What a Resident Combination License Covers

Vermont's resident combination hunting and fishing license is a single permit that lets you hunt and fish during the same calendar year without buying two separate licenses. It covers freshwater fishing, hunting seasons for deer, turkey, upland game, and waterfowl — all under one document. You do not need to choose between activities or purchase them at different times.

The combination license is valid from January 1 through December 31 of the year you purchase it. This matters because if you buy in November, your license expires at the end of that same calendar year, not a year from the purchase date. You will need to renew on January 1 if you want to continue hunting or fishing into the new year.

This license is available only to Vermont residents. Non-residents must purchase separate hunting and fishing licenses, and the costs and seasons differ significantly from resident rates.

Key Takeaways

  • A combination license covers both hunting and fishing for the entire calendar year in one purchase, rather than buying licenses separately.
  • The license is valid January 1 through December 31 of the year purchased, so buying late in the year means a shorter period of use.
  • You must be a Vermont resident to purchase a combination license; non-residents pay higher fees and follow different rules.
  • You can purchase online through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website, by phone, or at authorized vendors across the state.

Residency Requirements and Proof

To buy a combination license, you must be a Vermont resident. The state defines this as someone who has lived in Vermont for at least 183 consecutive days immediately before applying. If you moved to Vermont recently, you may not yet meet this threshold.

When you purchase online or over the phone, you will need to provide your Vermont driver's license number or state ID number. If you buy in person at a vendor, bring a physical ID showing your Vermont address. The vendor will verify your residency before issuing the license.

If you have a Vermont driver's license or state ID, you are presumed to be a resident. If you do not have one but have lived in Vermont for 183 days, contact the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department directly to discuss how to document your residency before purchasing.

How to Purchase and Where to Buy

You can purchase a combination license through three main routes: online via the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website, by phone at the department's licensing office, or in person at authorized vendors. Online purchase is the fastest option and does not require you to visit a location.

To buy online, visit the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website, select "Buy a License," and choose the combination hunting and fishing license. You will enter your Vermont ID number, answer residency and hunter safety questions, and pay by credit or debit card. Your license is issued immediately as a printable PDF or can be sent to your email.

Authorized vendors include sporting goods stores, general stores, and outdoor retailers across Vermont. A list of current vendors is available on the Fish and Wildlife Department website. Vendors charge the same license fee as online purchase but may add a small transaction fee. Some vendors issue licenses on the spot; others may need a day to process your application.

Phone purchases go through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department licensing office. Call during business hours, provide your Vermont ID number and residency information, and pay by credit card. The department will mail your license or email it to you, depending on your preference.

Cost and What the Fee Includes

The resident combination hunting and fishing license costs a set annual fee. This single fee covers all hunting seasons (deer, turkey, upland game, waterfowl) and all freshwater fishing for the calendar year. You do not pay extra for individual seasons or species.

The fee does not include special permits or stamps that some activities require. For example, if you hunt waterfowl, you must also purchase a federal duck stamp and a Vermont waterfowl stamp. If you hunt deer during the archery season, you do not need an extra permit, but if you want to hunt during the firearms season, you must have a separate deer hunting license or tag depending on the season. Check the current regulations to understand which activities require additional purchases beyond the combination license.

The combination license is less expensive than buying a hunting license and a fishing license separately, which is why many Vermont residents choose it even if they plan to focus on one activity.

Hunting Seasons Covered by Your License

Your combination license covers Vermont's main hunting seasons: deer (archery, firearms, and muzzleloader), turkey (spring and fall), upland game birds (grouse, woodcock, pheasant), and waterfowl (ducks and geese). Each season has specific dates, bag limits, and weapon restrictions that you must follow.

Deer season typically runs from September through December, with separate dates for archery, firearms, and muzzleloader hunting. Turkey season occurs in spring (April and May) and fall (October and November). Upland game and waterfowl seasons run in fall and early winter. Exact dates change each year, so check the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's current hunting season guide before heading out.

Your license does not automatically give you permission to hunt on private land — you must have the landowner's permission. It also does not exempt you from hunter safety requirements. Vermont requires all hunters born after January 1, 1975, to complete a hunter safety course and carry proof of completion while hunting.

Fishing Seasons and Species Covered

Your combination license covers freshwater fishing for all Vermont species in all public waters and on private land where you have permission. This includes trout, bass, pike, perch, and panfish. The license does not cover saltwater fishing (which is not available in Vermont) or fishing on private land without the owner's permission.

Trout season generally opens in April and runs through October, though some waters have year-round seasons. Bass season opens in June. Specific waters have different opening dates and catch limits, so consult the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's fishing guide for the water you plan to fish.

Some fishing activities require additional permits or stamps beyond your combination license. For example, if you fish for Atlantic salmon, you must purchase a separate Atlantic salmon permit. Check the current regulations for any species or water you plan to target.

Renewal and Expiration

Your combination license expires on December 31 of the year you purchase it. To continue hunting or fishing into the next calendar year, you must renew by January 1. You can renew online, by phone, or at a vendor using the same methods as your initial purchase.

Renewal is straightforward if your residency status has not changed. Simply log into the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website or contact a vendor, and purchase a new combination license for the upcoming year. If you have moved out of Vermont or your ID has expired, you will need to update your information before renewing.

If your license expires and you continue to hunt or fish without renewing, you are in violation of Vermont law and subject to fines and loss of hunting and fishing privileges. Set a reminder in early December to renew before the year ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a combination license if I just moved to Vermont?

You must have lived in Vermont for at least 183 consecutive days to be considered a resident. If you moved recently, count forward from your arrival date. Once you reach 183 days, you can purchase a resident license. Until then, you would need to buy a non-resident license if you want to hunt or fish.

What if I only want to fish and never hunt?

You can purchase a fishing-only license instead of the combination license. The fishing-only license costs less than the combination license, so if you have no plans to hunt, buying fishing-only saves money. You can always upgrade to a combination license later in the year if your plans change.

Do I need a separate license for each hunting season?

No. Your combination license covers all hunting seasons in the same calendar year — deer, turkey, upland game, and waterfowl. You do not buy separate licenses for each season. However, some seasons require additional stamps or permits (like the federal duck stamp for waterfowl), which are purchased separately.

What happens if I lose my license?

Contact the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and request a replacement. You will need to provide your name, ID number, and proof of purchase. A replacement license can usually be issued within a few business days. Keep a photo or digital copy of your license as backup.

Can I transfer my license to someone else?

No. Your combination license is non-transferable and valid only for the person whose name appears on it. Each person who wants to hunt or fish must purchase their own license.