Vermont attracts enthusiastic seekers seeking thrills with its stunning surroundings and numerous waterfowl. Due of the large permits and extensive variety of bird species in in the state, wildlife lovers worldwide enjoy observing them. This page will provide information on dates, limits, and possession constraints for various duck species.
Vermont Duck Hunting Season
Waterfowl season officially begins on September 1 and lasts through April 26.
| Ducks, Mergansers and Coots | |
| Connecticut River | Oct 5 - Nov 3 |
| Nov 22 - Dec 21 | |
| Interior Vermont | Oct 7 - Dec 5 |
| Lake Champlain | Oct 7 - Oct 11 |
| Scaup | |
| Connecticut River | Oct. 5 - Nov. 3 |
| Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 | |
| Snow Geese | |
| Connecticut River | Oct. 5 - Dec. 21 |
| Mar. 11 – Apr. 26, 2024 | |
| Interior Vermont | Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2023 |
| Feb. 27 – Mar 10, 2024 | |
| Mar. 11 – Apr. 26, 2024 | |
| Lake Champlain | Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2023 |
| Feb. 27 – Mar 10, 2024 | |
| Mar. 11 – Apr. 26, 2024 | |
| Brant | |
| Oct. 5 - Nov. 3 | |
| Nov 23 - Dec 8 | |
| Oct. 14 - Nov. 12 | |
| Oct. 14 - Nov. 12 |
🦆 Ducks, Coots & Mergansers
Season Dates by Zone
| Species | Lake Champlain Zone | Interior Vermont Zone | Connecticut River Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | Oct 12 – Nov 3 Nov 23 – Dec 29 | Oct 12 – Nov 10 Nov 23 – Dec 22 | Oct 9 – Nov 11 Nov 27 – Dec 22 |
| Scaup | Follows hybrid season bag limits | Follows hybrid season bag limits | Oct 9 – Nov 11 Nov 27 – Dec 22 |
🦢 Canada Geese
Season Dates by Zone
| Season Period | Lake Champlain Zone | Interior Vermont Zone | Connecticut River Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Season | Sept 1 – Sept 25 | Sept 1 – Sept 25 | Sept 1 – Sept 25 |
| Fall Season | Oct 12 – Nov 10 | Oct 12 – Nov 10 | Oct 9 – Nov 11 |
| Winter Season | Dec 1 – Jan 19 | Dec 1 – Jan 19 | Nov 27 – Dec 22 (waters) Dec 23 – Jan 11 (land) |
❄️ Snow Geese (Includes Blue Geese)
Conservation Order Dates
| Zone | Fall Season | Late Winter Season | Spring Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Champlain | Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2024 | Feb 26 – Mar 10, 2025 | Mar 11 – Apr 20, 2025 |
| Interior Vermont | Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2024 | Feb 26 – Mar 10, 2025 | Mar 11 – Apr 20, 2025 |
| Connecticut River | Oct 9 – Nov 11 Nov 27 – Dec 22 | – | Mar 11 – Apr 20, 2025 (land only) |
🦆 Brant
Season Dates by Zone
| Zone | Season Dates |
|---|---|
| Lake Champlain | Oct 12 – Nov 10 |
| Interior Vermont | Oct 12 – Nov 10 |
| Connecticut River | Oct 9 – Nov 7 |
Note: All dates subject to change. Always verify with Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department before hunting.
Type of Ducks
| Species |
| Dabbling Ducks |
| Mallard |
| American Black |
| Wood Duck |
| American Wigeon |
| Eurasian Wigeon |
| Gadwall |
| Northern Pintail |
| Northern Shoveler |
| Blue-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal |
| Sea Ducks |
| Long-Tailed |
| Harlequin |
| Black Scoter |
| White-Winged Scoter |
| Surf Scoter |
| Diving Ducks |
| Hooded Merganser |
| Common Merganser |
| Red-Breasted Merganser |
| Ruddy |
| Ring-Neck |
| Lesser Scaup |
| Greater Scaup |
| Canvasback |
| Redhead |
| Common Goldeneye |
| Barrow’s Goldeneye |
Tips and techniques for each species
| Duck Species | Hunting Tips and Techniques |
|---|---|
| Mallard Ducks | • To simulate natural social behavior, place decoys in small groups. • Create realistic vocalizations by using a variety of calls. • For more success, choose hunting spots close to flyways or feeding sites. |
| Wood Ducks | • Position yourself close to wood duck habitat, such as flooded woodland or wooded marshes. • To draw in males, make wood duck sounds or mimic their high-pitched squeals. • Decoys should be placed carefully amongst natural cover. |
| Black Ducks | • Set up in wetland or marshy locations that are popular with black ducks. • Use deceptive calling methods to imitate their noises. • Blend into your surroundings with natural-looking camouflage |
Prerequisites
| Hunting Prerequisites | Descriptiption |
|---|---|
| Importance of safety during duck hunting | • Treat firearms as if they are loaded • Properly identify targets • Practice water safety • Maintain clear communication • Inspect and maintain equipment |
| Regulations | • Stay updated on hunting seasons and bag limits • Follow shooting hour regulations • Use non-toxic shot |
| Licensing requirements and other legal considerations in Vermont | • Obtain a valid Vermont hunting license • Possess a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp • Complete HIP certification • Obtain landowner permission • Comply with reporting requirements |
John Lewis, the passionate founder of HuntingSeasons.org, is committed to promoting responsible hunting and a profound love for the wilderness. With years of expertise, his platform serves as a reliable guide for hunting enthusiasts, advocating ethical practices and nature preservation.
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