2005 Vermont Code - § 4742. — Youth hunting day

§ 4742. Youth hunting day

(a) The Sunday prior to opening day of regular deer season shall be youth hunting day.

(b) A person who is under 16 years of age, who has at least one parent or a guardian who is a legal resident of Vermont, and who has successfully completed a hunter safety course, may take one wild deer on youth hunting day in accordance with the rules of the board. In order to hunt under this section, a young person shall also hold a valid hunting license under section 4255 of this title and be accompanied by an unarmed adult who holds a valid hunting license and who is over 18 years of age. An adult accompanying a youth under this section shall accompany no more than two young people at one time.

(c) Each year the board shall determine whether antlerless deer may be taken under this section in any deer management unit or units. A determination under this subsection shall be made by rule, shall be based on the game management study conducted pursuant to section 4081 of this title and, notwithstanding subsection (g) of that section, may allow taking of antlerless deer.

(d) No person shall hunt under this section on privately owned land without first obtaining the permission of the owner or occupant.

(e) Before the first youth hunting day and after each fall hunting season, the department shall collect information on youth hunting day during the regional public hearings held pursuant to subsection 4081(f) of this title. Information relative to the public's knowledge and concerns about the deer herd shall be gathered. The board shall administer youth hunting day, by deer management unit, based on public input and scientific information. (Added 1995, No. 104 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1997, No. 97 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 1999, No. 70 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)