Take Action: Speak Up for Vermont Bears by May 20

On May 20, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board will make decisions that will directly impact black bears across the state, including proposals to expand hunting pressure and increase the use of baiting and hounding.

These decisions are happening within a system where proposals that increase killing often move forward more easily than those grounded in coexistence and science. Public input is critical to ensuring wildlife policy reflects ecological reality and the values of Vermonters.

What’s being proposed in Vermont on May 20 and where we stand on each measure:

Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department proposals
– Extend bear hunting season into late November → OPPOSE 

– Allow a second bear to be killed in some areas → OPPOSE

– Prohibit killing a mother bear with cubs → SUPPORT 

– Clarify authority to revoke bear dog permits → SUPPORT

– Require permits/restrictions for out-of-state hound hunting → SUPPORT

Hunter-opportunity petitions
– Expand bear baiting (including on private land) → OPPOSE
– Extend hunting season into December → OPPOSE
– Allow a second bear tag → OPPOSE
– Expand baiting to mirror Maine (including public lands) → OPPOSE

Science-based petition from coalition partner Project Coyote
– Delay hound training season from June 1 to August 1 → SUPPORT

Why this matters:
– Vermont already kills ~14% of its bear population annually
– Bears reproduce slowly and can’t sustain increased pressure
– Killing bears does not reduce conflict—human behavioral changes do
– Baiting increases disease spread, habituation, and conflict
– Early hound training separates cubs from mothers during a vulnerable period

Take action before May 20:
– Email or call Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board members
– Submit a public comment
– Attend the meeting if you can

Meeting details: 5 p.m. ET May 20 in the Dewey Conference Room, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT

This is what shaping state wildlife governance looks like in real time, and your input matters.