Steelhead can be spotted moving up the falls during warmer days in mid-to-late April and sometimes into early May.
Willoughby Steelhead Rainbow Trout will be jumping
Young wildlife belong in the wild
Picking up young wildlife can do more harm than good, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, and it is also against the law.
Beware the waking bears
Bear incidents have been on the rise over the past several years.
Stake on Mt. Mansfield logs near-record snow levels
It was the third-highest snowpack reading for that date since 1954, when the stake was installed, making this winter one of the snowiest on record.
Fish and Wildlife Board seeks public comment on doe season, expanded archery season
Deer is Vermont’s most popular game species with about 60,000 resident hunters and 7,500 out-of-state hunters heading into the autumn woods.
Covey: In hunting predators, what is ‘fair’?
Bill supporters have consistently stated their opinion that all the tools we use to hunt predators are “unfair”, and we shouldn’t be allowed to hunt them at all. Activism-driven bills like this are a waste of the legislature’s time, a waste of the taxpayers money, and a disservice to the people.
Sugarbush snow report criticizing Trump admin sparks controversy before removal
The resort’s snow report quickly pivoted to a sharp rebuke of what she described as the administration’s “attack” on National Forest lands, climate science agencies, and public funding programs that support adaptive skiers, veterans, and international workers.
Fish & Wildlife Board proposes doe season in November
Hunters who obtain antlerless permits would be allowed to harvest antlerless deer during the regular November season, which is currently limited to antlered (buck) deer.
Some cliff tops and overlooks are closed to protect nesting Peregrines
Hikers and climbers can help nesting peregrine falcons by avoiding several Vermont cliff areas this spring and early summer.
Soulia: Setting the record straight on trapping and the VT Constitution
It’s time to respect the constitutional rights of Vermonters, the cultural significance of trapping, and the practical realities of rural life.
Ice fishing prospects abound in the Green Mountain State
VT Fish & Wildlife at the Yankee Show, Jan. 17-19; Hunters took more than 17,000 deer in 2024
Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy grew to $2.1 billion in 2023
Green Mountain State maintains #2 ranking for outdoor recreation as part of GDP.
Sugarbush to open new chair to summit of Lincoln Peak
On Saturday, December 21, Sugarbush Resort will debut its newest upgrade, the Heaven’s Gate Quad, providing a more spacious ride to the summit of Lincoln Peak.
Dread your commute? These folks suggest trying a trail instead
“Our whole mission is trails that go somewhere,” one org director said. “The whole point is that you could use it to commute.”
Gov. Phil Scott announces 16 projects received Transformational Tourism Grants
Also, Vermont 2025 hunting and fishing licenses and lawbooks available
Feds propose ‘threatened’ status for monarch
Wakeboard sports ban meeting today.
McLeod: Thoughts on Deer Season
At dusk in November, lights will flicker on and in the hills, dales, and deep woods throughout VT as hunters gather for our 16-day unofficial holiday.
Bird Feeding Season and F&W gift licenses
“Winter bird feeding is a great way to observe and learn about our year-round bird residents such as black capped chickadees, nuthatches and blue jays. “
Welch seeks more fed $$ to add 24,000 acres to Conte refuge
“This unmet need underscores our call for robust funding to support critical projects in this region,” Welch and other senators wrote.
Deer season off to strong start
While western Vermont valleys offer more deer, the mountains and the Northeast Kingdom have fewer but bigger game, state biologists say.
VT Fish and Wildlife: Bald eagle shot in Bridport, reward offered
Metal pellets and recent wounds consistent with shotgun fire were found in the eagle’s body.
State issues no-burn order
With the continued dry weather outlook and the abundance of dry leaves and dry fuels in Vermont’s forests, wildfires have the potential to spread rapidly, officials said.
Drivers, leave four feet to pass non-drivers – it’s the law now
A new state law requires drivers to give most non-drivers a wide, four-foot berth. Critics suggest rules for bicyclists.
Unbe-leaf-able!
Peak foliage – enjoy it while it lasts!
Chittenden County man dies of mosquito-borne virus
The victim was a man in his 70’s who had been hospitalized since August and died in September.
Lynx sightings continue
Reports indicate that the lynx has moved about 60 miles north of where it was first sighted in Rutland County into Addison County, traveling around a dozen miles at a time and then staying in the same general area for several days before moving on.
New outdoors show airs on VT radio/ Bag limit four for archery season
The show aims to educate, entertain, and inform outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels.
Take up to four deer during archery season
A hunter may take up to four deer in Vermont’s two-part archery season if they do not shoot any deer in the other deer seasons.
State-certified leashed tracking dogs help hunters recover game
The leashed tracking dog owners, who provide their services free of charge, must pass an extensive exam in order to be certified and licensed to provide their services.
Squirrel hunting season opens September 1
The daily bag limit is four gray squirrels, and the possession limit is eight.
Rare big cat caught on camera
Most VT lynx sightings – although still rare – are in the Northeast Kingdom.
New bear population estimate based on 2023 data available
Bear population down some but still high.
Get State Park and Historic Site passes at your local library
Get out and see the wonders of the State we call home this year!
Vermonters planting native gardens to help pollinators prosper
The mission is to reduce the distance pollinators like bees and butterflies must go to get nectar and pollen. The gardens, in effect, form a highway.
How do turkeys fare in extreme weather? Fish & Wildlife wants your help!
Every summer the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department puts out a call for citizen scientists to count young turkeys, or “poults,” between the start of July and the end of August.
Fish and Wildlife needs volunteers for wild goose chase, banding
Volunteers needed to help in rounding up, placing id. bands on the legs of Canada geese at the Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area in Addison.
In Groton, volunteers fight back against Japanese knotweed
In stifling, almost oppressive heat and humidity, a small troop of aged, sweaty volunteers waged war against an invasive pest proliferating across the landscape.
Living with wildlife: bats in your house?
Homeowners should follow the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s recommendations on when and how to protect the living space and do a bat eviction.
July 31 is deadline for Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Permit applications
Landowners who post their land may not apply for a landowner priority muzzleloader antlerless deer permit.
Gravel roads tell Vermont’s story top to bottom on VTXL cycling route
Its 301 miles are peppered with 30,300 feet in total climb — all on public dirt roads between a dozen rocky sections.
Training course offered Aug. 1 for new hunter ed. instructors
VT Fish and Wildlife Department is offering a New Instructor Training Course for people interested in volunteering to teach hunter, trapper or bow hunter education.
‘Boyfriend of the Year’ saves woman from extreme heat on Mt. Mansfield
“He poured water over her head and had her lying on cool shady ground, which doesn’t sound very romantic but these are both good was to dissipate heat.”
Ehlers: Beware blue-green algae – check before you swim
Blue-green algae produces neurotoxins and liver toxins. The problem is growing rapidly as politicians accelerate development and fail to regulate polluters.
Jablow: Vermont’s bear hunt exposed
The data that F&W published in their report was incomplete, likely because the public would be unhappy to know hunters killed cubs, yearlings, and many females.
Officials: Vermonters should prepare to protect their lungs with Quebec fires expected again
“We’re not on the level of having gigantic fires in Vermont yet,” Dillner said. But officials believe Vermonters should prepare to protect their homes, health.
What’s good for the goose…
Here’s a great opportunity to go on a wild goose chase that can make a difference: Fish & Wildlife seeks volunteers for goose banding.
Fires and swimming are prohibited at Fishing Access Areas
VT Fish & Wildlife reminds people that open fires and swimming are prohibited at all Vermont state fishing access areas.
Fish and Wildlife to conduct Intro to Fishing clinics
Three of the currently scheduled clinics focus on a general introduction to fishing while a fourth will highlight worm drifting for trout in mountain streams.
Bear with milk bucket on head rescued
“While we’re unsure of how the bear got stuck in the can and why it was drawn to it, this story serves as an important reminder of how curious and food-driven bears are,” Fish & Wildlife said.
Despathy: Advice from a Vermont environmentalist
The RES Series, Part II: The advice of Annette Smith, Executive Director, Vermonters for a Clean Environment (VCE).
The Civilian Conservation Corps in Vermont
This week we celebrate the first Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.) in Vermont starting work in Danby, June 5, 1933.
Lampreys, loons, and moose hunts
Loons, lampreys, and moose hunting application deadline.
VT’s Summer Free Fishing Day is this Saturday, June 8
Grand Isle Family Fishing Festival, Bass Opener both on Free Fishing Day
Public reminded to not disturb spawning sea lamprey in Connecticut River drainage
Sea lamprey are native to Connecticut River, beneficial to the aquatic ecosystem.
UVM researchers on how nature benefits Americans
Two UVM scientists will contribute to the First National Nature Assessment.
Newport tightens safety after second sludge spill in Clyde River
Jason Herman, the facility’s chief operator, confirmed that these incidents are becoming more frequent.
Aggressive bear euthanized, wardens warn about compost
The bear euthanized this morning in Underhill was attracted into an area resident’s yard by recycling left outside the front door this morning.
Chicken predation and how to protect them
Many first-time small-scale poultry farmers are discovering that several species of wildlife like the taste of chicken as much as we do.
Vermont search and rescues are rising
More and more people are trekking off-path without being prepared, increasing the danger, say those in the field.
Dawson: Vermont pollen season longer, worse now
By taking steps to improve indoor air quality during these seasons, Vermonters can keep their homes healthy and allergy symptoms at bay.
Wildlife management bill dead in the water
Part of the bill aimed to ban hunters from using dogs and bait — without a trappers’ license — to hunt coyotes in the state.
S.258 a goner
“I think the majority (of Democrats) didn’t want to take it up in an election year with all the sportsmen voters out there defending Vermont traditions,” said Rep. Smith, of Derby.
Hunt more moose to save them from winter ticks?
Experts see few other ways to stem the grisly pests.
Bruner: CONS of S.258
Hunters have been the primary force for conservation since it’s inception in the US.
Jablow: PROS of S.258
Misinformation is a threat to our democracy, both nationally and as a state. At least here, being fact-based and credible is important to the bulk of advocates,
Counting critters: Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas turns 30
The project has amassed 123,000 entries since its founding in 1994.
Evaluating a new rainbow trout strain for Vermont
State Fisheries Biologist Lee Simard: “We are evaluating the new Eagle Lake strain of rainbow trout against our traditionally stocked Erwin-Arlee strain…”
Burke: Hunter says coyote activist ‘monitor’ got the story all wrong
Rod Coronado of Orange boasts about his work ‘monitoring’ coyote hunters. One of those hunters said he saw Coronado in the woods.
Vermont wildlife officials urge proactive measures to prevent bear conflicts
Bears have begun emerging from their dens earlier than usual this spring.
Bald eagles are back, but great blue herons paid the price
Researchers have concerns about the relation between the bald eagles’ rise and a receding blue heron population in the state.
Vermont allocates moose hunting permits for 2024
The science-based hunt is expected to result in a harvest of about 94 moose, or about 10 percent of the current moose population in Wildlife Management Unit E.
Lakes, rivers and streams stocked with trophy trout
Vermont’s “Trophy Trout” stocking program for 2024 includes nine river sections and 37 lakes and ponds receiving the two-year old trout, some over 18 inches long.
Weak winter a boon to birdwatchers — but crowds could put rare species at risk
With this winter’s relatively weak snowfall, more people may have turned to birding as an outdoor activity for the season.
Vermont’s trout fishing season opens Saturday, April 13
Despite lingering snow cover in some areas, VT Fish & Wildlife says anglers can still have fun and be successful early in the season.
Bill to save Salisbury fish hatchery moves to Senate floor
The Senate has approved another year of funding for the Salisbury fish hatchery.
Thicket Adventure offers plus-sized options for outdoors enthusiasts
VT clothing brand Thicket Adventure recently hit its Kickstarter goal of $30,000 after only four days.
BREAKING: S.258, hunting/fishing/trapping bill, OKed by Senate committee
S.258 is strongly supported by anti-hunting and fishing organizations, but passage on the Senate floor is not certain.
Some cliff tops and overlooks closed to protect nesting Peregrines
Also, be alert for frogs and salamanders while driving.
Bears are becoming active earlier in the spring
Vermonters need to take steps now to prevent bear conflicts.
Klar: Fur trapping to save the planet!
A recent study concludes that explosive repopulation of Arctic terrain by beavers is thawing large areas of tundra and releasing climate-destroying methane.
Vermont drone flyers face new restrictions under bill to protect privacy
One drone operator understands the lawmakers’ concern, but said he thinks details in the bill are too arbitrary.
BREAKING: Senate moves to save Salisbury fish hatchery/ GunSense pushes gun ban at polls/ F&W, coyote bill lacks votes
Salisbury hatchery ALIVE. Coyote hunting ban NOT SO MUCH. The latest from the State House.
On April 8, the sun will go dark
“We expect to see a large volume of visitors to the region in the days before, during and after the event. With this in mind, the Lake Champlain Chamber is encouraging cities, towns, and businesses in the region to plan accordingly.”
Video: Sportsmen oppose Fish & Wildlife Board changes
Opponents of S.258, reconfiguring the Fish & Wildlife Board, speak out in this VDC video of a Tuesday, February 20 State House gathering.
Senate toughens hunting control bill morning after sportsmen gather at State House
The Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee Wednesday has made a bill strongly opposed hunting advocates even more restrictive.
3-year-old on ventilator after ice fishing tragedy on Lake Memphremagog
A patch of thin ice was the scene of a family riding a side-by-side plunging into the icy waters of Lake Memphremagog Saturday.
Power struggle over trapping, coyote hunting peaks in Senate this week
S.258 would seize rule-making power from the Fish & Wildlife Board, expand the role of non-hunters, and prohibit coyote hunting with bait and dogs.
Gorsline: In support of S.258
Contrary to what biologists at Vermont Fish & Wildlife, and some hunters may say, coyotes and other predators don’t explode in population if they’re not aggressively removed.
Bradley: Salisbury fish hatchery cannot be closed
Closing the Salisbury fish hatchery is a budget cut that will have disastrous effects for fishing in Vermont.
In Vermont, gardening and foraging helped prevent hunger during COVID
Home and wild food production is not a silver bullet, but it is a potential solution that has been largely overlooked.
Loggers are backing a Vermont bill to crack down on timber thieves
If a business is culpable, H.614 allows police to seize any equipment it used for illegal activity.
Rare bird died of natural causes
Rare bird that sparked excitement and concern died of natural causes according to new lab results.
One new fish record established in Vermont in 2023
New record set for Longnose Gar.
Fish hatchery slated to close
Closure of the Salisbury hatchery will reduce Vermont’s ability to produce trout for stocking state-wide and for trophy stocking for up to five years.
Vermont habitat stamp raises $656,000 for conservation in 2023
Matching funds for habitat projects sponsored by the stamp have come from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program.
Free ice fishing Jan. 27
Festival at Elmore State Park
Vermont Huts reaches out
Vermont Huts Association looks to bring more people into the outdoors
Stevenson: Fish and Wildlife Department defies legislators
Vermonters have been trying to change how the Fish and Wildlife Board and Department treats wildlife and the public for decades but reach grid lock, every time — and here we are again.
Rainy weekends reduced 2023 deer harvest
The likely final tally of over 16,800 deer will provide about 3.4 million servings of locally-sourced venison.
Beal: In defense of wildlife advocacy groups
I felt compelled to correct misleading statements that misrepresented the values and goals of wildlife advocates. It’s okay to disagree, but the continued misinformation needs to be addressed.
