Fish & Wildlife Department Contact Information

Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact

The Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (IWVC) ensures that, in participating states, nonresident violators will receive the same treatment as resident violators. IWVC member states reciprocate in the suspension or revocation of licenses and permits resulting from violation of hunting, fishing, or trapping laws.

If an individual’s license or permit privileges are revoked in one compact member state, they are subject to suspension or revocation in all other member states. For example, if a Vermont resident has their hunting privileges suspended in Minnesota, their privileges may also be suspended in Vermont and in all other compact states. This helps prevent habitual violators from relocating their illegal activities to other member states.

The IWVC also has established procedures that cause a nonresident violator who fails to comply with the terms of a citation issued in a participating state to face the possibility of the suspension of their wildlife license privileges in their home state until the terms of the citation are met. The goal of the IWVC is to facilitate improved enforcement of hunting, fishing, and trapping laws through the cooperation of law enforcement units in member states.

Hooked a Turtle? Here’s What to Do

Vermont’s turtles primarily eat live prey, which means they can get hooked by anglers. This is a problem because turtles are slow at nearly everything they do, including reproducing. The loss of even a few adult turtles could result in population declines or local extinction.

1. Be aware and keep your fingers away from the turtle’s mouth.
2. Position the turtle on a sturdy surface with its head pointing away from you. Never pick up a turtle by its tail.
3. For hooks in the body or limbs, drape a cloth over the turtle’s head.
4. Use snips to break the hook or pliers to pinch the barb, then back the hook out
5. If removing the hook is not possible, either transport the turtle to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or cut the fishing line close to the hook.
6. Release the turtle as soon as possible at the location where it was captured.

Fish Grow ON TREES!

Some of Vermont’s most productive and beautiful streams are lined by forest.

Leaves that fall into the water feed bugs that are eaten by fish.

Trees shade the water and keep it cool for fish.

Trees that fall into the water provide habitat for fish.

Trees and shrubs slow the flow of water, which can reduce risks during floods, and filter runoff to keep streams, rivers, and lakes clean.

What can you do?

Maintain at least 100 feet of forest along streams, rivers, and lakes.

Plant trees along streams and rivers to jump-start forest restoration.

When possible, leave fallen trees and boulders in place.

Before You Back Down the Ramp:

1. “Load before you launch” — put all gear into your boat while in the parking lot, not on the ramp;
2. Loosen any tie-downs, insert plug;
3. Help STOP aquatic hitchhikers: CHECK, DRAIN, DRY. Make it a habit BEFORE launching and BEFORE leaving to carefully inspect and clean your vessel;
4. Back down ramp, launch and secure your boat to dock or on shore;
5. Immediately move and park your vehicle in the appropriate location.

Vermont’s Online Fishing Regulations Tool

Our Online Fishing Regulations Tool uses technology to make accessing regulation information quick and simple, whether you’re at home planning your next Vermont fishing trip or out on the water!

Features of the Fishing Regulations Tool

Interactive Map System:

Allows users to select any waterbody in the state and have instantaneous access to fishing regulations specific to that body of water.

Current Location Feature:

The map works in coordination with the Global Positioning System (GPS) in many mobile devices, allowing users to view fisheries regulations for their current location.

Lookup Tables:

Allows users to view regulations by selecting a waterbody, town, or county from a comprehensive lookup list.

Regardless of the pathway, the final result is a simple and clear list of fisheries regulations for all of Vermont’s great fishing spots!

Visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com to use the tool!