Bow Hunting in Vermont

photo courtesy of a Quebec hunter

The Bow Hunting Boom
Bow hunting is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Bow-hunting is growing and here in Vermont we are seeing a dramatic rise in both the number of bow-hunters and in the number of deer taken by bow. The number of Vermont bow-hunters has risen from 15,282 (resident bow-hunting licenses sold) to more than 26,000.The origins of hunting with a bow goes back hundreds of years, but the equipment has been greatly refined. The new, high-tech archery equipment and arrow points (known as broad-heads) has taken the sport to new heights. Today's modern bows and broad-heads make for the most accurate and powerful bow-hunting ever.
Bow-hunters enjoy the challenge of the hunt and must get much closer to their prey than traditional firearm hunters. It's this primal hunting skill that attracts most bow-hunters to the sport.
Vermont Deer Herd Growing
The Vermont deer herd suffered from the harsh winter of recent years, but the Vermont Dept. of Fish and Game claims the deer herd is healthy. An estimated 5,000 deer will be taken by archers in Vermont during a typical year. The Vermont deer herd is estimated to be around 150,000 animals.
Any hunter with a Vermont hunting license may take deer by bow and arrow, and all that's required is an additional bow and arrow license. Vermont landowners may hunt with a bow on his/her own land.
Vermont State Hunting Regulations
The State of Vermont has regulations regarding bowhunting. For more information call the Vermont Fish and Wildlife department at 802-241-3700 or consult the current Vermont Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Laws.
Here are some safety tips for hunting season
Tell us about your bow-hunting adventures in Vermont! Send your comments, ideas and questions to:
Bow Hunting in Vermont