Bidding ends July 31

Vermont’s annual auction for moose hunting permits is now open. Four permits will be auctioned in sealed, written bids with a deadline of August 1. This year, however, one additional permit is being Internet-auctioned on eBay from July 22 through July 31.

On the Internet, go to www.eBay.com. Then, Sporting Goods>Hunting>Hunting Trips, Leases.

You will have a choice of two permit types: a moose of either-sex , specific to one of 18 wildlife management units (WMUs) for the early season dates (October 21-26), or for an antlerless moose only in three (WMUs) during a later season. If you win the auction, you may choose to hunt in any one of the open units.

Successful bidders will need to purchase a Vermont Big Game Hunting License ($16.00 residents, $90.00 nonresidents) as well as a moose hunting permit ($100.00 residents, $350.00 nonresidents).

You will be able to name a partner to hunt with you who may carry and use a firearm or bow. You may also have a third person accompany you as a guide. Both your hunting partner and guide must hold a Vermont Big Game Hunting License. There are many experienced Vermont moose hunting guides who could assist you if needed. You may view the entire moose hunting regulation at www.vtfishandwildlife.com by clicking on Law Enforcement and Rules & Proposed Rules.

Last year, 510 moose were taken on 766 either-sex permits for a success rate of 67%. Success rates for individual management units may be found in a report on Vermont’s 2005 Moose Hunting Season available on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website. Under “Hunting & Trapping,” click on Big Game Harvest Reports.

The heaviest moose ever taken in Vermont was an 11-year old, 1,045-pound dressed bull taken in WMU-E2. This bull had an antler spread of 64.5 inches. The bull with the Vermont record rack width (65 inches) was taken in WMU-P.

If you would like to receive a written 2006 Moose permit bid kit, contact the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, 103 South Main Street, Waterbury, VT 05651-0501. Telephone 802-241-3700 or email (fwinformation@state.vt.us). If you have questions about this year’s auction, please ask for Sally Morse.

Wildlife biologists are prescribing that 1,115 moose hunting permits be issued for the 2006 regulated hunting season. The statewide moose population is estimated to be over 5,000 animals. Proceeds from the moose hunting permit auction will help fund Fish and Wildlife educational programs. Eighteen bids ranging from $2,510 to $7,777 were received in 2005. Winning auction bidders from last year may apply in this year’s auction.

fwinformation@state.vt.us