Vermont Bowhunter Laws and Regulations

Do you need Vermont Bowhunter education?

Vermont

Anyone who would like to purchase an add-on archery tag in Vermont needs to pass a bowhunter education course, unless they show proof of having had a previous bow tag or archery-specific license from another state or province.

If you are under 18 years of age, you'll need to take the online Homework Course, then complete your state's in-person requirements.

You must be 18 years of age or older to take the online Traditional Course. The Homework Course is open to all ages.

You must be a resident of Vermont to take the Traditional Course. The Homework Course is open to residents and non-residents.

Elsewhere

Hunter education is currently required in all 50 states, 10 Canadian provinces, three Northwest Territories, and Mexico. A separate bowhunter education course is required in many of the states, provinces, and other countries to comply with the bowhunting laws and regulations in those jurisdictions.

The states and provinces requiring an IBEP course are:

• Alaska
• Connecticut
• Idaho
• Maine
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Brunswick
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• Nova Scotia
• Quebec
• Rhode Island
• Vermont

Why Bowhunter Safety Education Is Important

Bowhunting is a challenging sport! This type of hunting is done at a much closer range and requires a high degree of stealth, perseverance, patience, and effort. Bowhunters must become adept at scouting, tracking, and recovering game. Bowhunters must master new archery techniques and learn the anatomy and behavior of the game. Before attempting to use archery equipment as a hunting tool, each bowhunter should become a proficient archer. This requires dedication, practice, and good distance-judging ability.

Reciprocity

All U.S. states, provinces, and other countries that have mandatory bowhunter education requirements will accept the Vermont Certification Card. Likewise, Vermont will accept Bowhunter Education certifications that are issued by other jurisdictions that meet official IHEA-USA requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)