reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 111 - Fish › § 4609. Connecticut River; Lake Champlain

§ 4609. Connecticut River; Lake Champlain
(a) Persons holding a New Hampshire fishing license may take fish from the Connecticut River, provided the State of New Hampshire grants the same right to persons holding a Vermont fishing license. Such taking shall be only in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the State of New Hampshire relative to open and closed seasons, limits of catch, minimum sizes of fish caught, and methods of fishing and upon agreement between the Commissioner and the Director of Fish and Wildlife of the State of New Hampshire and the approval of the Secretary. Whereupon the laws of this State covering such matters shall be suspended as to the waters described in this subsection. Any violation of said provisions shall be punished as provided in section 4515 of this title.
(b) A person holding a New York fishing license may take fish from the Vermont portion of Lake Champlain provided the State of New York grants the right to fish in the New York portion of the lake to a person holding a Vermont fishing license. In this case, a person holding a New York license may take fish in the Vermont portion of the lake in accordance with rules adopted under this part and shall be fined pursuant to section 4515 of this title for violation of the rules while fishing in the Vermont portion of the lake. In this section, the Vermont portion of Lake Champlain means the portion of Lake Champlain which lies within Vermont waters up to the mouth of any tributary river or stream, and shall not include any waters on the east side of the railroad fills at Malletts Bay, the Gut, and Pelots Point.
(c), (d) [Repealed.] (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1983, No. 158 (Adj. Sess.), eff. April 13, 1984; 1991, No. 230 (Adj. Sess.), § 24; 2003, No. 23, § 1, eff. May 14, 2003; 2009, No. 33, § 83(e)(7); 2009, No. 64 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. Jan. 19, 2010.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 111 - Fish › § 4611. Sale of fish

§ 4611. Sale of fish
(a) A person shall not buy or sell a salmon, trout, lake trout, walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, black bass, or any other fish specified by rule by the Board taken in this State, or imported from another state or country where sale of such fish is prohibited, except such fish reared in licensed propagation farms within the State.
(b) A person shall not buy or sell fish caught in Vermont without a permit issued by the Commissioner, as required under the rules of the Board and the requirements of part 4 of this title. A propagation farm with a valid permit issued under 10 App. V.S.A. § 117 shall not be required to obtain a permit under this section. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1981, No. 85, § 8; 2015, No. 145 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2017.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 111 - Fish › § 4612. Fishing houses

§ 4612. Fishing houses
(a) The owner of a fishing house shall not place the fishing house or cause the same to be placed on the ice covering the waters of this State earlier than November 20 of any year, and then only if his or her name and residence address are permanently and legibly affixed, as by waterproof paint or rustproof tag in a clearly visible place near the entrance. The owner shall remove his or her fishing house, together with its contents and any surrounding debris, before the ice loses its ability to support the fishing house out of the water, or on or before the last Sunday in March, whichever occurs first. Under no circumstances shall a fishing house be allowed in the waters of this State.
(b) For the purposes of this section, “fishing house” means a bob-house, smelt shanty, or other structure designed to be placed on the ice of the waters of this State for use for fishing or to be occupied for other purposes. (Added 1969, No. 240 (Adj. Sess.); amended 1971, No. 14, § 2, eff. March 11, 1971; 1981, No. 85, § 9; 1983, No. 113 (Adj. Sess.).)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 111 - Fish › § 4613. Fishing tournaments

§ 4613. Fishing tournaments
(a) No person or organization shall hold a fishing tournament on the waters of the State without first obtaining a permit from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
(b) A fishing tournament means a contest in which anglers pay a fee to enter and in which the entrants compete for a prize based on the quality or size of the fish they catch. A tournament that limits the entrants to people below 15 years of age or a tournament held as part of a Special Olympics program shall be exempt from paying the fee required under subsection (d) of this section.
(c) The Commissioner shall adopt rules that establish the procedure for implementation of this section. The rules shall include a provision that an angler may not enter a fish that was caught and confined to an enclosed area prior to the beginning of the tournament.
(d) The Commissioner shall charge a fee of $50.00 for each permit issued under this section and shall deposit the fee collected into the Fish and Wildlife Fund. (Added 1991, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; amended 2003, No. 129 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2003, No. 163 (Adj. Sess.), § 15.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 111 - Fish › § 4614. Largest fish; roster

§ 4614. Largest fish; roster
(a) The Commissioner may maintain a roster of names of people who have caught the largest of each species of Vermont fish. The roster may include the size and weight of the fish, date and place caught, and any other relevant information.
(b) No fish that was confined to an enclosed area by a person prior to that person or any other person catching the fish may be listed on the roster of largest fish. This subsection shall not apply to fish stocked under government authority. (Added 2003, No. 129 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 111 - Fish › § 4615. Lead sinkers; sales prohibited

§ 4615. Lead sinkers; sales prohibited
It is unlawful to sell or offer for sale a lead sinker in the State of Vermont. In this section, “sinker” means any device which weighs one-half ounce or less and is attached to a fishing line for the purpose of sinking the line, and does not include other lead fishing-related items such as weighted fly line, lead-core fishing line, downrigger cannon balls, weighted flies, lures, spoons, or jig heads. (Added 2003, No. 137 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2006.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 112 - Compact for State and Federal Membership in the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission › § 4651. Authority

§ 4651. Authority
The Governor is hereby authorized and directed to execute a Compact on behalf of the State of Vermont with the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire and with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service legally joining therein the form substantially as set forth herein. (Added 1979, No. 89 (Adj. Sess.).)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 112 - Compact for State and Federal Membership in the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission › § 4652. Purposes—Article I

§ 4652. Purposes—Article I
The purpose of this Compact is to promote the restoration of Anadromous Atlantic salmon, hereinafter referred to as Atlantic salmon, in the Connecticut River basin by the development of a joint interstate program for stocking, protection, management, research, and regulation. It is the purpose of this Compact to restore Atlantic salmon to the Connecticut River in numbers as near as possible to their historical abundance. (Added 1979, No. 89 (Adj. Sess.).)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 112 - Compact for State and Federal Membership in the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission › § 4653. Effective date—Article II

§ 4653. Effective date—Article II
This agreement shall become operative immediately whenever all of the states of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut have executed it in a form that is in accordance with the laws of the executing state and the Congress has given its consent. (Added 1979, No. 89 (Adj. Sess.).)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 112 - Compact for State and Federal Membership in the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission › § 4654. Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission—Article III

§ 4654. Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission—Article III
Each state joining herein shall appoint two representatives to a commission hereby constituted and designated as the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission. One shall be the executive officer of the administrative agency of such state charged with the management of the fisheries resources to which this Compact pertains or his or her designee. The second shall be a citizen who shall have a knowledge and interest in Atlantic salmon to be appointed by the Governor for a term of three years. The Director of the Northeast Region of the Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior or his designee and the Director of the Northeast Region of the National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Department of Commerce or his or her designee shall be members of said Commission. The Commission shall be a body corporate with the powers and duties set forth herein. (Added 1979, No. 89 (Adj. Sess.).)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 112 - Compact for State and Federal Membership in the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission › § 4656. Officers; office; and reimbursement for travel—Article V

§ 4656. Officers; office; and reimbursement for travel—Article V
The Commission shall elect from its number a Chair and a Vice Chair and at its pleasure may remove such officers. Said Commission shall adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of its business. At such time as funds are available to the Commission, the Commission may establish and maintain an office for the transaction of its business. The Commission may meet at any time or place but must meet at least semiannually.
The Commission shall have the authority to expend money from available Commission funds to reimburse its membership for necessary travel expenses. (Added 1979, No. 89 (Adj. Sess.).)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 112 - Compact for State and Federal Membership in the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission › § 4657. Employment and compensation of personnel—Article VI

§ 4657. Employment and compensation of personnel—Article VI
At such time as funds are available, the Commission may employ and discharge at its pleasure such personnel as may be required to carry out the provisions of this Compact and shall fix and determine their duties, qualifications and compensation. (Added 1979, No. 89 (Adj. Sess.).)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 112 - Compact for State and Federal Membership in the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission › § 4658. Technical committee—Article VII

§ 4658. Technical committee—Article VII
There shall be established a Technical Committee to consist of one fishery biologist from each of the signatory states, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service to act in an advisory capacity to the Commission. The Technical Committee shall have the authority to request employees of the signatory states, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service or others who have special fields of expertise to act as special advisors to the Committee. At such time as funds are available the Commission may reimburse Technical Committee members and special advisors for necessary travel expenses. (Added 1979, No. 89 (Adj. Sess.).)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 112 - Compact for State and Federal Membership in the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission › § 4659. Majority vote—Article VIII

§ 4659. Majority vote—Article VIII
No action shall be taken by the Commission in regard to its general affairs except by affirmative vote of a majority of members present at any meeting. No recommendation or allotment of grant funds shall be made by the Commission except by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members. (Added 1979, No. 89 (Adj. Sess.).)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 112 - Compact for State and Federal Membership in the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission › § 4660. Absence of representation—Article IX

§ 4660. Absence of representation—Article IX
Continued absence of representation or of any representative on the Commission from any party hereto shall be brought to the attention of the governor thereof. (Added 1979, No. 89 (Adj. Sess.).)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 112 - Compact for State and Federal Membership in the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission › § 4661. Annual appropriation—Article X

§ 4661. Annual appropriation—Article X
The states signatory hereto agree to make an annual appropriation to the initial support of the Commission in the amount of $1,000.00 from the Fish and Wildlife Fund for each of the first three years that this Compact is in effect. (Added 1979, No. 89 (Adj. Sess.).)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 112 - Compact for State and Federal Membership in the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission › § 4662. Records; examination of accounts—Article XI

§ 4662. Records; examination of accounts—Article XI
The Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements and shall report to the governor and the legislature of each state party to this Compact on or before the tenth day of January of each year, setting forth in detail the transactions conducted by it during the 12 months preceding January first of that year. The Auditor of Accounts of the State of Vermont is hereby authorized and empowered from time to time to examine the accounts and books of the Commission, including its receipts, disbursements, grants and such other items referring to its financial standing as such Comptroller may deem proper and to report the results of such examination to the governor of said state. (Added 1979, No. 89 (Adj. Sess.).)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4701. Use of gun, bow and arrow, and crossbow; legal day; dogs

§ 4701. Use of gun, bow and arrow, and crossbow; legal day; dogs
(a) Unless otherwise provided by statute, a person shall not take game except with:
(1) a gun fired at arm’s length;
(2) a bow and arrow; or
(3) a crossbow as authorized by the rules of the Board.
(b) A person shall not take game between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise unless otherwise provided by statute or by the rules of the Board.
(c) A person may take game and fur-bearing animals during the open season therefor, with the aid of a dog, unless otherwise prohibited by statute or by the rules of the Board.
[Subsection (d) repealed effective July 1, 2024.]
(d) A person taking game with a gun may possess, carry, or use a gun suppressor in the act of taking game. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1997, No. 99 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; 2013, No. 78, § 12; 2019, No. 50, § 11; 2021, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 5, eff. July 1, 2022; 2021, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), §9, eff. July 1, 2024.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4702. Use of light

§ 4702. Use of light
A person shall not intentionally throw or cast the rays of a spotlight, jack, or other artificial light on any highway, or any field, woodland, or forest, in order to spot, locate, take, or attempt to take, spot, or locate any wild animal. However, a light may be used to take skunks and raccoons in accordance with rules of the Board. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1991, No. 230 (Adj. Sess.), § 31; 1993, No. 236 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1995, No. 8, § 1, eff. March 28, 1995.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4703. Use of set guns; recovery for damage

§ 4703. Use of set guns; recovery for damage
A person shall not at any time set or use any device, the object of which is to discharge a firearm for the purpose of taking any wild animal. A person violating this section shall be liable for twice the amount of damage caused by his or her act to be recovered by a person damaged thereby, in a civil action on this section. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4704. Use of machine guns and autoloading rifles

§ 4704. Use of machine guns and autoloading rifles
(a) A person engaged in hunting for wild animals shall not use, carry, or have in the person’s possession:
(1) a machine gun of any kind or description; or
(2) an autoloading rifle with a magazine capacity of over six cartridges, except a .22 caliber rifle using rim fire cartridges.
(b) [Repealed.] (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 2015, No. 61, § 16, eff. July 2, 2015; 2021, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 6, eff. July 1, 2022.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4704. Use of machine guns, autoloading rifles, and gun suppressors

§ 4704. Use of machine guns, autoloading rifles, and gun suppressors
A person engaged in hunting for wild animals shall not use, carry, or have in the person’s possession:
(1) a machine gun of any kind or description;
(2) an autoloading rifle with a magazine capacity of over six cartridges, except a .22 caliber rifle using rim fire cartridges; or
(3) a gun suppressor. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 2015, No. 61, § 16, eff. July 2, 2015; 2021, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 6, eff. July 1, 2022; 2021, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 10, eff. July 1, 2024.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4707. Traps; notice

§ 4707. Traps; notice
A person who intends to set a trap for any animal on the property of another shall, prior to setting the trap, notify the owner of the property of his or her intention to set the trap and of the prospective location of the trap. The owner of the property may, at any time, refuse to grant permission to set a trap or revoke the permission if previously granted. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1973, No. 178 (Adj. Sess.), § 3.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4708. Interference with hunting, fishing, or trapping

§ 4708. Interference with hunting, fishing, or trapping
(a) A person shall not intentionally interfere with the lawful taking of fish or wild animals by:
(1) tampering with traps, nets, bait, firearms, or any other thing used for hunting, trapping, or fishing;
(2) placing himself or herself in a position, for the purpose of interfering, that hinders or prevents hunting, trapping, or fishing; or
(3) engaging in an activity, for the purpose of interfering, that drives, harasses, disturbs, or is likely to disturb wildlife or fish.
(b) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit an incidental interference arising from lawful activity by landowners or users of land, including farmers and recreationists. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1981, No. 85, § 10; 1981, No. 127 (Adj. Sess.); 2015, No. 145 (Adj. Sess.), § 12.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4710. Safety zone; shooting prohibited

§ 4710. Safety zone; shooting prohibited
(a) A person may on land owned or occupied by him or her and within 500 feet of any occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building or camp occupied by human beings, or any barn, stable, or other building used in connection therewith, maintain posters furnished by the Department of Fish and Wildlife not less than 12 inches wide and 18 inches high containing the words “safety zone, shooting prohibited.” An area bounded by such posters placed at each corner, and not more than 200 feet apart on the boundaries shall be considered enclosed land for the purpose of this section and is hereby defined as a “safety zone.” Without advance permission of the owner or occupant, a person shall not discharge a firearm within or take a wild animal that is within a “safety zone” as defined herein.
(b) Any person who violates a provision of this section shall be fined $50.00. (Added 1967, No. 40,§§ 1, 2, eff. March 16, 1967; amended 1983, No. 158 (Adj. Sess.), eff. April 13, 1984; 1991, No. 13, § 5.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4712. Tracking of injured wildlife

§ 4712. Tracking of injured wildlife
(a) The Commissioner may certify an individual to use a dog on a leash to track injured wild animals. The certificate shall be valid for five years from date of issuance. The Commissioner shall establish the following by rule:
(1) procedures for issuing a certificate under this section;
(2) qualifications required for certification under this section;
(3) privileges granted to a person holding a certificate under this section.
(b) Fees to be charged to a person applying for certification under this section shall be:
(1) Application fee
$ 25.00
(2) Initial certification—resident
$100.00
(3) Initial certification—nonresident
$200.00
(4) Renewal—resident
$125.00
(5) Renewal—nonresident
$225.00 (Added 1995, No. 65 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1997, No. 155 (Adj. Sess.), § 47, eff. Jan. 1, 1999.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4713. Tree stands; ground blinds

§ 4713. Tree stands; ground blinds
(a) No person shall build, erect, maintain, use, or occupy a permanent or portable tree stand or ground blind for any purpose on any private land in Vermont without landowner permission.
(b) A person building, erecting, or maintaining a tree stand or ground blind shall permanently mark the stand or blind with the owner’s name and address. Marking shall be legible and placed in a manner that enables a person to read it conveniently and easily. This subsection shall not apply to a landowner building, erecting, or maintaining a tree stand or ground blind on his or her own land. (Added 1997, No. 99 (Adj. Sess.), § 8; amended 1999, No. 30, § 5.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4714. Importation and possession of animals for hunting

§ 4714. Importation and possession of animals for hunting
(a) A person shall not import or possess any live animal for the purpose of taking by hunting unless the Commissioner has issued the person an importation and possession permit. The Fish and Wildlife Board shall adopt rules necessary to establish, implement, and enforce the permit and permit process.
(b) An application for a permit shall be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection certifying that the animal has been inspected, is not showing signs of contagious diseases, and has been inventoried, registered, and tested in accordance with rules of the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets. The Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife may inspect animals being imported under an importation and possession permit and may dispose of unlawfully imported or possessed animals. The State may collect treble damages for expenses incurred in enforcing a violation of this subsection. (Added 1999, No. 30, § 6; amended 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003; 2005, No. 12, § 5, eff. May 2, 2005.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4715. Remote-control hunting

§ 4715. Remote-control hunting
(a) As used in this section:
(1) “Captive animal” includes an animal that has been brought into and kept in captivity for the purpose of taking it, and any increase of such animal.
(2) “Remote-control hunting” means the use of a computer, any device that uses the Internet, or any other technology to control remotely the aiming and discharge of any device such as a firearm, bow, or spear to take a wild animal or captive animal.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, no person shall take a wild animal or captive animal using a remote-control hunting device. This subsection shall apply to any person who is in Vermont while using a remote-control hunting device regardless of the location of the animal taken.
(c) No person shall establish or operate a remote-control hunting site in Vermont.
(d) No person shall import, export, or possess a wild animal or captive animal, or part thereof, taken by a remote-control hunting device, except that a person operating under a permit pursuant to subsection (e) of this section may possess an animal carcass, or part thereof, taken by that person using a remote-control hunting device.
(e) A person who is physically disabled to the degree that he or she cannot operate a device allowed for taking of game under Vermont law may obtain a permit to take game in Vermont with a device that is in the immediate vicinity of the permittee and that the permittee operates using remote-control technology other than the Internet. A person applying for this permit shall personally appear before the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s designee and submit certification from a licensed physician describing the person’s limitations. The Commissioner may obtain a second medical opinion to verify the disability. Upon satisfactory proof of the disability, the Commissioner may issue a permit describing the device and method the person may use to take game. The Commissioner shall require that the permittee be accompanied while hunting by a person who is licensed to hunt in Vermont unless the permittee can demonstrate that he or she is able to track injured game and to retrieve and care for a carcass. If the permit is not intended to be a permanent permit, it shall state the date on which the permit expires. The permit shall be attached to the hunting license, and the holder shall carry it at all times while hunting and produce it on demand for inspection by any fish and wildlife warden or other law enforcement officer. (Added 2005, No. 47, § 1, eff. June 7, 2005; amended 2013, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 39.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4716. Coyote-hunting competitions; prohibition

§ 4716. Coyote-hunting competitions; prohibition
(a) As used in this section, “coyote-hunting competition” means a contest in which people compete in the capturing or taking of coyotes for a prize.
(b) A person shall not hold or conduct a coyote-hunting competition in the State.
(c) A person shall not participate in a coyote-hunting competition in the State.
(d) A person who violates this section shall be fined not more than $1,000.00 nor less than $400.00 for a first offense. Upon a second and all subsequent convictions or any conviction while under license suspension related to the requirements of part 4 of this title, a person who violates this section shall be fined not more than $4,000.00 nor less than $2,000.00. (Added 2017, No. 170 (Adj. Sess.), § 14, eff. Jan. 1, 2019.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4742a. Youth deer hunting weekend

§ 4742a. Youth deer hunting weekend
(a) The Board shall designate by rule a youth deer hunting weekend prior to opening day of the regular deer season.
(b) A person who is 15 years of age or under on the weekend of the hunt and who has successfully completed a hunter safety course may take one wild deer during youth deer hunting weekend in accordance with the rules of the Board. 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. An adult accompanying a youth under this section shall accompany not more than two young people at one time.
(c) Each year, the Board shall determine whether antlerless deer may be taken under this section in any deer management unit or units. A determination under this subsection shall be made by rule, shall be based on the game management study conducted pursuant to section 4081 of this title, and, notwithstanding subsection (g) of that section, may allow taking of antlerless deer.
(d) No person shall hunt under this section on privately owned land without first obtaining the permission of the owner or occupant.
(e) Before the first youth deer hunting weekend and after each fall hunting season, the Department shall collect information on youth deer hunting weekend during the regional public hearings held pursuant to subsection 4081(f) of this title. Information relative to the public’s knowledge and concerns about the deer herd shall be gathered. The Board shall administer youth deer hunting weekend, by deer management unit, based on public input and scientific information.
(f) The scheduled amount of a fine under section 4555 of this title shall be doubled for a violation of this section, and the fine shall be assessed against the licensed adult who is accompanying the youth pursuant to subsection (b) of this section and who has the youth hunter in his or her charge.
(g) As used in this section, “accompany,” “accompanied,” or “accompanying” means direct control and supervision, including the ability to see and communicate with the youth hunter without the aid of artificial devices such as radios or binoculars, except for medically necessary devices such as hearing aids or eyeglasses. While hunting, an individual who holds a valid hunting license under subsection 4254(b) of this title shall accompany no more than two youth hunters at a time. (Added 2001, No. 4, § 1, eff. April 4, 2001; amended 2009, No. 11, § 2; 2009, No. 122 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2013, No. 116 (Adj. Sess.), § 7, eff. Jan. 1, 2015; 2019, No. 50, § 13.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4745. Taking big game out of season prohibited; time

§ 4745. Taking big game out of season prohibited; time
A person shall not take big game except during the seasons provided by law under part 4 of this title or the rules of the Board, and then only between one-half hour before sunrise and one-half hour after sunset. However, this section shall not be construed to prohibit the taking of big game under section 4826 or 4827 of this title and provisions in the rules of the Board relating to wildlife doing damage. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1961, No. 161, § 4, eff. June 8, 1961; 1967, No. 4, eff. Feb. 17, 1967; 1967, No. 315 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1973, No. 178 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; 2015, No. 145 (Adj. Sess.), § 13.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4747. Big game taken by illegal means

§ 4747. Big game taken by illegal means
A person shall not take or possess big game by the aid of a snare, trap, salt lick, jack, or other light or use these devices to entrap or ensnare big game. A person shall not use a dog of any breed or sex at any time for the purpose of hunting any big game except black bear and wild turkey as provided in fish and wildlife rules, nor shall he or she harbor or have in his or her possession a dog for this purpose. A person other than the owner or a person designated by the owner shall not take a confined fallow deer or a confined red deer. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1983, No. 234 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 1985, No. 92, § 6; 1993, No. 236 (Adj. Sess.), § 3.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4748. Dogs pursuing deer or moose

§ 4748. Dogs pursuing deer or moose
(a) A dog that has been found to hunt or pursue deer or moose and whose owner or keeper has had notice to that effect shall not run at large unaccompanied by the owner or keeper.
(b) A State game warden, deputy warden, sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable, police officer, or State Police may kill by shooting with firearms dogs, whether licensed or unlicensed, when in such close pursuit as to endanger the life of a deer or moose or found in the act of wounding, maiming, or killing deer or moose. Provisions of this section shall be subject to limitations set forth in section 4710 of this title. A warden or other person authorized under this subsection who does not kill a dog under the provisions of this subsection shall, if possible, locate the owner or keeper of the dog and shall issue a warning that the dog was in violation of this section and each future violation shall result in the owner or keeper being fined not more than $200.00 nor less than $50.00.
(c) When a licensed dog is killed pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the game warden, deputy game warden, sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable, police officer, or State Police shall forthwith report the same to the owner of said licensed dog.
(d) No person shall have a cause of action against any of the designated wardens, sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable, police officer, or State Police exercising the authority herein granted. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1969, No. 163 (Adj. Sess.), eff. Feb. 4, 1970; 1977, No. 132 (Adj. Sess.); 1979, No. 163 (Adj. Sess.); 1981, No. 63; 1995, No. 1, § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4749. Injured deer, killing

§ 4749. Injured deer, killing
(a) Any game warden, deputy game warden, sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable, police officer, State Police, or selectboard member may kill a deer that has been so injured that its chance for recovery is remote.
(b) The official by whom such a deer is killed shall forthwith report the same to the Commissioner or a game warden and such deer shall be disposed of as provided in section 4513 of this title. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4781. Big game; possession

§ 4781. Big game; possession
A person shall not possess big game taken by unlawful means or methods or taken in a closed season in violation of any provision of part 4 of this title or rules of the Board. Unless otherwise prohibited, a person may possess lawfully taken game during the open season and for a reasonable time thereafter. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1985, No. 92, § 7; 2015, No. 145 (Adj. Sess.), § 14.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4782. Possession in cold storage of big game

§ 4782. Possession in cold storage of big game
Any part of the carcass of big game legally taken may be possessed at any time in cans or in a cold storage locker or home freezer. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1985, No. 92, § 8.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4783. Purchase and sale of big game

§ 4783. Purchase and sale of big game
(a) A person shall not buy or sell big game or the meat of big game within the State except during the open season and for 20 days thereafter.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, a person may buy or sell at any time:
(1) the head, hide, and hoofs of deer or moose legally taken; or
(2) the head, hide, paws, and internal organs of a black bear, legally taken.
(c) Neither anadromous Atlantic salmon taken in the Connecticut River Basin nor wild turkey shall be bought or sold at any time. The meat of big game animals shall not be bought or sold for the purpose of being transported out of the State. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1985, No. 92, § 9.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4784. Transportation of big game

§ 4784. Transportation of big game
A person shall not transport big game taken by unlawful means or methods or taken in a closed season in violation of any provision of part 4 of this title or rules of the Board. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1985, No. 92, § 10; 2015, No. 145 (Adj. Sess.), § 15.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4786. Game suppers

§ 4786. Game suppers
(a) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, game suppers may be held at any time by a church, volunteer fire department, rod and game club, or other nonprofit organization under permit issued by a fish and wildlife warden, the Commissioner, or a designee of the Commissioner.
(b) Wild animals and fish legally taken in this State, or another state or country, may be transported and sold as part of a game supper authorized by permit. Big game provided by the Department may also be sold at such suppers. Migratory waterfowl and anadromous salmon shall not be sold.
(c) The permit for a game supper required by this section shall state the name of the organization holding the supper, and the date and place of the supper. The permit shall be applied for no later than 10 days before the date of the supper. (Added 1989, No. 57.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4826. Taking deer damaging crops

§ 4826. Taking deer damaging crops
(a) A person, including an authorized member of the person’s family, an authorized regular on-premises employee, or an agent who holds a Vermont hunting license and who is designated by the person, may take, on land owned or occupied by the person, up to four deer per year that the person can prove were doing damage to the following:
(1) a tree that is being grown in a plantation or being cultivated for the purpose of harvesting an annual or perennial crop or producing any marketable item; or
(2) a crop-bearing plant; or
(3) a crop, except grass.
(b) A person by whom, or under whose direction, a deer is wounded or killed, shall report in writing signed by him or her within 12 hours all the facts relative to the act to a game warden. The report shall state the time and place of the wounding or killing.
(c) A person who kills a deer shall immediately properly dress the carcass and care for the meat.
(d) The game warden shall immediately investigate the case and if satisfied that the deer was taken as provided in this section, shall give the person a certificate of the finding in the matter. The certificate shall entitle the person to the ownership of the carcass, but the person shall not sell or give away the same. However, the head and the antlers, if any, shall be turned over to a warden. In addition, any carcass not needed for home consumption in the household of the certificate-holder shall be turned over to a game warden.
(e) When a game warden finds that a deer has been wounded or killed contrary to the provisions of this section, he or she shall dispose of the deer under the direction of the Commissioner, and any monies received therefor shall be paid to the Commissioner.
(f)(1) “Person” includes all people who jointly own or lease the land.
(2) “Post” means any signage that would lead a reasonable person to believe that hunting is prohibited on the land, except for signs erected pursuant to section 4710 of this title.
(g) The Commissioner may issue a permit to a person to take more than four deer under this section if:
(1) the land owned by the person is not posted against hunting;
(2) the person can prove that the property is sustaining additional and ongoing damage; and
(3) the person has taken reasonable measures to prevent the deer from continuing to damage the crop.
(h) The Commissioner is authorized to issue an order requiring any person to remove food or bait which has the effect of luring deer into the vicinity of the property sustaining damage. In this subsection, food does not include a crop or crop-bearing plant. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1967, No. 57, § 2, eff. March 30, 1967; 1973, No. 242 (Adj. Sess.), eff. April 8, 1974; 2005, No. 24, § 1; 2011, No. 54, § 11, eff. May 31, 2011.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4827a. Feeding bear; prohibition

§ 4827a. Feeding bear; prohibition
(a) A person shall not knowingly feed a bear and shall not knowingly give, place, expose, deposit, distribute, or scatter any bait, food, or other edible material in a manner intended to lure a bear to feed except:
(1) under a license or permit issued under section 4152 of this title by the Commissioner for bona fide scientific research, mitigation of wildlife damage, nuisance problems, or wildlife population reduction program;
(2) by planting, cultivating, or harvesting of crops directly associated with bona fide agricultural practices, including planted wildlife food plots; or
(3) by distribution of feed material for livestock directly associated with bona fide agricultural practices.
(b) A person who has intentionally placed bait, food, or other edible material, including placing food within a bird feeder, to lure wildlife, as that term is defined to include birds and other animals under subdivision 4001(15) of this title, onto the property within the past 30 days shall be prohibited from taking a bear doing damage under the authority set forth in section 4827 of this title. The Commissioner or his or her designee may issue an order requiring a person to remove or contain the bait, food, or edible material if the placing of bait or food results in the feeding of a bear.
(c) As used in this section, “bait, food, or other edible material” means fruit, grain, salt, grease, garbage, or other materials intended to feed or lure wildlife. (Added 2013, No. 78, § 17.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4828. Taking of rabbit or fur-bearing animals by landowner; selectboard; certificate; penalty

§ 4828. Taking of rabbit or fur-bearing animals by landowner; selectboard; certificate; penalty
(a)(1) The provisions of law or rules of the Board relating to the taking of rabbits or fur-bearing animals shall not apply to:
(A) an owner, the owner’s employee, tenant, or caretaker of property protecting the property from damage by rabbits or fur-bearing animals; or
(B) a member of the selectboard of a town protecting public highways or bridges from such damage or submersion with the permission of the owner of lands affected.
(2) A person who for compensation sets a trap for rabbits or fur-bearing animals on the property of another in defense of that property shall possess a valid trapping license.
(3) if required by rule of the Board, an owner; the owner’s employee, tenant, or caretaker; a member of the selectboard; or a person who sets a trap for compensation who desires to possess during the closed season the skins of any fur-bearing animals taken in defense of property, highways, or bridges shall notify the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s representative within 84 hours after taking the animal, and shall hold the pelts for inspection by such authorized representatives.
(b) Before disposing of pelts taken under this section, if required by rule of the Board, the property owner; the owner’s employee, tenant, or caretaker; a member of the selectboard; or a person who sets a trap for compensation shall secure from the Commissioner or a designee a certificate describing the pelts, and showing that the pelts were legally taken during a closed season and in defense of property, highways, or bridges. In the event of storage, sale, or transfer, the certificates shall accompany the pelts. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1983, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1995, No. 93 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. March 28, 1996; 2017, No. 170 (Adj. Sess.), § 11, eff. Jan. 1, 2020.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4829. Person suffering damage by deer or black bear

§ 4829. Person suffering damage by deer or black bear
(a) A person engaged in the business of farming who suffers damage by deer to the person’s crops, fruit trees, or crop-bearing plants on land not posted against the hunting of deer, or a person engaged in the business of farming who suffers damage by black bear to the person’s cattle, sheep, swine, poultry, or bees or bee hives on land not posted against hunting or trapping of black bear is entitled to reimbursement for the damage up to an amount not to exceed $5,000.00 per year, and may apply to the Department of Fish and Wildlife within 72 hours of the occurrence of the damage for reimbursement for the damage. As used in this section, “post” means any signage that would lead a reasonable person to believe that hunting is prohibited on the land.
(b) As used in this section, a person is “engaged in the business of farming” if he or she earns at least one-half of the farmer’s annual gross income from the business of farming, as that term is defined in the Internal Revenue Code, 26 C.F.R. § 1.175-3. (Added 1969, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1983, No. 158 (Adj. Sess.), eff. April 13, 1984; 1997, No. 99 (Adj. Sess.), § 10; 2011, No. 54, § 12, eff. May 31, 2011; 2013, No. 78, § 18; 2023, No. 78, § E.702, eff. July 1, 2023.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4830. Regulations

§ 4830. Regulations
The State Fish and Wildlife Board shall adopt rules and regulations relating to application for reimbursement, examination by State fish and wildlife wardens of damage, and reimbursement therefor. (Added 1969, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; amended 1983, No. 158 (Adj. Sess.), eff. April 13, 1984.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4831. Reimbursement

§ 4831. Reimbursement
Reimbursement under this subchapter shall be made by the State Treasurer, on the voucher of the Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife, from money received by the State Treasurer under the provisions of this part. (Added 1969, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 3.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4832. Appeal

§ 4832. Appeal
A person who is denied reimbursement under this subchapter or who is dissatisfied with the amount of the reimbursement granted may appeal to the Superior Court of the county in which he or she resides. (Added 1969, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; amended 1971, No. 185 (Adj. Sess.), § 25, eff. March 29, 1972; 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4833. Coyote Control Program

§ 4833. Coyote Control Program
The Commissioner shall develop a Coyote Control Program for implementation in those areas of the State where he or she has determined that predation by coyotes is posing a threat to domesticated animals, deer, and other wildlife. In no event shall the Program use poison. (Added 1985, No. 132 (Adj. Sess.).)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 10 - Conservation and Development › Chapter 113 - Game › § 4861. Fur-bearing animals; taking; possession

§ 4861. Fur-bearing animals; taking; possession
(a) Fur-bearing animals shall not be taken except in accordance with the provisions of this part and of rules of the Board. The fur or skins of fur- bearing animals may be possessed at any time unless otherwise provided by this part, rules of the Board, or orders of the Commissioner.
(b) On or before January 1, 2024, the Fish and Wildlife Board shall revise the rules regulating the trapping of fur-bearing animals in the State. The revised rules shall be at least as stringent as best management practices for trapping recommended by the Department of Fish and Wildlife to the General Assembly.
(c) On or before January 1, 2024 and annually thereafter, the Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife shall submit in writing to the House Committee on Environment and Energy and the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy information regarding the species and number of nontarget animals killed or injured by trapping in the preceding calendar year. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1991, No. 230 (Adj. Sess.), § 26; 2021, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. June 1, 2022.)