VT has 880 tags available in 2004. I think 10% are for non-residents. Even residents have a hard time drawing as there are ususally over 8,000 applications. 2003 there were only 440 tags. Moose are begining to become a problem with moose/auto encounters so F&W decided to increase the tags. The largest population and the largest amount of tags is in the north east part of the state, better known as the North East Kingdom.

Some tags are for either sex, while others are for "antlerless" which means any cow, calf, or a male with antlers of 6" or less. Moose meat is very good. It's right up there with elk and caribou. If you draw a tag, it's free. All you need to purchase is a Non-Res hunting license which I think is around $85. F&W is also going to have 5 tags available for an auction. Not sure if this will start in 2004 or 2005. This is to raise money for F&W. They expect each tag to go for about $5,000 each.

We do have some great racks here in VT. Every year there are moose taken with spreads in the lower to mid 60" range. Body size between 800lbs and 1,000lbs are common for a mature bull. Mature cows range from 500lbs to 700lbs. Seems like it's harder to draw a tag than kill a moose here.

I think apps need to be in pretty soon. If you are going to apply, better get to it. The apps are available on the F&W website. Good luck on the draw.

Oh, your $85 hunting license includes a buck tag for rifle season and a bear tag. Deer Rifle season usually starts the second Sat in Nov and ends the Sun after Thanksgiving (16 consecutive days). Bear season starts Sept 1st and ends the first Wed of the deer rifle season. Moose season is now 6 days (up from 4 days) and is around the 3rd week in Oct this year. Look and the F&W website for exact dates.

. . . Rob