WMU D1, Vermont
Unit info
- Game species
- Deer, Turkey, Bear, Moose
- Group
- Zone D
- Area
- 428 mi²
- Public land
- N/A
Black Bear — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 142
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
- 1,693
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 D1 covers the western portion of the Northeast Kingdom in Orleans and Caledonia counties — rolling farm country interspersed with hardwood ridges and softwood drainages that hold good populations of deer, bear, and turkey. Deer hunters face an antler point restriction (two or more points one inch or longer on at least one side) and limited antlerless permit allocations, making buck hunting the primary draw; black bear are a legitimate secondary target with statewide fair-chase rules in effect. Moose are present but managed exclusively in neighboring WMU E, so incidental sightings are possible though no permits are issued for D1.
Rolling agricultural landscape of the western Northeast Kingdom in Orleans and Caledonia counties. Terrain features a mosaic of dairy farm fields, hedgerows, mixed hardwood ridges (beech, maple, birch), softwood lowlands along stream corridors, and second-growth timber. Elevation ranges roughly 800–2,400 ft on higher terrain approaching the Northeast Kingdom highlands. Classic edge habitat where farm fields meet forested slopes produces excellent deer and turkey conditions.
low to moderate
Antler point restriction reinstated in WMU D1 — a legal buck must have at least one antler with two or more points of one inch or longer. Antlerless permits are limited and issued by lottery (applications typically due July); permit numbers were reduced statewide for the 2025–2026 season as VTFWD takes a conservative approach to antlerless harvest. Antlerless permits can now be used during the regular rifle season in addition to muzzleloader season.
DEER: Archery season typically early October through mid-November; rifle (regular) season runs approximately mid-November for 16 days; muzzleloader season follows regular season. Antler point restriction in effect for D1. Antlerless permits by lottery, limited allocation. TURKEY: Spring season April–May (shotgun/archery), fall season September–October. Orleans and Caledonia counties hold good turkey populations in agricultural-edge habitat. BEAR: Statewide season runs approximately September 1–November 23. Fair-chase rules statewide — no baiting permitted. Dogs allowed with bear-dog permit (max 6 dogs); nonresidents with hounds may start September 15. One bear per year limit. D1 terrain and mast production support a huntable bear population. MOOSE: No moose permits issued for WMU D1. Statewide moose permits are concentrated in WMU E (far northeast corner). Moose may be seen in D1 but are not a legal target for permit holders.
Excellent whitetail habitat with the classic Northeast Kingdom mix of farm fields, hardwood ridges, and softwood drainages. Low hunting pressure relative to southern Vermont. Good fall turkey hunting in agricultural edge cover. Black bear present throughout the unit — fair-chase only (no baiting), with a long season running approximately September 1 through late November. Rolling terrain and road network make foot access and stand hunting accessible without technical challenges.
Questions, tips & discussion
Ask anything about WMU D1— 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 D1.
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Boundaries: VTFWD official Wildlife Management Units. Community info last updated 23d ago.