Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
The Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests are managed for multiple uses including hunting, fishing, and target shooting. Please be aware of forest boundaries to ensure you are on public land and keep in mind that other forest users may also be in the area.
State agencies are responsible for managing wildlife. Season dates and tag limits are set by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation.
The Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests manage the land for wildlife. Through prescribed fire, timber management, and wildlife monitoring programs, the Forests work year-round to enhance wildlife habitat, including that for large and small game and aquatic organisms.
Lake and Pond Fishing
Fishing is allowed on the Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests with valid state fishing licenses and within appropriate season dates. All applicable State and Federal laws and regulations must be followed.
- Vermont fishing license and regulations
- New York fishing license and regulations
Please remember
Private land is interspersed with the National Forest in many areas. If you will be crossing or fishing on private land, get permission from the landowner first.
Paper, plastic wrappers, cans, and fishing lines degrade the water and the shore. Foil and other litter has been known to kill fish. Pack out what you bring in and, whenever you can, pick up and pack out trash left behind.
Hunting
Hunting is allowed on the Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests with valid state hunting licenses and within appropriate season dates. All applicable State and Federal laws and regulations must be followed.
- Vermont hunting regulations and seasons
- New York hunting regulations and seasons
General Information
- Do not discharge a firearm in or within 150 yards of a developed recreation area, building or occupied area.
- Do not discharge a firearm across or on a forest road, body of water adjacent to a road or where any person or property is exposed to injury or damage.
- Do have a valid state hunting license.
- Be familiar with Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests’ property boundary markings to ensure that you are on public land.
- Be courteous and follow safe hunting practices. Be aware that there can be other forest users around who may not be aware it is hunting season.
- Please report any violations.
We recommend that you use a USGS Topographic Map, Vermont Atlas, or a Gazetteer for more detail on hunting locations.
Recreational and Target Shooting
Target practice with a rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, handgun, or bow and arrow is permitted provided you abide by all state and federal regulations.
- A hunting license is not required when shooting at identifiable, artificially constructed targets and/or when no attempt is made to take game.
- All trash must be packed out, including shell casings and targets.
- Glass targets are prohibited.
Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities
Grout Pond Recreation Area
Joseph Battell Wilderness
South Branch and Middle Branch