WMU L, Vermont

Low-elevation Champlain Valley agricultural landscape dominated by crop fields, dairy farms, and hardwood woodlots interspersed with wetlands, river corridors, and the foothills of the Green Mountains to the east. Elevations mostly below 500 feet with gentle to rolling terrain. Habitat diversity — corn and hay fields adjacent to mature hardwood stands — drives some of the highest white-tailed deer densities in Vermont.

moderate-high

Antlerless deer permits are allocated by WMU annually through a lottery. The Champlain Valley units (including L) historically receive generous antlerless permit allocations due to high deer density and agricultural damage concerns. Starting in 2026, antlerless permits may be used during the regular rifle/shotgun season for the first time since the 1980s. Hunters may now hold two antlerless permits simultaneously provided they are for different WMUs; a second permit (for a different WMU) may be purchased without lottery if unallocated permits remain.

Deer: Archery opens early October, regular rifle/shotgun season in November, muzzleloader antlerless season late October and December. Beginning 2026, antlerless permits valid during regular season. Annual deer limit 4 per year, only 1 legal buck. Bear: Statewide fair-chase season (no baiting); approximately September 1 through mid-November early season and a late season November 15-23. Bears present in the eastern foothills of WMU L; less abundant in the flat valley floor. One bear per year limit; mandatory reporting and carcass inspection required. Turkey: Spring season youth/novice weekend late April, regular season May 1-31. Fall turkey archery season opens October 1 concurrent with deer archery, running through mid-November. Turkey populations strong throughout the Champlain Valley farmland corridor. Moose: No moose permits allocated to WMU L; the 2026 permit allocation is limited to WMU E in the northeastern corner of the state (65 either-sex, 20 antlerless permits).

Some of Vermont's highest deer densities statewide, driven by prime agricultural habitat. Favorable antlerless permit allocations make this a top unit for doe harvest. Excellent spring turkey hunting in the valley farmland and hardwood edges. Accessible farmland hunting under Vermont's open-land tradition makes WMU L approachable for hunters without private land connections.