Deadline for Filing Applications for Controlled Waterfowl Hunt
For Immediate Release: August 5, 2026
Media Contact: Andrew Bouton, 802-622-4823 or Amy Alfieri, 802-759-2398
Controlled Waterfowl Hunt Applications are Available
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department now has information on its website about the 2026 controlled waterfowl hunts at Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area in Addison and at Mud Creek Wildlife Management Area in Alburgh.
Applications for hunting at Mud Creek on October 13 and 15 may be downloaded from the website. Applications must be submitted electronically to anr.fwdcontrolledhunt@vermont.gov or postmarked and returned no later than August 28, 2026 to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, 111 West Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452.
Hunting on October 13 and 15 at Mud Creek will be by lottery drawing only, and blind sites will be assigned at the time of the permit lottery. Any vacancies due to “no-shows” on those days will be filled on the morning of the hunt with a self-check-in process. All other Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, except for opening day on Saturday, October 10, during the open season will be self-registration days with permits available at the Mud Creek operations building.
Controlled goose hunting at Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area will be by lottery drawing with hunting zones assigned at the time of the permit drawing. Any vacancies due to “no-shows” on hunting days will be filled on the morning of the hunt with a self-check-in process. Standby permits will be available at the Dead Creek check-in kiosk.
Friday, October 23 is junior hunter day at Dead Creek. Only hunters 17 years of age or younger on October 23 may self-register. Junior hunters must have an adult present, and one additional guest is allowed for a total of 3 in the party.
A drawing to award hunting permits will be held Friday, September 4, at 12:00 Noon at the Fish and Wildlife Department office at 111 West Street, Essex Junction. Attendance is not required. Successful applicants will be notified by mail.
Be sure to read the 2026-2027 Syllabus of State and Federal Hunting Regulations for Migratory Birds available on Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s website.