WMU G, Vermont

Broad Champlain Valley lowlands dominated by agricultural fields, hedgerows, and river-bottom hardwoods along Otter Creek and its tributaries. Flat to gently rolling topography with elevation roughly 100-400 ft. Wetland complexes (Cornwall Swamp, Little Otter Creek WMA) provide thermal cover and travel corridors. Eastern edge transitions to Green Mountain foothills with mixed hardwood-softwood forest. High edge habitat from active dairy and row-crop farming creates exceptional browse and mast conditions for deer and turkey.

moderate

Antlerless permits allocated annually by the Fish and Wildlife Board through a lottery system; applications available each spring for approximately $10 (residents) / $25 (nonresidents). The Champlain Valley units historically receive relatively generous antlerless allocations due to high deer densities, but the 2026 season saw statewide permit reductions as VTFWD took a conservative approach amid new regulation changes. Starting in 2026, antlerless permits may be used during the regular November rifle season (new rule) and hunters may hold two permits simultaneously provided they are for different WMUs. The 3-inch antler rule applies in WMU G.

DEER: Archery season opens early October statewide; regular rifle (November) season and muzzleloader seasons follow. Antlerless permits required for antlerless harvest; 3-inch antler rule in effect. New 2026 regulations allow antlerless permit use during regular rifle season. TURKEY: Spring season May 1-31 statewide (Youth/Novice weekend April 26-27). Fall season archery Oct 1 - Nov 13; shotgun or archery Oct 24 - Nov 1 in WMU G; one turkey either sex in fall. Electronic calls, dogs, and bait prohibited. BEAR: Statewide fair-chase season; no bait or hounds outside permitted houndsman program; general license required; bears are present in WMU G but populations are denser in adjacent wooded hill country to the east. MOOSE: No moose hunting in WMU G; statewide lottery limited to WMU E (Northeast Kingdom), 85 permits allocated for 2026.

Among Vermont's top white-tailed deer units for density and harvest opportunity; productive agricultural-edge habitat holds deer year-round. Spring turkey hunting is excellent with good gobbler populations on farm woodlots and river bottoms. Dead Creek and Little Otter Creek WMAs offer added waterfowl hunting. Access to Green Mountain foothills adds backcountry deer hunting options on public land. No moose hunting permitted in WMU G — the statewide moose lottery is limited to WMU E in the Northeast Kingdom.