With youth deer weekend just around the corner, young hunters are encouraged to take to the field to hone their skills, and help Fish & Wildlife biologists by reporting their deer at a state biological reporting station.
Youth aged 15 and under may hunt if they have successfully completed a hunter education course, have a hunting license and a free youth deer hunting tag. The requirements apply to all young hunters, including the children of landowners.
Youth hunters must be accompanied by an unarmed adult who holds a VT hunting license; both youth and adult licenses which can be purchased online.
The adult accompanying a young hunter must be over 18 years of age, and may accompany up to two young hunters. The law requires the adult to have direct control and supervision of the young hunters, including the ability to see and communicate without the aid of artificial devices such as radios or binoculars.
“We encourage hunters to bring their deer to one of these biological reporting stations so they can directly contribute to deer management in Vermont,” said deer project leader Nick Fortin.
“Examining deer during the youth deer hunting weekend is our best opportunity to assess the deer herd because youth hunters are allowed to harvest any deer, including spike bucks. Biologists will be able to collect data on age, weight and antler development to help guide future deer management decisions.”
The Fish & Wildlife Department will have personnel at the 24 biological reporting stations between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. (unless the store closes earlier) for youth weekend, Nov. 3 and 4.
Along with having their deer examined and aged by a biologist, successful youth hunters visiting a biological reporting station will receive a 2018 Vermont Hunter Cooperator Patch. To locate a station, click here.
Landowner permission is required to hunt on private land during the youth deer hunt weekend, and youth are encouraged to secure permission well in advance.
The youth hunter may take one deer of either sex on youth deer weekend, and the antler restriction that applies in other deer seasons does not apply during youth deer weekend.
Violation of the youth deer hunting law can result in a doubled fine that is assessed against the adult who accompanies the youth.