VERMONT
The biggest change in Vermont deer seasons in more than 100 years occurred during 2005, when spike-horn bucks were not included in the definition of a "legal buck." Spike bucks had averaged about 35 percent of the total buck harvest. The Fish and Wildlife Board re-defined a legal buck to be any deer with at least one antler having two or more points that are one inch or greater in length.

According to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, the total harvest was 8,546 deer in 2005 of which 4,956 (58 percent) were legal bucks, significantly below the 30-year average of 14,107. Of course, the buck harvest numbers match that decline. The drop in 2005 was a result of the new antler restrictions, but the intent is to produce more mature bucks in the future.

The NBBC has scored and recorded only four bucks with gross B&C scores of 150 inches or better for this state in the last four seasons.

According to the NBBC, three of the seven biggest-racked bucks taken during the last four years have fallen in Bennington County to archers and muzzleloader hunters, including 2005's new state-record archery buck (Ben Morse's 150 5/8-inch 10-pointer). Rifle hunters took the other four bucks in Caledonia, Essex and Windham counties.

For more information, contact the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, 103 South Main Street, Waterbury, VT 05671-0501.

RHODE ISLAND
Although Rhode Island's overall deer harvest was about the same in 2005 compared to the previous year, no bucks of 150 inches or better were killed in 2005. Overall entries to the NBBC records were well down in 2005 (less than 15), when the previous seasons produced 40 or more each year. Local biologists attribute the lack of antler growth to a very poor mast crop.

During the last three seasons, Washington and Providence counties produced most of the trophy bucks, including several that score over 160 inches. The largest bucks typically come from private land.

Little Rhody muzzleloader hunters have a unique opportunity to hunt during the rut (the season runs through most of November), and Rhode Island produces more muzzleloader record-book entries than any other state in New England!

For more information, contact the Rhode Island Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, 4808 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. You can also call (401) 789-0281, or check out www.HuntRI.com.