Hunting

Dozens of volunteer dog trackers will take to the woods over the next few months to help hunters recover wounded game from Vermont’s forests.

The law, which takes effect next month, was supported by both animal rights advocates and groups that represent hunters in Vermont.

Vermont Fish & Wildlife and Vermont Folklife are working together to collect oral history stories about turkey restoration and hunting.

"Our moose actually aren't doing as bad as some people might think," a wildlife biologist reports.

Lawmakers are hearing testimony this week on S.258, which would ban hunting coyotes with dogs and baiting coyotes. It would also shift who gets to weigh in on state regulations around hunting and fishing. The bill has many hunters and trappers in the state concerned — though groups that advocate for animal rights in the state say the changes are necessary.

The coalition of advocacy groups says the department acted unlawfully by lifting a moratorium on hunting coyotes with hounds, and that they are concerned new trapping regulations don't go far enough.

A set of new regulations that tighten the rules for recreational trapping as well as hunting coyotes with dogs in Vermont went into effect on Jan. 1. The changes are drawing ire from both wildlife advocates and some lawmakers.

The state's Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted new regulations for hunting coyotes with dogs, as well as trapping. But lawmakers and wildlife advocates say the regulations aren't sufficient.

The Longhorned tick swarms livestock and wild animals.

The season lasts until Nov. 26.