Vermont § 22 - Turkey Seasons [Effective January 1, 2026] 1.0 Authority 1.1 This rule is adopted pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 4081

§ 22. Turkey Seasons [Effective January 1, 2026] 1.0 Authority 1.1 This rule is adopted pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 4081

• (a). In adopting this rule, the Fish and Wildlife Board is following the policy established
  by the General Assembly that the protection, propagation, control, management, and
  conservation of fish, wildlife and furbearing animals in this State is in the interest
  of the public welfare and that the safeguarding of this valuable resource for the
  people of the State requires a constant and continual vigilance. 1.2 In accordance with 10 V.S.A. § 4082, this rule is designed to maintain the best health, population and utilization levels
  of the turkey flock. 1.3 In accordance with 10 V.S.A. § 4084, this rule establishes daily, season and possession limits for game, territorial
  limits, and the manner and means of taking; to establish territorial limits for the
  taking of turkeys; and to establish restrictions on taking based upon sex, maturity
  or other physical distinction. 2.0 Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to establish seasons for the taking of turkeys,
  to establish open Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) for the taking of turkeys, to establish
  methods of taking turkeys and to establish limits on the number of turkeys to be taken. 3.0 Definitions. 3.1 “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. 3.2 “Crossbow” means a device consisting of a bow mounted to a rigid stock for discharging
  bolts or arrows and having a mechanical means to hold and release the drawn string,
  which must be fired from the shoulder. A bolt means a short projectile for a crossbow
  that resembles an arrow and has a head that measures no less than 7/8 inch at its
  widest point. A crossbow shall have a minimum pull of 125 pounds, a working mechanical
  safety and a stock no less than 23 inches in length. 3.3 “Legal means” means the taking of a turkey by shotgun, crossbow, or archery equipment
  in conformance with Section 6 of this rule. 3.4 “Novice” means a person who obtained their first hunting license within the past 12
  months and is 16 years of age or older. 3.5 “Wildlife Management Unit” (WMU) means one of 21 geographical areas in Vermont for
  which big game regulations may vary. 3.6 “Youth” means a person who is 15 years of age or younger. 4.0 Spring Season. 4.1 Dates: May 1, through May 31, inclusive. 4.2 Shooting hours: One-half hour before sunrise to twelve noon. 4.3 Legal turkey: Only wild turkeys with beard(s). 4.4 Bag Limit: Two bearded wild turkeys per person per season. 4.5 Open WMUs: Open statewide 4.6 A person hunting under this section shall obtain a turkey license as provided in 10 V.S.A. § 4252. 5.0 Fall Season. 5.1 Dates and Open WMU’s.