VT H0230

Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife may designate Labor Day weekend as a "free mentored fishing weekend" allowing one unlicensed angler to fish with one licensed angler for the three-day period

Fishing tournament permit fees restructured based on participant count: $10 for up to 25 participants, $30 for 26-50 participants, and $100 for more than 50 participants (replacing flat $50 fee)

Big game violation penalties increased from $400-$1,000 to $500-$2,000 for first offense, and maximum imprisonment for repeat offenders increased from 60 to 180 days

Commissioner authorized to adopt rules regulating the taking, possession, and commercial trade of reptiles and amphibians, with prohibition on pond slider turtles taking effect immediately and general reptile/amphibian taking restrictions effective January 1, 2027

Repeals the statute requiring the Department of Fish and Wildlife to reimburse farmers (up to $5,000/year) for crop damage caused by deer or livestock damage caused by black bears