Chasing the Ghost: A Guide to Deer Hunting in Vermont's Green Mountains

Vermont. The name conjures images of vibrant fall foliage, maple syrup, and a rustic, independent spirit. For a deer hunter, it evokes something else entirely: a land of rugged, challenging terrain, thick forests, and a tradition of tracking and outsmarting some of the most elusive whitetails in the country. This isn't a state for the faint of heart; it's a place where hunters earn their buck through skill, patience, and a deep understanding of the land. This is the ultimate guide to deer hunting in Vermont, packed with insider details designed to make your hunt a success and a viral sensation.

Vermont's Deer: A Legacy of Resilience

The only species of deer found in Vermont is the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Vermont's deer population is a story of incredible resilience, having survived over a century of tough winters, limited food sources, and the reintroduction of predators. Unlike deer in more suburban areas, Vermont's deer are true survivors, and they've developed a keen sense of how to navigate the state's challenging landscape.

Conservation and Population Trends

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD) is responsible for managing the state's deer herd, and their approach is focused on sustainable management. The deer population is constantly in flux, primarily influenced by the severity of the winters. A harsh winter can cause a significant decline in the deer population, while a series of mild winters can lead to a boom. In recent years, due to a series of mild winters, the deer population has been stable or slightly increasing, especially in the southern part of the state. The VFWD uses a variety of methods to manage the herd, including a strict buck-only rule during the regular rifle season and a limited number of antlerless permits. This has led to a deer herd with a healthy age structure and the potential for a larger number of mature bucks. The VFWD's data shows that hunters have been harvesting an increasing percentage of mature deer, which is a sign of a healthy population.

The Hunt: Seasons, Tags, and Strategy

How to Apply for Tags and Deadlines

In Vermont, getting your deer tag is relatively straightforward. There is no lottery system for most tags. Purchasing Licenses: You can purchase a basic hunting license online through the VFWD's official website or from authorized license agents. Tags: Your basic hunting license includes a tag for one legal buck during the November rifle season. If you want to hunt antlerless deer, you'll need to purchase an additional antlerless permit. These permits are allocated to specific Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) and are limited in number. Deadlines: While there isn't a strict application deadline for a lottery, it's essential to check the VFWD's Hunting and Trapping Guide for season dates and to purchase your tags before you head into the field.

Hunting Seasons

Vermont's deer season is a beloved tradition that spans several months and different hunting methods. Archery Season: A long season, typically from early October to mid-December. This is an excellent opportunity for hunters to get out in the woods before the main rifle season. Youth Deer Weekend: A special weekend in October that allows young hunters to hunt a deer of either sex under the supervision of a licensed adult. November Rifle Season: The state's most popular season, running for 16 days in November. This season is steeped in tradition, and many hunters return to the same family camps year after year. Muzzleloader Season: A short, two-day season in December that allows hunters with a muzzleloader license and a permit to hunt a deer of either sex in designated WMUs.

Where to Find the Deer

Public Lands: Vermont has an abundance of public land, including state forests and the Green Mountain National Forest. These lands are open to hunting and offer a true wilderness experience. Private Land: A vast majority of Vermont's land is privately owned. While Vermont law does not require permission to hunt on private land, it is a very strong courtesy to ask. Building a relationship with a landowner is the best way to secure a place to hunt. Top Locations: The biggest bucks are often found at higher elevations in the Green Mountain Range and in the remote, big woods of the northern part of the state. These areas are harder to hunt, but they hold a greater chance of a true trophy.

The Legend of the "Norton Buck"

In the remote Northeast Kingdom, around the town of Norton, hunters whisper of a legendary buck that has been seen for years but never taken. They call him the "Norton Buck," a colossal non-typical whitetail with a massive, gnarly rack that looks more like a collection of roots than bone. The story goes that he is a master of the cedar swamps, only moving in the deepest snow, and that he can sense a hunter's presence from a mile away. He's an elusive phantom, and the hunt for him has become a rite of passage for many of the region's most skilled trackers.

Gear, Scent Control, and Attracting Deer

Essential Hunting Gear

• Layered Clothing: Vermont's weather is notoriously unpredictable. Dress in layers, starting with a moisture-wicking base layer and adding a fleece and waterproof outer layer. • Quality Boots: You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing. Waterproof, insulated boots with good traction are a must. • Blaze Orange: During the rifle season, hunters are required to wear blaze orange. It's a key safety component and should be worn on both your upper body and a hat.

Best Camouflage Pattern

Vermont's forests are a mix of hardwood and conifer trees. A camouflage pattern with a mix of browns, grays, and whites is ideal for the late fall and early winter hunting seasons. A pattern with a "stick-and-limb" or "leafy" design will help you blend in with the dense undergrowth and bare trees.

Attracting Deer (Legally)

Vermont has some of the strictest baiting laws in the country. Baiting: It is illegal to place any grain, apples, salt, or other food to attract deer. Scents and Lures: The use of synthetic deer urine and lures is legal, but it is illegal to use or possess any substance or material that contains or purports to contain any excretion collected from a cervid (deer), including urine, feces, blood, or gland oil. This is a measure to prevent the spread of CWD. Calls: Grunt tubes, rattling antlers, and other calls are legal and can be effective, especially during the rut.

Field to Freezer: Cleaning, Butchering, and Storing

How to Clean a Deer in the Field

Field Dressing: Due to the cold weather, you don't have to rush to get the deer cooled down. But it's still best to field dress the animal immediately to prevent spoilage and get it to a proper cooling location.

How to Butcher a Deer at Home

• Aging: Aging your deer is a great way to improve the tenderness and flavor of the meat. You can hang the deer in a cool, dry place for 3-7 days. • Quartering and Deboning: Remove the front and hind quarters, backstraps, and tenderloins. Then, systematically debone the meat and separate it into different cuts. • Grinding: Use a meat grinder for tougher cuts and trim to create ground venison for burgers or sausage.

How to Freeze the Meat

• Vacuum Sealing: The best way to prevent freezer burn and keep your venison fresh for up to a year or more. • Freezer Paper: If a vacuum sealer isn't an option, wrap the meat tightly in plastic wrap, then in heavy-duty freezer paper, and secure it with freezer tape.

The Cook: Unique Vermont Venison Recipes

Vermont's cuisine is built on a foundation of local ingredients, from maple syrup to cheddar cheese. These recipes incorporate those local flavors into a delicious venison dish.

Venison & Maple Sausage

Maple syrup isn't just for pancakes. It's a fantastic flavor for venison sausage. Ingredients: 2 lbs ground venison, 1 lb ground pork, 1/4 cup real Vermont maple syrup, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp sage. Instructions: Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Form into patties or stuff into casings. Grill, pan-fry, or smoke until cooked through.

Venison Chili with Vermont Cheddar

A hearty chili is a staple of a cold Vermont day. This recipe adds a local twist with some sharp cheddar cheese. Ingredients: 2 lbs ground venison, 1 large onion, 2 cans of diced tomatoes, 1 can of kidney beans, 1 can of black beans, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 lb sharp Vermont cheddar cheese. Instructions: Brown the venison and onion. Add the spices and cook for a minute. Add the tomatoes and beans and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Top with shredded Vermont cheddar cheese and serve with cornbread.

Rules for Ethical Hunting

Ethical hunting is a core value for Vermont's hunting community. Fair Chase: Hunters must respect the animal and the environment. It is illegal to hunt from a motor vehicle or use any means to unfairly advantage the hunter. Respectful Harvest: Hunters are required to make every reasonable effort to retrieve and properly care for any animal they wound. The meat of a harvested animal should never be wasted. Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and spent shells. Leave the land cleaner than you found it. Landowner Permission: While not required by law, it is a sign of respect and a crucial part of hunting in Vermont to ask for and carry written permission when hunting on private property.

Finding Land and Hunting Clubs

Hunting Clubs: There are numerous hunting clubs in Vermont, many of which are a part of a long-standing tradition. Joining a club is a great way to gain access to private land. Public Lands: The VFWD provides maps and resources for public hunting lands, including WMAs and state forests. Paid Access: While less common than in other states, some landowners offer paid access or trespass fees.

Useful Apps and Resources

• Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD): Your primary resource for all hunting regulations, season dates, and license information. Their website is a goldmine of information, and their hunting guide is a must-read. • onX Hunt: This app is a game-changer for navigating public and private land. It shows property boundaries and public land access, making it invaluable for hunting in Vermont.

Vermont State Records

Vermont's state records are maintained by the VFWD. Typical Whitetail Deer (Gun): The current record is a buck taken in Washington County in 2008 by Randy Williams, with a score of 172. The story of this buck's harvest is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Vermont's hunters. Non-Typical Whitetail Deer (Gun): The state record for a non-typical whitetail was taken in the Northeast Kingdom in 1938. Known as the "Milk House Buck," this buck was not officially scored until decades after its harvest, making it a true testament to the timeless appeal of a big Vermont buck. Disclaimer: All hunting seasons, regulations, and license fees are subject to change. Always consult the official Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website for the most current and accurate information before you head into the field.

Hunting Gear & Supplies Store

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Cottages and Vacation Home Rentals

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About The Author

Mike Mendenhall is the the founder of Lunker Hunter. This website is an extension of the Mendenhall family’s lifestyle and passion for the great outdoors. Everything that they learn, and experience, along the way that they find may be valuable to our website visitors is on the site for you to enjoy. We highlight products and services that you might find interesting. We frequently receive free products from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. If you click a link on this page, then go on to make a purchase, we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you, and does not impact the purchase price of any products that you may purchase.