WMU N, Vermont

Predominantly flat to gently rolling Champlain Valley lowlands characterized by extensive dairy and row-crop agriculture interspersed with hedgerows, river-bottom hardwood corridors, and wetland complexes along the Missisquoi River and Lake Champlain shoreline. Elevations stay low (100-400 ft), with no significant hill terrain. Soils are fertile clay-loam typical of former lake-bottom geology. Habitat is a mix of open ag fields, brushy fencerows, riverine silver maple and cottonwood flats, and small woodlots — classic edge habitat that supports high deer and turkey densities.

moderate

Antlerless deer permits are allocated annually by the Fish and Wildlife Board for WMU N; the Champlain Valley is historically one of the more generous permit units given high deer density. Antlerless permits may be used during the regular firearm season and the December muzzleloader season under 2026 rule changes. A legal buck in WMU N requires at least one antler with two or more points each at least one inch long (same standard as WMUs A, B, F1, F2, H, J1, J2, K, O). Hunters may hold up to two antlerless permits simultaneously provided they are for different WMUs. Check VTFWD annually in early summer for current permit allocations.

DEER: Archery season runs Oct 1 - Dec 15 (expanded archery Sept 15-30 in designated areas); Youth/Novice weekend Nov 7-8; Regular firearm Nov 14-29; December muzzleloader Nov 30 - Dec 13; October muzzleloader antlerless-only Oct 29 - Nov 1 in select WMUs by permit. TURKEY: Spring turkey season typically runs early-to-mid May (check annual dates); fall archery turkey Oct 1 through the Friday before regular deer season; fall firearms turkey season also available. WMU N flat farmland with open fields and woodlot edges is ideal turkey habitat with good populations. BEAR: Vermont bear season runs statewide in fall concurrent with deer seasons; fair-chase hunting only — no baiting permitted; hounds allowed with bear-dog permit (max 6 dogs). Bears are present but less abundant than in the Green Mountains or Northeast Kingdom; WMU N farmland edge and riparian corridors do hold some bears though encounters are less common than in forested units. MOOSE: No moose permits are allocated for WMU N or the Champlain Valley region; Vermont's 2026 moose permits are restricted to WMU E in the Northeast Kingdom only. Moose are very rarely encountered in WMU N.

Among Vermont's top-producing deer units by density; flat farmland makes for easier recovery and access compared to mountain units; excellent fall turkey hunting in agricultural fields; Missisquoi NWR and associated WMAs provide free public access with good habitat diversity; waterfowl hunting at Mud Creek and Maquam Bay is a bonus; relatively mild winters reduce deer wintering stress and support strong population recovery year to year.