Vermont

Vermont is home to the Green Mountain range, an iconic formation that provides not only hunting and angling opportunities, but also numerous outdoor recreation pursuits. With 78% of its area covered in forests and the iconic Lake Champlain, Vermont offers phenomenal sporting activities and natural beauty. Becoming the 14th state in the Union in 1791, Vermont’s history is deeply interwoven with the Revolutionary war. Today, the Green Mountain State is one of the largest maple producers in the nation. Certain species sportsmen may pursue include white-tailed deer, black bear, moose, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, woodcock, waterfowl, and snowshoe hare.

For more information on the elected officials protecting and promoting the sportsmen’s traditions in Vermont, please contact: Fred Bird

Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus

Senator Bernard Sanders Representative Peter Welch

Vermont Governors Sportsmen's Caucus Member

Governor Phil Scott

Vermont Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus Leadership

Senator Patrick Brennan Representative Gina Galfetti Representative Mark Higley Senator Terry Williams

Vermont Policy Highlights

Firearms, hunting, and recreational shooting on state land was protected; and prevented an attempt to close off 168,000 acres of state land.

Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus member Governor Phill Scott, signed a bill eliminating existing prohibitions on switchblade knives with a blade length of 3 inches or more, allowing Vermont citizens to utilize these common tools.

NASC Vice President, and Vermont Legislative Caucus Co-Chair, Sen. Pat Brennan, secured a Joint Resolution celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Sportfish Restoration Program.

Paid Hunting License Holders

Paid Angling License Holders

.4 M

Generated for Wildlife Conservation

Crossbows

Over the last decade, many states have expanded opportunities for archery hunters wishing to use crossbows. Incorporating crossbow hunting opportunities into game management may increase… Read more.

Federal Land Hunting & Angling Access

Many sportsmen and women depend on federal lands managed by agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and… Read more.

30×30: Recognizing Sportsmen’s Contributions to Conservation

Concerned about the uncertainty that 30×30 policies may pose for hunting and fishing access, the sportsmen’s community issued the Hunting and Fishing Community Statement on… Read more.

Federal Land Habitat Management

Properly managed wildlife habitat is essential for supporting sustainable and healthy wildlife populations. Well-managed lands containvarious successional stages that provide a diversity of habitats capable… Read more.

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March 9, 2026

CSF Opposes Vermont Legislation Prohibiting Forest Management on Public Lands

Why It Matters: Legislation that removes management flexibility on public lands by prohibiting sustainable forest management practices threatens forest resiliency and wildlife conservation. Other Northeastern states have introduced similar bills in recent years, and it is important for the sportsmen’s community to continue voicing their concerns and advocating for policies that promote active forest management to support our sporting traditions that depend […]

February 17, 2026

CSF Backs U.S. Forest Service Prescribed Fire Project in Vermont

Why It Matters: The proposed forest health improvement treatments on the Green Mountain National Forest, particularly prescribed fire, support fire-adapted plant communities and promote species (like oaks) that are critical for wildlife. Fire suppression leads to changes in forest composition and structure and builds fuels, increasing wildfire risk to nearby communities. Environmental interests criticized the project, and it is important for the sporting-conservation community to support the work of trained foresters, biologists, […]

August 11, 2025

What’s Ahead for Sportsmen and Women in the Northeast?

Why it matters: With many hunting seasons in the Northeast coming into focus in the next few weeks, sportsmen and women going afield should brush-up on new laws and regulations that could change their approach to the ’25-’26 hunting seasons. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) was on the frontlines of advancing pro-sporting legislation and stopping…

June 23, 2025

Some Good News in the Green Mountain State: A Look Back at Vermont’s 2025 Session

Why It Matters: It is no secret that sportsmen and women of the Green Mountain State have often and increasingly faced a lack of support from the broader community on several aspects of Vermont’s sporting heritage. Vermont being the first state to guarantee the right to hunt, trap, and fish dating back to the late…

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Vermont: American System of Conservation Funding Fact Sheet

2013 Sportsmen’s Economic Impact Report – Vermont

2006 Economic Impact Report — Vermont

View All Vermont Reports

Impact You Can See

Utilization of bait for furbearers will continue as an effective means of management in VT.

Sportsmen and women in MD, VA, VT, and WA were protected against “sin taxes” on firearms and ammunition.

The ability to buy, possess, and use modern sporting firearms and/or standard capacity magazines was successfully defended in AZ, NM, UT, and VT.

Hunting and recreational shooting access protected on 168,000 acres of state lands in VT.

Legislatures in AL, AR, DE, GA, IL, KY, LA, MS, NH, NV, NY, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, UT, VT, and WV celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Sportfish Restoration Program and formally recognized the crucial role that sportsmen and women play in funding conservation efforts through the “user pays, public benefits” structure of the American System of Conservation Funding.