Vermont Duck Hunting Season 2026-2027: Dates, Rules & Limits
Vermont duck season 2026-2027 runs October through late December, with opening day set for October 10, 2026 in the Lake Champlain and Interior Vermont zones and October 13, 2026 in the Connecticut River Zone. Vermont splits the state into three waterfowl hunting zones — Lake Champlain, Interior Vermont, and Connecticut River — and both the Lake Champlain and Connecticut River zones use split seasons, while the Interior zone runs on a straight, continuous season.
Whether you are a first-time duck hunter chasing mallards on a Champlain Valley marsh or a veteran waterfowler planning an open-water hunt for goldeneyes in November, this guide covers the 2026-2027 season dates, bag limits, licenses, stamps, and regulations you need to hunt legally in Vermont. Regulations can change annually, so always verify current rules with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department before heading afield. Last researched and updated: September 15, 2026.
Vermont Duck Season 2026-2027 at a Glance
| Information | 2026-2027 Details |
|---|---|
| Regular Duck Season | Lake Champlain Zone: Oct. 10 – Nov. 1 & Nov. 21 – Dec. 27; Interior Vermont Zone: Oct. 10 – Dec. 8; Connecticut River Zone: Oct. 13 – Nov. 11 & Nov. 25 – Dec. 24 |
| Hunting Zones | 3 — Lake Champlain, Interior Vermont, Connecticut River |
| Daily Bag Limit | 6 ducks (species sub-limits apply) |
| Possession Limit | 18 ducks (3× the daily bag limit) |
| Shooting Hours | One-half hour before sunrise to sunset |
| Youth Waterfowl Days | Sept. 26 – 27, 2026 (statewide) |
| Veteran/Military Days | None offered for 2026-2027 |
| Early Teal Season | No separate early teal season |
| Required License | Vermont hunting license (resident or nonresident) |
| Vermont Waterfowl Stamp | Required for hunters 16+ — $7.50 |
| Federal Duck Stamp | Required for hunters 16+ — $25 |
| HIP Registration | Free, required for all migratory bird hunters |
Vermont Duck Season Dates for 2026-2027
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has published the official 2026-2027 migratory game bird season dates and bag limits, which were coordinated with New York and New Hampshire within the framework established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Vermont Fish & Wildlife press release.
| Duck Hunting Zone | Season Dates |
|---|---|
| Lake Champlain Zone | Segment 1: Oct. 10 – Nov. 1, 2026; Segment 2: Nov. 21 – Dec. 27, 2026 |
| Interior Vermont Zone | Oct. 10 – Dec. 8, 2026 (straight season, no split) |
| Connecticut River Zone | Segment 1: Oct. 13 – Nov. 11, 2026; Segment 2: Nov. 25 – Dec. 24, 2026 |
Key takeaways:
- Opening day is October 10 in the Lake Champlain and Interior Vermont zones, and October 13 in the Connecticut River Zone.
- Closing day is December 27 in the Lake Champlain Zone, December 8 in the Interior Zone, and December 24 in the Connecticut River Zone.
- The mid-November break in the Lake Champlain and Connecticut River zones overlaps peak diving-duck migration on larger waters — a deliberate scheduling choice to keep hunting quality high.
These dates are also summarized each year in the official 2026-2027 Migratory Game Bird Regulation Syllabus, the binding reference document for all Vermont migratory bird seasons.
Vermont Duck Hunting Zones
To maximize hunting opportunity across a geographically varied state, Vermont is divided into three waterfowl hunting zones:
- Lake Champlain Zone — Includes the U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and the adjoining Champlain Valley lowlands in Vermont and New York, generally west of a line running from the New York border along U.S. 4 to VT 22A at Fair Haven, north through Vergennes, Swanton, and Alburg to the Canadian border.
- Interior Vermont Zone — The portion of Vermont east of the Lake Champlain Zone and west of a line extending from the Massachusetts border at Interstate 91, north along I-91 to U.S. 2, east to VT 102, and north along VT 102/VT 253 to the Canadian border. This is the largest zone and covers most of the state.
- Connecticut River Zone — The remaining portion of Vermont east of the Interior Zone, including the Connecticut River and narrow strips of Vermont and New Hampshire. Notably, season dates and bag limits for this zone are set by the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department under its Inland Zone rules.
Quick note on boundaries: The zone lines follow major highways (U.S. 4, U.S. 7, VT 78, VT 36, I-91, U.S. 2, VT 102, VT 253), which makes them fairly easy to identify on the ground. A printer-friendly official waterfowl zone map is available from Vermont Fish & Wildlife, and a full-color map is posted on the department’s waterfowl zones page.
Hunters also benefit from the Connecticut River Reciprocal Agreement: a person holding a Vermont resident hunting license that allows the taking of migratory waterfowl and coots may hunt migratory game birds (except woodcock and snipe) in the Connecticut River Zone in New Hampshire, and New Hampshire residents receive the same right in Vermont. Always confirm the zone where you plan to hunt — season dates and certain bag limits differ between zones.
Vermont Duck Season Bag Limits
The daily duck limit in Vermont for 2026-2027 is 6 ducks, with the species-specific restrictions below (per the official 2026-2027 Migratory Bird Syllabus). Remember the aggregate limit applies: even if species sub-limits would allow more than six birds, six is the daily maximum. Harlequin ducks may not be taken at all.
| Duck Species | Daily Limit | Important Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Mallard | 4 | No more than 2 may be hens |
| Black Duck | 2 | — |
| Wood Duck | 3 | — |
| Northern Pintail | 3 | — |
| Canvasback | 2 | — |
| Redhead | 2 | — |
| Scaup | 1–2 | Varies by date and zone (see below) |
| Sea Ducks (scoters, eiders, long-tailed ducks) | 4 total | Max 3 scoters; max 3 eiders (only 1 hen eider); max 3 long-tailed ducks |
| Harlequin Duck | 0 | Closed — no take |
| Other Ducks (gadwall, wigeon, shoveler, teal, etc.) | Count toward 6-duck limit | No separate sub-limit |
Scaup limits by date/zone:
- Lake Champlain Zone: 1 scaup per day Oct. 10 – Nov. 1 and Nov. 21 – Dec. 7; 2 per day Dec. 8 – Dec. 27.
- Interior Vermont Zone: 1 scaup per day Oct. 10 – Nov. 18; 2 per day Nov. 19 – Dec. 8.
- Connecticut River Zone: 1 scaup per day Oct. 13 – Nov. 11; 2 per day Nov. 25 – Dec. 24.
Because scaup limits shift mid-season this year, check the current syllabus against the exact date you plan to hunt.
Possession limit: The possession limit for ducks (and all waterfowl except snow geese) is three times the daily bag limit — meaning 18 ducks in total for 2026-2027. Possession limits apply to birds in the field, in transit, and at home.
What License Do You Need to Hunt Ducks in Vermont?
Vermont Hunting License
Every waterfowl hunter in Vermont must hold a valid Vermont hunting license — resident or nonresident. First-time applicants need either a current or previous hunting license from any state or province, or a hunter education certificate. Hunters under age 16 must have a parent or guardian sign for the license; a discounted youth hunting license is available for hunters 17 and under, and a mentored hunting license is available for new hunters hunting under the direct supervision of a licensed adult.
Vermont Waterfowl Stamp (Migratory Waterfowl Tag)
Hunters 16 and older must carry a Vermont Migratory Waterfowl Stamp (the state “duck stamp”), valid for the calendar year, costing $7.50. It is available when you purchase your license online or from any license agent. The state stamp no longer needs to be signed, but it must be carried while hunting.
Federal Duck Stamp
Anyone 16 or older hunting waterfowl must also possess a current Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp — the classic federal duck stamp — priced at $25. Federal stamps are sold at most U.S. Post Offices, participating sporting goods retailers, select national wildlife refuges, and online. Under the Duck Stamp Modernization Act, an electronic duck stamp (E-Stamp) is now legal for immediate use; you can buy a digital stamp that works instantly with a mobile wallet pass, with the physical collectible stamp mailed to you. Important: if you buy the paper stamp, you must sign it across the face before it is valid for hunting — a store receipt is not a legal substitute. See the official Federal Duck Stamp page for purchase options.
HIP Registration (Harvest Information Program)
Federal law requires every migratory bird hunter — including duck, goose, coot, snipe, and woodcock hunters — to register annually with the Harvest Information Program (HIP). Registration is free and takes only minutes: register online through the Vermont Fish & Wildlife license system or call toll-free 1-877-306-7091 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). You receive a HIP registration number, which you then write in the Harvest Information Program section of your hunting license. Permanent or lifetime license holders should print the HIP response form and carry it while hunting. HIP must be completed in each state where you hunt Vermont Fish & Wildlife – HIP.
Summary Table
| Requirement | Resident | Nonresident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting License | Required | Required | Youth/mentored options; under-16 needs parent/guardian signature |
| HIP Registration | Required (free) | Required (free) | Annual; register online or by phone |
| Vermont Waterfowl Stamp | Required 16+ ($7.50) | Required 16+ ($7.50) | Same fee for residents and nonresidents |
| Federal Duck Stamp | Required 16+ ($25) | Required 16+ ($25) | Must be signed; E-Stamp available |
Vermont Duck Hunting License Costs for 2026-2027
The following fees reflect the official 2026 Vermont license price schedule Vermont Fish & Wildlife License Info and 2026 Vermont hunting license fees:
| License or Permit | Resident Cost | Nonresident Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting License (1-year) | $28.00 | $102.00 |
| Hunting License (5-year) | $134.00 | $504.00 |
| Youth Hunting License (17 & under) | $8.00 | $25.00 |
| Combination Hunting/Fishing (1-year) | $47.00 | $143.00 |
| Mentored Hunting License | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Vermont Waterfowl Stamp | $7.50 | $7.50 |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| HIP Registration | Free | Free |
Additional notes: residents 66 and older can purchase a permanent license for a one-time fee of $60 (waterfowl stamps are not included and must be purchased separately). Prices can vary by age, package, and license duration, so always confirm the current fee at the point of purchase.
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days in Vermont
Vermont’s Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend for 2026 is September 26 and 27, 2026 — the last full weekend of September:
- Eligibility: Hunters 17 years of age or younger may hunt ducks and geese in the Lake Champlain and Interior Vermont zones. In the Connecticut River Zone, youth must be 15 or younger on those dates.
- Supervision: Each youth must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older who holds a valid Vermont hunting license. The adult may not hunt waterfowl and may not carry a firearm while afield.
- Licenses and stamps: Both the youth and the adult must hold Vermont hunting licenses. Youths 16 and 17 must also have the Vermont Migratory Waterfowl Stamp and the federal duck stamp. Adults do not need stamps merely to accompany a youth.
- Bag limits: Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots may be taken under regular daily bag limits; the Canada goose limit during youth weekend is 3.
This is an ideal weekend for introducing a young hunter to waterfowling before the regular season opens, and hunting during the youth weekend is statewide (within the established zone rules).
Veteran and Active-Duty Military Waterfowl Hunting Days
As of the official 2026-2027 season announcement, Vermont does not offer separate veteran or active-duty military waterfowl hunting days. The only special youth-focused waterfowl opportunity on the calendar is the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend described above.
Veterans and active-duty military members can, of course, hunt during the regular duck season with the same licenses, stamps, and HIP registration required of all hunters. Vermont also offers other veteran-friendly hunting programs (such as special deer hunts on certain WMAs), so check the Vermont Fish & Wildlife website for the latest veteran hunting opportunities if that is a priority for you.
Early Teal Season in Vermont
Vermont does not offer a separate early teal season for 2026-2027. Blue-winged and green-winged teal, along with all other duck species, may only be hunted during the regular duck season dates shown above, under the regular 6-duck daily bag limit and the normal shooting hours. Teal that appear in September (during migration) are protected outside the regular season — plan your first teal hunt for October 10 or later.
Vermont Duck Hunting Shooting Hours
Legal shooting hours for ducks and other waterfowl in Vermont are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset every day of the season 2026-2027 Migratory Bird Syllabus. The syllabus includes a daily sunrise/sunset table for the full season.
Exceptions to know:
- Mud Creek Controlled Waterfowl Hunting Area closes at 11:00 a.m. — hunting hours run from legal morning shooting time until 11:00 a.m.
- Individual wildlife management areas, national wildlife refuges, and posted properties can impose stricter hours, no-hunting zones, or closure days. Always verify local area rules before hunting.
Where Can You Hunt Ducks in Vermont?
Public Land
Vermont offers a solid mix of public waterfowl hunting across the state:
- Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) — The Champlain Valley hosts the state’s best waterfowling, with WMAs like Dead Creek and Mud Creek (Addison County), plus numerous marshes and beaver flows across the Northeast Kingdom and along the Connecticut River Valley.
- Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge (Franklin County, on Lake Champlain’s Missisquoi Bay) — Offers both general-use and controlled waterfowl hunt areas, some requiring a permit (controlled zones may carry a $10 permit); certain areas require a retriever, and nontoxic shot is mandatory for all waterfowl hunting on the refuge USFWS – Missisquoi Refuge.
- State forests, public access areas, and lakes — Vermont’s larger lakes (Champlain, Memphremagog, Bomoseen) are open to waterfowling subject to local rules.
Each public area may have its own regulations — check the Vermont Fish & Wildlife “Where to Hunt Waterfowl” page before you go.
Public Hunting Draws and Reservations
Vermont operates controlled waterfowl hunts at Mud Creek and Dead Creek WMAs through a lottery application system. For the 2026 season, the lottery-drawn days at Mud Creek were Tuesday, October 13 and Thursday, October 15, 2026, with applications due August 28, 2026 (the 2026 application window has now closed). Applications are submitted electronically to the department or by mail. If you want to hunt these premium areas in 2027, plan to apply in late summer. Hunting on the Mud Creek controlled area is limited to morning hours (until 11:00 a.m.).
Private Land
Most of Vermont’s best waterfowl habitat is on private farmland and wetlands. You must obtain permission from the landowner before hunting or crossing private land, and you should respect Vermont’s posted-property and trespassing laws — always ask first, carry written permission where requested, and leave gates as you found them.
Important Vermont Duck Hunting Regulations
- Non-toxic shot only — Lead shot (including copper-plated lead) is prohibited for all waterfowl and coot hunting. Approved shot types include steel, bismuth-tin, tungsten alloys, and corrosion-inhibited copper. Shot size may be no larger than T.
- Plugged shotgun — Under federal migratory bird regulations, your shotgun must be limited to a three-shell capacity (one in the chamber, two in the magazine) — the magazine must be plugged.
- Prohibited methods — Hunting waterfowl with rifles, pistols, or any firearm other than a shotgun (10 gauge or smaller) is prohibited; baiting, live decoys, and electronic or recorded calls are all illegal.
- Species identification — You are responsible for positively identifying every bird before shooting; be especially careful with hens and protected species like harlequin ducks.
- Reasonable retrieval — Hunters must make a reasonable effort to retrieve all wounded or dead birds — wanton waste is prohibited and is both unethical and illegal.
- Transportation/tagging — Ducks must not be transported in a way that makes the species or sex unidentifiable; a wing or fully feathered head must remain attached to each bird while transporting.
- Safety distances — Keep a safe distance from roads, occupied buildings, and other hunters; respect posted areas and never shoot at birds on the water when a dog or hunter could be downrange.
Best Ducks to Hunt in Vermont
Vermont sits in the Atlantic Flyway, and its mix of Champlain Valley marshes, beaver flows, rivers, and big lakes supports a diverse duck hunt:
- Mallard — The bread-and-butter duck of Vermont. Found throughout the Champlain Valley and along the Connecticut River, especially on shallow marshes, beaver ponds, and flooded agricultural fields. Mallards are present from opening day through freeze-up, with late-season migrants arriving from mid-November onward.
- Wood Duck — A September/October staple on wooded wetlands, beaver flows, and river oxbows statewide. Wood ducks are most active early in the season before ponds freeze; they are also plentiful on Missisquoi NWR.
- American Black Duck — An Atlantic Flyway specialty and a Vermont classic. Black ducks love the big marshes of the Champlain Valley and often respond well to decoy spreads; they can be taken from mid-November through the season’s close as northern birds push in.
- Green-winged Teal — Fast, low-flying, and common on the state’s shallow-water marshes during the October portion of the season. A favorite target for early-season jump-shooting.
- Blue-winged Teal — Present mainly during the early season before migrating south; target them on shallow, weedy wetlands in September and early October.
- Goldeneye (Common & Barrow’s) — The signature late-season diver on Lake Champlain and other large waters. From mid-November through December, goldeneyes respond to open-water diver spreads and are the most common sea-duck-group bird harvested.
- Scaup (Lesser & Greater) — Migrating scaup appear on Champlain and Memphremagog in November and December; remember the 1–2 bird daily sub-limit that shifts by date.
- Bufflehead — Small, fast divers that mix with goldeneye and scaup on open water from November onward.
- Gadwall, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Pintail — All present in modest numbers on Champlain Valley marshes and river systems; they count toward the general 6-duck limit with pintails capped at 3.
Migration timing varies with weather — a hard freeze in the Champlain Valley pushes birds south, while mild spells hold late mallards and black ducks into December.
Tips for Hunting During the Vermont Duck Season
- Scout the Champlain Valley first — The region’s public WMAs (Dead Creek, Mud Creek, Sandbar, Little Otter Creek) and the Missisquoi Bay area offer the best mix of ducks and geese; walk the marsh edges a week before the opener to locate active feeding areas.
- Watch the marshes freeze — October is puddle-duck country (mallards, wood ducks, teal on shallow water); by mid-November, shift your strategy to open-water diver spreads on Lake Champlain, Lake Memphremagog, and their tributary rivers.
- Time your hunts to weather — Cold fronts and northwest winds push new birds in. The classic Vermont pattern: hunt protected marsh edges during frontal passage, then work the lee shores and river mouths afterward.
- Set up on wind — Ducks land into the wind; position your decoy spread and blind so birds cup into an approach that keeps your silhouette hidden and your shot zone tight.
- Match your spread to the water — A dozen mallard/wood duck blocks in a marsh pocket beats a huge spread; on open water, run bigger diver rigs (goldeneye, scaup, bufflehead) on long anchor lines.
- Concealment beats calling — Champlain Valley ducks see a lot of pressure. Brush your blind with cattails or native vegetation, break up your outline, and call sparingly — soft greeting calls and a few quacks early, loud comeback calls only when birds start working.
- Learn black duck and hen identification — Black ducks, hen mallards, and mottled-looking birds confuse many hunters; study wing patterns, speculum color, and body shape before shooting, because black duck and hen mallard limits are strict.
- Check water levels and access — Vermont marsh levels swing with spring drawdowns and beaver activity; arrive early with waders and a canoe or kayak, and confirm boat ramps and WMA access roads are open.
- Hunt the oxbows — Along the Connecticut River, historical oxbows and agricultural backwaters hold late-season mallards and black ducks and can be far less crowded than Champlain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont Duck Season
When does duck season open in Vermont in 2026?
The 2026-2027 Vermont duck season opens October 10, 2026 in the Lake Champlain and Interior Vermont zones and October 13, 2026 in the Connecticut River Zone. The Lake Champlain Zone closes December 27, the Interior Zone closes December 8, and the Connecticut River Zone closes December 24.
How many ducks can I take per day in Vermont?
The daily bag limit is 6 ducks, with sub-limits of 4 mallards (max 2 hens), 2 black ducks, 3 wood ducks, 3 pintails, 2 canvasbacks, 2 redheads, and 1–2 scaup depending on the date and zone.
Do I need a federal duck stamp to hunt ducks in Vermont?
Yes — if you are 16 or older, you must carry a signed federal duck stamp ($25) plus a Vermont Migratory Waterfowl Stamp ($7.50) and a valid Vermont hunting license while waterfowl hunting.
Does Vermont have an early teal season?
No. Vermont does not offer a separate early teal season for 2026-2027. Teal may only be hunted during the regular duck season (beginning October 10), under the regular bag limits and shooting hours.
Can my child hunt waterfowl in Vermont this year?
Yes — during the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend, September 26–27, 2026, hunters 17 and younger (15 and younger in the Connecticut River Zone) may hunt ducks and geese when accompanied by an unarmed licensed adult 18 or older who may not hunt or carry a firearm.
What is HIP registration and is it required in Vermont?
HIP (Harvest Information Program) registration is a free, annual federal requirement for every migratory bird hunter. Register online through the Vermont Fish & Wildlife licensing system or call 1-877-306-7091, then write your HIP number on your hunting license.
Where are the best places to duck hunt in Vermont?
The Champlain Valley — including Dead Creek and Mud Creek WMAs and Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge — offers Vermont’s best waterfowling, with strong options also on Lake Memphremagog in the Northeast Kingdom and along the Connecticut River Valley’s oxbows and agricultural fields.
What shotgun and shot can I use for ducks in Vermont?
Use a shotgun (10 gauge or smaller) plugged to a three-shell capacity, loaded only with approved non-toxic shot (steel, bismuth-tin, tungsten alloys, or copper) in sizes no larger than T. Lead shot is illegal for waterfowl.
Before You Hunt: Check the Latest Vermont Regulations
Migratory bird seasons, bag limits, public land rules, emergency closures, and special restrictions can change at any time. Federal frameworks are set annually by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Vermont coordinates its dates with New York and New Hampshire — so always verify the current regulations with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department immediately before you hunt, and check local WMA or refuge-specific rules for the exact area you plan to hunt.