MONTPELIER — Hunters, landowners and anyone else interested in Vermont’s deer and moose should plan on attending one of the public hearings being held around the state in late March.
All six of the hearings will include results of Vermont’s 2014 deer seasons and prospects for deer hunting next fall as well as an opportunity for hunters to provide their observations and opinions about the current status of the deer herd and proposed deer hunting regulation changes. 
The three hearings being held in Barre, Brighton and Castleton will include a review of the proposed 2015 moose hunting season and an opportunity for the public to provide feedback on the number of moose permits recommended for 2015.
Hunters are invited to attend one of the following public hearings, held from 6:30 to 9 p.m.:
•  March 23, Barre, Spaulding High School, 155 Ayers St.
•  March 23, Bennington, Mt. Anthony Middle School Cafeteria, 747 East Road
•  March 24, Brighton, Brighton Elementary School, 825 Railroad St., Island Pond
•  March 24, Brattleboro, Brattleboro UHS, 131 Fairground Road
•  March 26, St. Albans, St. Albans Town Educational Ctr., 169 South Main St.
•  March 26, Castleton, Kehoe Conservation Camp, 636 Point of Pines Road
The proposed deer hunting regulation changes can be seen on the Fish & Wildlife Department’s website, www.vtfishandwildlife.com. Comments also may be submitted on the website.
Three of the proposed changes would take effect this year. The first part of archery deer season would be lengthened by 10 days — seven days prior to the existing season and three days after. Crossbows would be legalized for use whenever a regular bow and arrow could be used. Archery and muzzleloader season limits would be reduced from three to two deer. 
A prohibition on the possession and use of deer urine-based lures while deer hunting would be effective in 2016. This is a precaution against the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) into Vermont.