Successful hunters must report their deer in person at a big game reporting station during Vermont's Nov. 7-8 youth and novice deer hunting weekend. Online reporting will not be available.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department says bringing deer to a biological check station helps staff collect information about age, weight and antler development.

Youth participants must be 15 or younger, complete hunter education, buy a hunting license and obtain a free youth deer tag. Novice participants must be at least 16, have completed hunter education and have purchased their first hunting license within the preceding 12 months. They also need a free novice tag.

Both groups must be accompanied by an unarmed adult over 18 who holds a Vermont hunting license. One adult may supervise up to two youth or novice hunters and must be able to see and communicate with them without artificial aids such as cell phones, radios or binoculars.

Permission from the landowner is required on private property. The department strongly encourages hunters and mentors to wear orange.

The department encourages hunters to use a station with a biologist present, but any big game reporting station may be used. Its notice lists the biologist-staffed stations. The list notes Wheelock Village Store for Sunday afternoon only and The Gun Room in Thetford Center for Sunday only. Hunters who want to use a biologist-staffed station should check the department's list. The 2026 Deer Hunting Guide summarizes the season rules.