6
Daily duck limit
8
Daily goose limit
6
Teal limit (early)
$28.00
Waterfowl license (res.)
Season Information
Season DatesEarly Teal: Sept 1–16; Main Season: Oct 1 – Dec 15
FlywayAtlantic Flyway
Zone InformationVermont has a single statewide waterfowl zone. Lake Champlain forms the western border and is the state's premier waterfowl location. The Connecticut River Valley on the eastern border also provides quality habitat.
Species NotesDucks: 6/day total; mallard 4 (2 hens); black duck 2; pintail 1; canvasback 1; redhead 2; scaup 2; wood duck 3. Geese: Canada goose 8/day; snow/blue/Ross's 20/day.
License & Permit Requirements
State Hunting License
✅ Required
Federal Duck Stamp
✅ Required
HIP Registration
✅ Required
HIP Registration Info
All waterfowl hunters must register for HIP annually. Register online at vtfishandwildlife.com or at any license dealer at no charge. Your HIP number must be written on your hunting license or carried separately in the field.
How to Get Licensed for Waterfowl Hunting
1
Purchase a Vermont hunting license ($28.00 resident) from Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.
2
Complete HIP Registration (free) — available when purchasing your hunting license or through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website.
3
Purchase the Federal Duck Stamp ($25) — required for all waterfowl hunters age 16+. Available at USPS offices or online.
Additional Notes: Lake Champlain is Vermont's crown jewel for waterfowl hunting, drawing large concentrations of diving ducks including scaup, canvasback, and redhead during October and November migration. Wood duck populations are strong throughout the Champlain Valley bottomlands and the Connecticut River corridor. Canada geese are abundant statewide, with resident flocks supplemented by large migratory numbers in October. Vermont's hunting pressure is among the lowest of any Atlantic Flyway state, offering solitude on quality public marshes.
Buy VT License — Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department