Deer archery season kicks off in Vermont on Thursday, and state wildlife officials say hunters should be aware of a number of changes in regulations.. One change is … Early Season Bear (Sept. 1 – day before opening day of deer rifle season) $5.00: $15.00? Regulated hunting is a wildlife management tool that effectively controls deer densities. Hunting opportunities abound in Vermont. 9.4 The youth must be accompanied by an unarmed adult who holds a valid Vermont hunting license and who is 18 years of age or older. Mentored Hunting License: $10.00: $10.00? Vermont's deer herd is managed to minimize winter mortality and to improve both herd and forest health. Guide services are available throughout the state. Few states can match the experience of a Vermont hunt, which includes the legendary scenery of the Green Mountain State. "Hunting" in Vermont means deer hunting. In order to hunt under this section, a young person shall also hold a valid hunting license under section 4255 of this title, hold a youth deer hunting tag, and be accompanied by an unarmed adult who holds a valid Vermont hunting license and who is over 18 years of age. Hunting is a very cultural/traditional thing in this state, Vermont hunting acknowledges this and therefore offers many discounts on family hunting. 9.3 To participate in the youth deer hunt, a qualified youth must be 15 years of age or younger and have a valid Vermont hunting license and a youth deer hunting weekend license. Vermont Waterfowl Stamp **** $7.50: $7.50? Muzzleloader Deer (hunting license required) $23.00: $40.00? None of the changes will be effective this year. Permanent Licenses (66 or older) $60.00: N/A? The season is limited, so every Vermonter has the opportunity and chance to hunt and bag a deer. According to Fish & Wildlife Deer Team leader Nick Fortin, Vermont deer hunters had an outstanding year in 2018, with a deer kill of 19,028 that takes in the youth, archery, rifle and muzzleloader seasons. White-tailed deer browsing has profound implications for the structure and function of Vermont’s forested ecosystems, especially when deer densities are high. Vermont was the first state to protects its citizens’ right to hunt. Primarily a rural state with a mix of farmland and forests, it is home to a wide variety of game. White-tailed deer, black bear, moose, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, woodcock, waterfowl, and snowshoe hare hunting are all popular in the fall. The latest deer news and management information; a searchable archive, urban management, video, and population facts to support our deer herds. The buck kill for all four seasons was 10,011, with 7,458 bucks tagged during the firearms season, the most heavily-hunted season of the year. Small Game *** N/A: $50.00? There are more than 800,00 acres of federal and state public land open to hunting as well as ample opportunities on private land as well. Almost all of the state's 65,000 resident hunters hunt deer at some point during the fall and more bucks are taken per square mile in Vermont than in any other New England state. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department says several changes in Vermont's deer hunting regulations will become effective in 2016. The tradition of hunting in Vermont goes back to before the state was founded. But in the immediate future, the state's most effective deer management strategy is likely to be changing the rules of Vermont's fall deer hunting season.