Vermont Black Bear Hunting -
Regulations 2026
Black bears are North America's most widespread bear, found in forests from Alaska to Florida. Despite their name, coloring ranges from jet black to cinnamon to blonde. They're stocky with rounded ears, a straight facial profile, and no shoulder hump — distinguishing them from grizzlies. Adults average 150-500 lbs, with large males occasionally exceeding 800 lbs. They are highly adaptable, omnivorous, and increasingly found near human settlements.
Vermont Black Bear Hunting - 2026 Regulation Quick Reference
Verified August 2026
Source: Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (vtfishandwildlife.com) · Last verified: August 2026
What You Need
License & Tag Requirements to Hunt Black Bear in Vermont
| License / Tag | Resident | Non-Resident | Required For |
|---|
Season Overview
Vermont Black Bear Season Calendar 2026
| Season | 2026 Dates | Legal Methods | Extra License Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bear | Vermont black bear season runs Sep 1–Nov 28 statewide; hunters must possess a valid Vermont hunting license and bear tag. The bag limit is one bear per license year. Legal methods include firearms, archery, and crossbows. Baiting and hounds are prohibited for bear hunting in Vermont. Vermont's bear population is estimated at 4,000–6,000 animals, primarily in the northern Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom. Black bears are most visible in late summer and fall foraging on beech nuts, berries, and agricultural crops before denning. The Northeast Kingdom counties of Essex, Orleans, and Caledonia hold the highest densities. |
By Management Zone
Season Dates & Rules by Zone
Harvest Rules
Vermont Black Bear Bag Limits & Harvest Regulations
| Animal Type | Season Bag Limit | How to Get the Tag | Key Rules |
|---|
Legal Hunting Methods
Vermont Black Bear Hunting - Seasons by Method
After the Harvest
Black Bear Registration - Vermont's Check-In Requirements
Vermont-Specific Rules
Vermont Black Bear Hunting Rules You Must Know
Where to Hunt
Best Black Bear Hunting Areas in Vermont
Know Your Quarry
Vermont Black Bear - Biology & Population Facts
Hunting Tactics
Vermont Black Bear Hunting Tactics - By Season
Questions & Answers