New Vermont Regulations for 2005


VtBowhunter

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Looks as though the Fish & Wildlife dept. is shooting out of the gates since regaining power over the Vermont deer herd.

Hear is what they are looking for in 2005.

- Zones B, J1, and K2 will have an antler restriction of 3 points on at least one side.

- All hunters will be allowed 3 deer still but only ONE buck.

- Muzzleloader season may be moved and placed before rifle season.

So far this is all the info I have but as far, but as far as I'm concerned they deserve a huge ATABOY.

I'm glad they aren't wasting any time in trying to improve our herd and our hunting.

I'll post more Info. as it becomes available.

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Re: New Vermont Regulations for 2005

They're doing that so they can avoid pregnant does from being shot.

Look at it this way. The more does that we can shoot with the bow and ML before harsher weather sets in, the fewer deer there will be to compete with the remaining deer for food. Trust me, it's much better for the herd then it might seem.

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Re: New Vermont Regulations for 2005

I guess the only real problem I have with this is that there is no pressure relief for the deer between seasons. But like you have mentioned keeping December free of hunting will definately help the deer population. One question tho, was there any mention of how they would handle the doe lottery system ? or if they would have one at all ??

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Re: New Vermont Regulations for 2005

I think the "3 point" is total points, not just "on one side" but not sure...

As for the rest I am for it.... Where did you hear about ML moving? Haven't seen anything about it other then rumors...

Horst -our ML season is basically set for the 2nd estrous cycle. Normally a 9 day season in the begining of Dec. It was just our 2nd archery season before ML was on the scene.

I agree with moving it to decrase shooting inseminated does. It will keep the buck form wasting his time and energy breeding them...

JMO

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Re: New Vermont Regulations for 2005

BTW this is still the official statement from VT F&W web site. Nothing has been updated since Dec 3rd.

For Immediate Release: December 3, 2004

Media Contact: Craig McLaughlin 802-241-3700

F&W BOARD STARTS HUNTING RULE CHANGE PROCESS

WATERBURY, VT Vermont would have different deer hunting rules in 2005 if a proposed regulation now being considered by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board is approved.

The Board voted on December 1, giving preliminary approval to a proposed deer hunting regulation that would protect bucks with spike antlers in three of the states 24 wildlife management units and reduce the number of bucks that can be taken by an individual from three to one statewide.

Archery and muzzleloader seasons would remain unchanged, according to the proposal. The two-part archery season would include 23 days beginning the first Saturday in October and be concurrent with the muzzleloader season at nine days beginning the first Saturday after the end of the November deer season. The annual limit on the number of deer that may be taken would remain at three. Youth deer hunting weekend rules would remain unchanged but the young hunters would only be able to take one buck with at least one antler three inches or longer per year.

The three proposed experimental wildlife management units (WMUs) where yearling bucks would receive protection are B in the northwest, J1 in south-central, and K2 in the southwestern part of the state. A map of Vermonts WMUs can be found in the Digest of Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Laws and on Vermont Fish & Wildlifes website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com).

We appreciate that Legislature has given the Fish & Wildlife Department and the Board an opportunity to better manage Vermonts deer herd, said Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Wayne Laroche. Vermont has always allowed bucks with one antler three inches or longer to be shot. Increasing that minimum antler restriction in WMUs B, J1 and K2 to allow bucks to live longer is an experiment. It will test antler restriction under Vermont conditions as a method for changing the age structure of the buck population and whether having more older bucks in the population will result in greater hunter satisfaction something many hunters have advocated for several years.

Other states are experimenting with managing their deer herds in a similar manner. Hunters are aware of this and want to see similar changes in deer management here in Vermont.

At least four public hearings may be held around the state later this winter. The proposed regulation could change after public input is considered, and it is scheduled to become effective next spring after the Board votes two more times.

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Re: New Vermont Regulations for 2005

[ QUOTE ]

Oh and I have no clue what the little squares are for.. LOL

[/ QUOTE ]

LOL...That will teach Ya for cutting and Pasting...

and before you ask I have no clue either...

As far as the Regs. go I'm not going to worry my head over it. Shawn say's I'll have my 3 deer limit filled by then...Hehehe...

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Re: New Vermont Regulations for 2005

I spoke with Wayne and he told me it would be a 3 point to at least one side restriction. Whether that happens or not won't bother me because I have the restriction on the land I hunt and it's been paying off big time. We have more big bucks running around the mountain now then we've seen in decades, and it's all because of that restriction that we imposed ourselves.

It wouldn't surprise me if they shot down the idea of moving the ML season......too many hunters would throw a hissyfit.

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Re: New Vermont Regulations for 2005

Yea I too heard a biologist say Wayne was pushing for 3 pts on one side. But too many people would go into shock over that and he knows it. LOL

I agree it should be that way too.

However F&W has to be realistic and push for what they get get. 2 pts one one side is just a stepping stone IMO. It will be higher one day once the hunters in VT see it working...

I wish it was more then just 3 WMA's though. Seems too low for a good sample test...

I wish they would bag youth weekend myself, but now I am just reaching for the moon...

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Re: New Vermont Regulations for 2005

I agree with something having to be done. Have you guys seen some of the old photos that hang in so many stores of bucks killed way back when........these photos show what Vermont deer used to be and could be again if steps were taken......those deer are freakin' huge. Vermont was the premier place to hunt way back then but now you're lucky if you get a shot at a 6 point. Makes me sick, but at the same time I know what restrictions can do. We started our's a few years back and we're seeing the turn around on the Mtn.

Whatever they do, at least they're taking a step in the right direction.

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Re: New Vermont Regulations for 2005

I agree with ya vtbowhunter, my father tell's me stories of some of the monsters that he has seen when he was a young man. When I shot my six pointer a few years back he looked at it and said how in the heck can that thing be a six point ? it looks more like a doe to me..LOL

Yep something has to be done, and soon...

I think it's time for Shawn and I to raid your mountian...LOL

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Re: New Vermont Regulations for 2005

[ QUOTE ]

Have you guys seen some of the old photos that hang in so many stores of bucks killed way back when........these photos show what Vermont deer used to be and could be again if steps were taken......those deer are freakin' huge.

[/ QUOTE ]

Isn't that strange? I'll bet those pictures were taken back when there was none of the fancy management techniques that are employed today. In fact, if your game management progressed the way our did, you probably had "buck only" hunting back then. Also those deer were not the result of AR. Interesting isn't it?

Doc

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Re: New Vermont Regulations for 2005

[ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]

Have you guys seen some of the old photos that hang in so many stores of bucks killed way back when........these photos show what Vermont deer used to be and could be again if steps were taken......those deer are freakin' huge.

[/ QUOTE ]

Isn't that strange? I'll bet those pictures were taken back when there was none of the fancy management techniques that are employed today. In fact, if your game management progressed the way our did, you probably had "buck only" hunting back then. Also those deer were not the result of AR. Interesting isn't it?

Doc

[/ QUOTE ]

Hmmm. Now that you mention it DOC, that does seem about right...how ironic is that ???

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Re: New Vermont Regulations for 2005

Your right Doc it was not due to antler restriction, only shooting doe restrictions... That and most likely less hunters as a whole... Our states population has grown 10 fold since days gone past...

Now we have a doe to buck ratio that is like 13:1 maybe higher and every year it gets worse.

Antler restrictions here in VT are coupled with limiting buck harvest limits. The 2 together "should" improve our buck herd... In which thats should increase the money the state and local economy as a whole can benifit from once the buck population and antler quality improves...

Now if we can just get our state to implement better doe harvest programs we will be good to go...

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Re: New Vermont Regulations for 2005

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I'ld like to see one season where we could shoot does with a ML without haveing to draw a tag, but rather buy one.......just for one season.

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You may just have something there(idea) If we can't harvest doe's during rifle season why don't they just make ML season an option season 1Buck if not already filled with a bow tag or 1 doe ?? seems like and idea to me, just get rid of that one sided lottery tag..

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