John Austin

This document presents recommendations for the 2026 migratory game bird hunting seasons in Vermont. It outlines proposed season dates and bag limits for various species including ducks, geese, brant, woodcock, and snipe, across the Lake Champlain, Interior, and Connecticut River zones. Key considerations for these recommendations include adherence to federal frameworks, feedback from waterfowl hunter surveys, and biological data. The document also addresses the youth hunting weekend, the status of Brant and Snow goose populations, and the process for public input and review. The plan aims to provide structured hunting opportunities while ensuring the sustainability of migratory bird populations.

The meeting agenda covered several significant items, including petitions from the Vermont Bowhunters Association regarding a Youth and Novice Archery Season and a regulated Black Bear Baiting Season. The Board also held discussions concerning potential re-voting on Section 5, Bow and Arrow Standards, and provided preliminary approvals for the 2026 Migratory Game Bird Season and the 2026 Moose Season recommendation. A preliminary discussion took place regarding proposed changes to the Bear Regulations.

The meeting commenced with a discussion regarding the feasibility of shorter, online meetings for permit reviews to reduce the length of the standard five-hour sessions, noting that the previous meeting lacked a quorum to address unfinished business. Key discussion centered on a state taking permit application from VR concerning a road rebuild and reconstruction project between Brandon and Pittsford, which would result in the loss of approximately 11 acres of forest. The project involved consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding three federally listed bat species: the Indiana bat, the northern long-eared bat, and the tri-colored bat, which resulted in a mitigation payment of approximately $123,000 to the conservation fund. The committee recommended adding two state-listed species, the little brown bat and the eastern small-footed bat, to the permit, noting that the risk to these species was low due to the lack of structure demolition and specialized habitat presence in the project footprint. Members also questioned the fee structure, especially concerning the large mitigation payment relative to the small area impacted, and the lack of specific individual animal counts for the take permit due to VR's exemption from standard Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department fees. Finally, the group decided to schedule a follow-up discussion on permit fee structures and criteria for conservation fund investments.

The meeting commenced with board and department staff introductions. Key discussion topics during public comments heavily focused on the petition to establish bear baiting, with several members expressing strong opposition due to concerns about altering natural bear behavior, increasing human-wildlife conflicts, and lacking sportsman's ethics, citing external state reports supporting the maintenance of baiting prohibitions. Another speaker addressed the recent panfish rule changes, criticizing the lack of scientific study supporting the changes. Additionally, a petition was presented by the Vermont Bow Hunters Association to establish a youth and novice archery season in September, intended to provide low-pressure hunting opportunities for new and young participants.

The meeting commenced with roll call and confirmation of the acting chair. Public comment included a request to increase agent fees for selling hunting and fishing licenses due to increased operational costs for agents over the past 30 years. Another speaker invited the board to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the successful reintroduction of wild turkeys in Vermont, detailing related events. A third speaker addressed the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, specifically concerning commerce in dead wildlife, and raised concerns about an article encouraging improper trapping methods. Further public comment focused on the ecological benefits of coyotes for rodent control and coexistence strategies with other wildlife like bears. Discussions proceeded regarding proposed amendments to Bow and Arrow standards to explicitly include crossbows and language clarification regarding arrowhead/broadhead specifications. The board also initiated a review of the 2025 deer hunting season results.