WMU F1, Vermont
Unit info
- Game species
- Deer, Turkey, Bear
- Group
- Zone F
- Area
- 245 mi²
- Public land
- N/A
Black Bear — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 2
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
- 575
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 also occur here — that data can be added as the community contributes.
About this unit
AI-compiled · sourcedVermont WMU F1 covers the Champlain Valley lowlands west of the Green Mountains, spanning Addison and Chittenden counties from Orwell and Middlebury north to Williston — some of the highest deer densities in the state thanks to productive agricultural land, hardwood edges, and relatively mild winters compared to the upland units. Antlerless permit allocations for F1 have historically been among the most generous in Vermont (1,200+ in recent years), and two-point buck restrictions apply. Bear and fall turkey round out a strong small-to-large-game portfolio, though moose presence is minimal in this valley unit.
Low-elevation Champlain Valley agricultural landscape — flat to gently rolling cropland and pasture interspersed with hardwood woodlots, river-bottom corridors (Otter Creek, New Haven River, Winooski River), and wetland edges. Elevation ranges roughly 100–500 ft. The eastern fringe of the unit abuts the foothills of the Green Mountains. Classic edge-habitat deer country with high carrying capacity. Bear and turkey are present but less dense than in the forested upland units to the east.
moderate-to-high
Antlerless permit lottery required for archery and muzzleloader doe harvest; WMU F1 historically receives one of the higher allocations in the state (1,200+ permits in 2017 benchmark year). As of 2026, hunters may hold two antlerless permits simultaneously provided they are for different WMUs, and only one may come from the lottery — the second can be purchased if unallocated permits remain. A two-point antler restriction applies (at least one antler with 2+ points >= 1 inch). Antlerless permits may now be used during the regular rifle season under 2026 rule changes.
DEER: Archery Oct 1 – Dec 15 (continuous under 2026 rules); rifle regular season early-to-mid November; muzzleloader season follows rifle. Two-point restriction on bucks. Antlerless lottery permits distributed by WMU. BEAR: Statewide fair-chase bear season; bears present throughout but lower density in valley unit than forested upland WMUs. No bait or hounds. TURKEY: Spring gobbler season typically late April–May statewide; fall shotgun/archery season in WMU F runs approximately Oct 25–Nov 9. MOOSE: Moose presence is very low in WMU F1; no moose permits are issued for this valley unit — moose hunting is concentrated in the Northeast Kingdom (WMUs A–D).
Among the highest deer densities in Vermont; productive agricultural edge habitat with excellent doe harvest opportunity; streamside woodlots hold big bucks; fall turkey season in WMUs F is a sleeper pick; unposted-land access law makes this a viable unit for hunters without land connections.
Questions, tips & discussion
Ask anything about WMU F1— 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 F1.
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.