Can I hunt w/ handgun or shotgun in Vermont?
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 12

Legally?
The way I'm reading the rules, I can handgun hunt during rifle season and muzzleloader.
Also, there's nothing mentioned about rifle season, or the word shotgun, so I'm assuming I could use a shotgun (w/slugs) during rifle season.
I can't afford a rifle or muzzleloader this year, but I do have a suitable handgun and shotgun.
Anybody familiar with the laws disagree?
Thanks!
TC
The way I'm reading the rules, I can handgun hunt during rifle season and muzzleloader.
Also, there's nothing mentioned about rifle season, or the word shotgun, so I'm assuming I could use a shotgun (w/slugs) during rifle season.
I can't afford a rifle or muzzleloader this year, but I do have a suitable handgun and shotgun.
Anybody familiar with the laws disagree?
Thanks!
TC
#2

In NY State a hunter can not posses a pistol during bow or muzzleloader season .
Also a hunter cannot use a shot gun in place of a muzzleloader .
Bow season is Bows ONLY..
Muzzleloader season is Muzzleloader or Bow .
Rifle is Rifle , shotgun, pistol or bow ..
But must be tagged with our big game tag and be a buck with at least one 3 inch antler ,,,,
Again this is NY ,,,,Many grey areas, but , look up your local laws or ask a game warrden.....
I no laws differ in VT, I here you can buy a pistol with just a hunting license,
In NY you MUST get a pistol permit first ( 6 to 9 month wait ) before you can buy a pistol ,
Also a hunter cannot use a shot gun in place of a muzzleloader .
Bow season is Bows ONLY..
Muzzleloader season is Muzzleloader or Bow .
Rifle is Rifle , shotgun, pistol or bow ..
But must be tagged with our big game tag and be a buck with at least one 3 inch antler ,,,,
Again this is NY ,,,,Many grey areas, but , look up your local laws or ask a game warrden.....
I no laws differ in VT, I here you can buy a pistol with just a hunting license,
In NY you MUST get a pistol permit first ( 6 to 9 month wait ) before you can buy a pistol ,

#3
Typical Buck
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location:
Posts: 857

You're all set. You can use rifle/muzzleloader/pistol/bow during the firearms season. The only restriction is the size of the rifle, no rimfire rifles allowed and I think the arrowhead has to be a minimum of 7/8" cutting edge.