Introduction to Bear Hunting
Bear hunting is a popular and thrilling outdoor activity in Vermont, offering hunters the chance to pursue the elusive black bear in some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Northeast. Managed by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, the state’s bear population is carefully monitored to ensure sustainability and health. To participate in bear hunting, Vermont hunters must obtain a valid hunting license and a special bear tag. For those opting to hunt during the early season, a separate bear tag must be purchased, while the late season tag is included with the hunting license. Additionally, bear hunters using a bow or crossbow are required to complete a bow hunter education course to ensure they are well-prepared for the hunt. With its abundant black bears and prime bear habitat, Vermont stands out as an ideal destination for bear hunters seeking both challenge and adventure.
A Northeastern Tradition
Vermont’s black bear hunting season is a longstanding tradition that continues to provide challenging and rewarding opportunities for hunters in the Northeast. With healthy bear populations and a landscape of mixed hardwood forests and rugged hills, the state offers both accessibility and solitude. Success depends on understanding tag rules, seasonal behaviors, and the best ways to scout and hunt in this diverse terrain. It is also crucial to preserve family groups of bears, particularly those consisting of mothers with cubs, to ensure the cubs' dependency on their mothers and maintain these essential family structures.
Licensing and Tag Requirements
All bear hunters in Vermont must possess a valid hunting license and a separate bear tag. A second bear tag may be purchased, but only one bear may be harvested prior to the regular November deer season. Bear hunters using a bow or crossbow must possess either a prior or current bow license or a certificate proving completion of a bow hunter education course. Hunters must also complete Vermont’s mandatory bear identification training before purchasing a tag. This online course ensures hunters can distinguish black bears from other species and understand regulations clearly.
Pre-Hunting Preparation
Proper preparation is key to a successful bear hunt in Vermont. Start by visiting the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s website to stay updated on the latest bear hunting regulations, season dates, and bag limits. Ensure you have all necessary licenses and permits, including a hunting license and a special bear tag. Familiarize yourself with the area you plan to hunt, focusing on prime bear habitats such as forest openings, oak stands, and fields with standing corn. Understanding the terrain and food sources will significantly increase your chances of encountering a bear. Additionally, be aware of any restrictions, such as whether baiting is allowed or if dogs can be used during the hunt. Thorough preparation not only enhances your chances of a successful hunt but also ensures a safe and enjoyable experience in Vermont’s diverse landscapes.
Season Dates and Legal Methods
Vermont typically offers two black bear seasons: an early season running from September into early November, and a late season that overlaps with rifle deer season in November. The late season bear tag is valid from the start of the November deer season through mid-November. The early season often aligns with the archery deer season, allowing hunters to pursue bears with bows or firearms. Legal methods include rifles, muzzleloaders, shotguns, and archery equipment, but baiting is not allowed. Hound hunting is permitted with proper permits and registration.
Best Areas to Hunt
Black bears are distributed statewide, but higher concentrations are found in the Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom. Public land opportunities abound in the Green Mountain National Forest and state wildlife management areas. Bears often forage along power lines, old fields, and forested areas where food sources like berries, apples, and standing corn are abundant. Bears use remote ridges, oak stands, and berry thickets throughout the fall as they feed heavily in preparation for winter. Southern and central Vermont offer strong opportunities where mixed forest meets agricultural edge.
Food Sources and Scouting Tips
In early fall, bears feed on blackberries, apples, and other soft mast near forest edges and old orchards. As the season progresses, they transition to hard mast—primarily acorns and beechnuts. It is crucial to locate and recognize bear sign, such as tracks, scat, and claw marks, during the scouting phase. Look for sign such as overturned logs, clawed trees, and large piles of scat containing mast fragments. Scouting with trail cameras and glassing clearings at dawn and dusk are effective methods for locating active feeding areas.
Gear and Hunting Tips
A reliable rifle in the .30 caliber range is ideal for the varying terrain and distances in Vermont. For archery hunters, bear-specific broadheads and a strong understanding of shot placement are essential. Use scent control and pay close attention to wind direction, as bears rely heavily on their sense of smell. Quiet still-hunting or sitting near known food sources during the first and last light of the day is often most productive.
Hunters must report their bear harvest to a game warden, who is responsible for overseeing compliance with wildlife regulations.
Post-Hunt Procedures at the Kill Site
After successfully harvesting a bear, it’s crucial to follow specific post-hunt procedures to ensure the meat is properly handled and processed. Begin by field dressing the bear as soon as possible to prevent spoilage and promote cooling. Once the bear is dressed, transport it to a reporting station where you will need to provide details about the harvest, including the location and time of the kill. At the reporting station, you will also be required to submit a premolar tooth from the bear. This tooth is used by biologists to determine the age and health of the bear population, contributing to the ongoing management and conservation efforts. Additionally, be mindful of the new law that prohibits the sale of internal organs and paws of black bears. By adhering to these procedures, you help ensure the long-term sustainability of Vermont’s bear population and contribute to the responsible management of this valuable wildlife resource.
Conclusion
Vermont’s black bear season is a rewarding hunt for those who take the time to understand the landscape and bear behavior. With a clear grasp of tag requirements, good preseason scouting, and patience in the field, hunters can enjoy a rich and respectful pursuit in one of the Northeast’s wildest corners.
FAQs
Do I need a separate tag to hunt black bears in Vermont?
Yes, a separate bear tag is required in addition to a hunting license.
How many bears can I harvest in a season?
You may take two bears, but only one can be harvested before the November rifle deer season.
Is baiting legal in Vermont?
No, baiting for black bears is not allowed in Vermont.
Can I hunt bears with dogs?
Yes, but a hound hunting permit and registered dogs are required.
What are the best areas to find bears?
The Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom offer the highest bear densities and extensive public land. State parks, along with other public lands, provide hunters with ample opportunities to find suitable hunting locations.
What do bears eat in the fall?
They shift from soft mast like berries to hard mast like acorns and beechnuts. Bears will be feeding in various locations, including forested beech and oak stands, where food sources such as berries and apples are abundant.
When is the best time to hunt black bears?
Early morning and late evening are the most active times, especially near food sources.
Do I need to take a bear ID course?
Yes, all bear hunters must complete Vermont’s bear identification training before purchasing a tag.
Can I use archery equipment to hunt bears?
Yes, archery is a legal and effective method during the early season.
What gear should I bring?
A reliable firearm or bow, scent control, trail cameras, and good boots for hiking Vermont’s varied terrain.