2011 Vermont Code
Title 10 Appendix Conservation and Development
Chapter 1 GAME
§ 15 Use of tree stands and ground blinds on wildlife management areas

§ 15. Use of tree stands and ground blinds on wildlife management areas

1. Permanent tree stands and ground blinds are prohibited on state-owned Wildlife Management Areas.

2. Temporary tree stands and ground blinds are permitted on state-owned Wildlife Management Areas under the following conditions:

A) Tree stands and ground blinds may be erected and used without written permission from the Department during the time period from the third Sunday in August through the third Saturday in December annually, both dates inclusive.

B) Tree stands and ground blinds may be erected and used at other times of the year with advance notice to, and written permission from, the Department's District office staff responsible for managing and administering state land in the District in which the land is located.

C) Tree stands and ground blinds used on Wildlife Management Areas must be constructed and erected in such a way that:

I. No damage is done to any living tree in erecting, maintaining using or accessing the stand or blind except that:

a) dead limbs, trees or shrubs may be removed as needed to erect and use the stand or blind, and

b) no live limbs, trees or shrubs may be cut for any purpose except those one inch or less in diameter at either ground level or from the main stem or branch of the tree where the stand or blind is located as appropriate (for guidance, a United States quarter is .9 inch in diameter and,

c) no nails, bolts screws (including access steps), wire, chain or other material that penetrates through a living tree's bark into the wood below shall be used in erecting any stand or blind, and

d) all tree stands or ground blinds used on Wildlife management Areas must be clearly permanently and legibly marked with the owner's name and address. Marking shall be legible and placed in a manner that enables a person to conveniently and easily read it.

3. Tree stands and ground blinds that do not conform to this regulation are prohibited and may be confiscated and/or destroyed by the Department. Building, erecting maintaining , using or occupying a non-conforming tree stand or ground blind is prohibited. (1998, Fish and Wildlife Commissioner's Reg. No. 1024, eff. Sept. 8, 1998.)