Vermont Bird Hunting

Seasons Span September 27 – December 31, 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Seasons Dates

  • Ruffed Grouse:
    • Season: September 27 – December 31, 2025
    • Notes: Found statewide, with the Northeast Kingdom offering the best hunting opportunities. Focus on overgrown apple orchards, abandoned hillside farms, and regenerating clear cuts with aspen and birch.
  • American Woodcock:
    • Season: September 28 – November 11, 2025
    • Notes: Found in similar habitats as ruffed grouse, such as woody shrubs and birch/aspen thickets. Peak hunting occurs mid-to-late October due to migration from Canada.
  • Ring-necked Pheasant:
    • Season: September 29 – December 31, 2025
    • Notes: Rare, primarily found in the Champlain Valley. Available on licensed hunting preserves.
  • Common Snipe:
    • Season: September 28 – November 11, 2025 (same as woodcock)
    • Notes: Migratory bird, hunted in similar habitats as woodcock.
  • Bobwhite Quail and Chukar Partridge:
    • Season: No open season in the wild; available only on licensed hunting preserves.
  • Spruce Grouse and Hungarian Partridge:
    • Season: No open season.

Required Licenses and Costs

  • Hunting License:
    • Resident: $26
    • Non-resident: $50
    • Notes: All hunters must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a license. The course includes a written exam (sixth-grade level) and a one-day field exercise. Hunters under 18 must complete both an online course and an in-person class.
  • Migratory Bird Requirements (for woodcock and common snipe):
    • Federal Duck Stamp: Required for hunters 16 and older, purchased separately through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (e.g., post offices or online at www.fws.gov). Cost not specified in sources, but typically around $25 annually. Must be signed by the hunter.
    • Vermont Migratory Waterfowl Tag: Required for hunters 16 and older, available on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife website or from license agents. Cost not specified in sources.
    • Harvest Information Program (H.I.P.) Registration: Mandatory for all migratory game bird hunters (woodcock, snipe, ducks, geese). Register online at www.vtfishandwildlife.com or call 1-877-306-7091 to receive an annual H.I.P. number, which must be recorded on the hunting license. No additional cost for registration.
  • Other Notes:
    • No additional permits or tags are required for upland birds like ruffed grouse or pheasant, unlike big game species (e.g., deer, moose) which may require specific tags or lottery permits.
    • Licenses can be purchased online or at local license agents. Verify requirements on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife website.

Daily Bag Limits and Possession Limits

  • Ruffed Grouse:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 4
    • Possession Limit: 8
  • American Woodcock:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3
    • Possession Limit: 9
  • Ring-necked Pheasant:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 2
    • Possession Limit: 4
  • Bobwhite Quail and Chukar Partridge:
    • No limits specified for licensed hunting preserves; no open season in the wild.
  • Notes:
    • Possession limits apply after the first two days of the season for most species (e.g., pheasant possession limit is 4 after the first two days).
    • Non-toxic shot is required for waterfowl and coots, but not for woodcock or snipe, though hunters must not possess lead shot while hunting waterfowl.

Additional Regulations and Notes

  • Hunting Methods:
    • Ruffed grouse and pheasant can be hunted with a shotgun or bow. Woodcock and snipe are typically hunted with shotguns.
    • For small game (including upland birds), use .22 caliber rimfire or shotgun with #2 shot or smaller.
    • Baiting, snares, traps, salt licks, jacks, or lights are illegal for hunting any wild animal.
  • Habitat and Locations:
    • Vermont offers excellent upland bird hunting, especially in the Northeast Kingdom. Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) like the Nulhegan Basin and Wenlock WMA are managed for grouse.
    • Private land is open to hunting unless posted against it, but always obtain landowner permission.
  • Conservation and Ethics:
    • Hunters are encouraged to self-regulate and consider habitat impacts when pursuing bag limits, as grouse populations have declined in some areas due to habitat loss.
    • Always verify season dates, bag limits, and regulations with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department (www.vtfishandwildlife.com) before hunting, as changes may occur.

For the most up-to-date information, consult the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website or the 2025-26 Migratory Bird Syllabus, available online or at license agents and post offices by August 2025.