Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Permit Applications Available in Vermont
OutdoorHub 06.18.12
Vermont’s muzzleloader antlerless deer hunting permit applications are now available on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com). A quick-link to the information and application is provided on the home page.
“It’s a really quick and easy process that ensures your entry is immediately entered into the lottery,” said Director of Wildlife Mark Scott. “Plus, it saves postage. We really encourage you to use the online application. It is more efficient for you and for us. Be sure to apply before the September 5 deadline.”
The Fish and Wildlife Board met on June 14 and approved the number of December muzzleloader permits at 12,425 for 15 of the state’s 24 Wildlife Management Units, to allow antlerless hunting during the archery season in all WMUs except WMU-E, and to allow any deer to be taken during youth deer hunting weekend.
“The proposal represents a conservative approach to antlerless deer hunting this fall,” said Scott. “We’ve been able to reduce deer numbers in parts of the state and meet our management objectives in recent years. The number of muzzleloader season antlerless permits for this year will allow for slow growth in the deer herd in most regions of the state.”
Biologists expect hunters who receive the permits will take about 2,246 antlerless deer in the muzzleloader season and an estimated additional 3,070 antlerless deer in youth and archery seasons.
“Winter weather in 2011-2012 was the mildest recorded in recent decades,” said Scott. “We need to manage the herd carefully to ensure the numbers of deer remains appropriate for the available habitat in each of Vermont’s 24 Wildlife Management Units.”
