MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) - Vermont Fish and Wildlife is cracking down on wildlife offenses, increasing the penalties for poaching.

Fines and jail sentences are now higher for poachers who illegally shoot deer, moose, bear or wild turkeys.

Fines doubled to $2,000 and the first offense could put you in jail for up to 60 days.

The same penalties now also apply for possessing, transporting, buying or selling big game.

The changes are part of Act 47 , which the Vermont Legislature passed in the spring.

This is the first time Vermont’s wildlife violation penalties have changed in a decade, an update the department says is long overdue.

Click here for more about poaching and how to report it.

Copyright 2025 WCAX. All rights reserved.

See Full Page