WMU I, Vermont

Central Green Mountain spine and flanking foothills, elevation ranging from roughly 400 ft in valley bottoms to over 3,000 ft on ridgelines. Mixed hardwood forest (maple, beech, yellow birch) dominates mid-elevations; softwood conifer stands occupy higher terrain; lowland agricultural edges and river-bottom flats along the Mad River, White River tributaries, and Otter Creek headwaters provide productive deer habitat. Heavy snow years at elevation can compress deer into lower valleys, concentrating hunting opportunities.

moderate

Antlerless deer permits are allocated annually by the Fish and Wildlife Board following public hearings, typically announced in early summer. WMU I receives a moderate antlerless allocation reflecting mid-range deer density on mountain terrain. For 2025, Vermont issued approximately 23,400 antlerless permits statewide; WMU I share reflects lower-density mountain habitat versus the Champlain Valley units. A muzzleloader-specific antlerless lottery opens in October. Beginning 2026, antlerless harvest is also permitted during the regular November rifle season in qualifying units — verify current WMU I status with VTFWD.

DEER: Archery season runs October 1 through mid-December (expanded archery opens September 15 in designated areas); youth/novice weekend early November; regular rifle season November 14-29; muzzleloader antlerless-by-permit late October, followed by December muzzleloader season November 30 through mid-December. Legal buck requires at least one antler 3 inches or longer. BEAR: Statewide season with an early period September 1 through November 13 and late period November 14-22; hound hunting by permit (residents from September 1, nonresidents from September 15); baiting prohibited; fair-chase only; one bear limit; carcass inspection and premolar submission required. Bears present throughout WMU I except at the highest elevations. TURKEY: Spring season May 1-31, shooting hours from one-half hour before sunrise until noon, two bearded turkeys may be taken; fall turkey season also available. Good populations along forest-field edges at lower elevations. MOOSE: Vermont moose are most abundant in WMU E (Northeast Kingdom); WMU I lies at the southern fringe of viable moose range and sightings occur but the unit is not a primary moose management zone. Moose permits issued by lottery for a 7-day archery season (October 1-7) and/or a 9-day regular season beginning the third Saturday in October; permit availability for WMU I is low to none most years — check current lottery results.

Expansive Green Mountain National Forest access with minimal crowding at higher elevations; solid black bear population with fair-chase archery and rifle opportunities; excellent spring turkey hunting along agricultural-forest edges; legal buck defined as at least one antler 3 inches or longer; Vermont's default open-access rule on unposted private land maximizes hunting flexibility.