Vermont wildlife officials want deer hunters to join an annual survey of hunting time and animal observations. The form goes live on the department website once the regular season begins November 14.

Participants note daily hours afield plus counts of deer, moose, bears and other species they encounter. Those records let staff compare hunting intensity and animal numbers across regions.

Nick Fortin, who leads deer and moose work, said broader hunter input would strengthen population figures and improve how the agency manages those species.