What the Nonresident Combination License Covers
Vermont's nonresident combination hunting and fishing license is a single permit that lets you hunt and fish in the state during the same calendar year. You do not need to buy separate licenses for each activity — one license covers both. The combination license costs less than purchasing a hunting license and fishing license separately, making it the most economical choice if you plan to do both.
The license is valid from January 1 through December 31 of the year you purchase it. It grants you the legal right to hunt game birds and animals and to fish for trout, salmon, bass, and other species in Vermont's public waters and on open land, subject to the specific seasons and bag limits that apply to each species.
Key Takeaways
- The nonresident combination license costs less than buying a hunting and fishing license separately and covers both activities for the full calendar year.
- You can purchase the license online through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website, by phone, or in person at authorized vendors across the state.
- The license is valid only for the calendar year in which you purchase it and does not carry over to the next year.
- You must carry your license with you while hunting or fishing and show it to a game warden or conservation officer if asked.
- Nonresidents must also follow Vermont's specific season dates, bag limits, and gear restrictions for each species you pursue.
How to Purchase the License
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department sells the nonresident combination license through three main channels. The fastest method is online at the department's website, where you can complete the purchase and print or download your license immediately. You will need a valid form of identification and a way to pay by credit or debit card.
You can also call the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department directly during business hours to purchase over the phone. A staff member will process your order and either mail the physical license to you or provide a confirmation number you can use while waiting for it to arrive. The third option is to visit an authorized vendor in person — these include sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some general retailers throughout Vermont. Vendors can issue the license on the spot.
Whichever method you choose, have your nonresident ID ready and know which year you are purchasing for. Once you buy the license, it is yours for that calendar year only.
Cost and What Affects the Price
The cost of Vermont's nonresident combination license varies depending on the length of validity you choose. The department offers both a full-year license (valid January through December) and shorter-term options. Prices change periodically, so check the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website for the current rates before you purchase.
The combination license is always cheaper than buying a nonresident hunting license and nonresident fishing license as separate permits. If you plan to do both activities during your visit, the combination is the better value. If you only intend to hunt or only to fish, you may want to ask about single-activity licenses, which cost less but cover only one pursuit.
What You Must Carry and Show
Vermont law requires you to have your license physically with you whenever you are hunting or fishing. A game warden or conservation officer can stop you at any time and ask to see it. If you purchased your license online and printed it, bring the printed copy. If you received a physical license in the mail, carry that card. A photo on your phone is not sufficient — you need the actual document.
If you cannot produce your license when asked, you can face a fine even if you later prove you purchased one. The license is inexpensive compared to the cost of a violation, so keeping it in your pocket or pack is essential. If you lose your license, contact the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department to request a replacement.
Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits
Your nonresident combination license gives you the right to hunt, but only during the seasons Vermont sets for each species and only within the bag limits (the number of animals you can take per day or per season). These seasons and limits change from year to year and vary by region within the state. Deer season, for example, runs at different times depending on whether you are hunting with a rifle, shotgun, or bow, and the bag limit depends on the zone you are in.
Before you hunt, download or print the current Vermont hunting guide from the Fish and Wildlife Department website. It lists every season, every bag limit, and every restriction by species and region. Hunting without knowing the current rules can result in citations even if you have a valid license. The guide is free and updated annually.
Fishing Seasons and Regulations
Your license also permits you to fish Vermont's lakes, ponds, and streams during open season for the species you are targeting. Trout season typically opens in April, but the exact date and any special restrictions vary by water body. Some waters are catch-and-release only; others allow you to keep fish within a daily limit. Bass and other warmwater species have their own seasons and limits.
Like hunting, fishing regulations change yearly and can vary significantly between different lakes and rivers. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department publishes a free fishing guide that lists every body of water open to fishing, the species present, the season dates, and the daily catch limits. Check this guide before you fish — regulations are specific enough that what is legal on one lake may be illegal on another just a few miles away.
Access and Where You Can Hunt and Fish
Your license lets you hunt and fish on public land and in public waters throughout Vermont, but access rules vary. Some state forests and wildlife management areas are open to hunting and fishing; others restrict hunting or close during certain seasons. Private land is off-limits unless you have the owner's written permission. Many landowners in Vermont allow hunting and fishing on their property, but you must ask first.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website includes maps showing which public lands are open to hunting and fishing and which have seasonal closures. Before you plan a trip, check the map for your target area. If you want to fish or hunt on private land, contact the landowner directly — do not assume access is permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a nonresident combination license if I live part of the year in Vermont?
No. Vermont considers you a resident if you have lived in the state for at least one year or own property there. If you meet either condition, you must purchase a resident license, which costs significantly less. If you are unsure about your residency status, contact the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department before buying.
What happens if I lose my license while I am hunting or fishing?
Contact the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department as soon as possible to report it lost and request a replacement. In the meantime, stop hunting or fishing — you cannot legally continue without a valid license in your possession. A replacement license can usually be issued quickly, either by mail or in person at an authorized vendor.
Can I use my nonresident combination license to hunt on private land without asking the owner?
No. Your license permits you to hunt and fish legally, but it does not grant you access to private property. You must have the landowner's written permission to hunt or fish on private land. Trespassing charges can apply even if you have a valid license.
Do I need a separate license for each type of fish or game I want to catch?
No. One nonresident combination license covers all hunting and fishing in Vermont. You do not need additional licenses for specific species. However, you must follow the season dates and bag limits for each species, which are listed in the hunting and fishing guides.
Is my nonresident combination license valid if I cross into New Hampshire or other neighboring states?
No. Your Vermont license is valid only in Vermont. Each state has its own licensing system. If you plan to hunt or fish in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or any other state, you will need to purchase a separate nonresident license for that state.