Vermont’s Rifle Deer Hunting Season Is Underway

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont's 16-day rifle deer hunting season is underway and the Fish and Wildlife Department is asking hunters to help them to collect information about the herd.

Biologists are collecting middle incisor teeth from November season deer after successful hunters report their deer at biological check stations around the state.

The information will be used to evaluate regional differences in ages and antler characteristics of bucks. The teeth also will help estimate population size, growth rate, health, and mortality rates.

Each tooth will be cross-sectioned to determine the deer's age. The information will be posted on the state's Fish & Wildlife website next spring.

The season runs Nov. 12-27.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]