WMU B, Vermont
Unit info
- Game species
- Deer, Turkey, Bear, Moose
- Group
- Zone B
- Area
- 252 mi²
- Public land
- N/A
Black Bear — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 22
Draw odds for Black Beararen't on file for this unit yet. Check your state wildlife agency website for current draw statistics.
White-tailed Deer — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 2,892
Draw odds for White-tailed Deeraren't on file for this unit yet. Check your state wildlife agency website for current draw statistics.
Season & harvest data is published for Black Bear, White-tailed Deer so far. Deer, Turkey, Bear, Moose also occur here — that data can be added as the community contributes.
About this unit
AI-compiled · sourcedVermont WMU B covers the northern tier of the Northeast Kingdom stretching from the Canadian border south through Franklin and northern Caledonia counties, offering rolling forested hills with solid deer numbers, good black bear populations, huntable wild turkey flocks, and occasional moose sightings. Public land access is strong via state forests, multiple WMAs, and the northern reach of Vermont's extensive public land network. Hunting pressure is generally low to moderate compared to southern Vermont units, making it a solid choice for hunters seeking less competition and quality big-game opportunity.
Rolling hardwood and mixed-forest hills along the northern Vermont border country in Franklin and northern Caledonia counties. Elevation ranges from valley bottomlands around 500 ft to forested ridges near 2,000 ft. Habitat is dominated by northern hardwoods (maple, beech, birch) interspersed with softwood stands of spruce and fir, creating excellent deer and bear habitat. Agricultural fields and river corridors along the Missisquoi River drainage provide feeding edges that concentrate deer in early archery season.
low to moderate
Antlerless permits for WMU B are allocated annually by lottery; 2026 allocations are reduced statewide as VTFWD takes a conservative approach following new regulation changes. WMU B requires a minimum two antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one antler for a legal buck. Hunters may now hold two antlerless permits simultaneously if they are for different WMUs; antlerless permits are valid during both the regular November rifle season and muzzleloader seasons under 2026 rule changes.
DEER: Archery Oct 1 - Dec 15; Youth/Novice Weekend Nov 7-8; Regular Firearm (rifle) Nov 14-29; December Muzzleloader Nov 30 - Dec 13; antler point restriction requires 2+ points 1 inch or longer on one antler. Antlerless permits by lottery, conservative allocations in 2026. BEAR: Statewide fair-chase bear season opens in early September with archery, running through mid-November; no bait or dogs. One-bear limit per season. WMU B has a healthy bear population in its dense northern hardwood forests. TURKEY: Spring season statewide (all WMUs open) runs through May 31, bag limit 2 bearded birds. Fall shotgun/archery Oct 24 - Nov 1; fall archery-only Oct 1 - Nov 13; bag limit 1 either-sex. MOOSE: WMU B is adjacent to prime moose country but moose permits in Vermont are concentrated in WMU E (Essex County) to the east. WMU B hunters may see moose; limited-draw permit hunting is not typically allocated for WMU B. Vermont slashed moose permits statewide in 2026 due to winter tick pressure.
Low competition compared to southern Vermont units, strong bear and deer habitat in northern hardwood forest, good public land access via WMAs and state forests, quality ruffed grouse hunting as a bonus species, early archery season over agricultural edges near the Missisquoi River drainage.
Questions, tips & discussion
Ask anything about WMU B— or drop a tip or trick: access points, where game holds, glassing spots, conditions, crowding, gear that worked. This is where the unit's species-specific intel gets built, hunter by hunter.
Nothing posted yet about WMU B.
Be the first — ask a question (“Best public access on the north end?”) or share a tip (“Glass the burn scars off the main ridge at first light”).
Boundaries: VTFWD official Wildlife Management Units. Community info last updated 23d ago.