborhood will scoot at the first sign of humans, they mostly come out at night. I would bet that some one has been feeding that bear, once they equate humans with food, they will usually have to be killed. By the way, a 30-06 with 180 grain bullet is more that sufficient to get the job done.