The final report for Vermont’s 2022 deer seasons shows hunters harvested a total of 17,461 deer. The total harvest was 2% more than the previous 3-year average of 17,133, while the buck harvest of 9,619 was 1% more than the previous 3-year average of 9,482 bucks.
The total harvest was 10% more than the 15,858 deer harvested in 2021, while the total buck harvest was 5% more than the 2021 buck harvest of 9,133. Hunting conditions were variable during the 2022 seasons, but generally favorable for hunters.
Temperatures were seasonable during early October, when most of the archery harvest occurs. Snow covered much of the state for most of the regular season in November. Deer often move more during the day when temperatures are cool, and snow helps hunters locate and see deer.
Additionally, statewide surveys indicated that oak, beech and apple production was fair to poor in most areas in 2022. Mast availability can greatly affect deer behavior, and harvests are often higher in poor mast years when deer move more to find food and are more concentrated near available food sources like fields.
The Fish & Wildlife Department estimated little change in the deer population from 2021 to 2022. Antlerless harvests in recent years have helped stabilize deer numbers in most areas. The primary goal of deer management in the state is to keep the deer herd stable, healthy and in balance with available habitat.
Deer population objectives can be found in the 2020-2030 Big Game Management Plan. Information on the current status and health of the deer population can be found in the department’s annual Antlerless Harvest and Youth Season Recommendation.
Season Results: Adult bucks comprised 55% of the total harvest, with 37% adult does, 4% male fawns, and 4% female fawns. The 16-day regular November season accounted for 42% of the total deer harvest, while 34% were harvested during archery season, 12% during the December muzzleloader season, 6% during the antlerless-only October muzzleloader season, 6% during youth season, and less than 1% during the new novice season.
For the complete report, click here.