(a) A person holding a hunting or combination license may take fish by handheld spear or speargun in accordance with 10 V.S.A. Appendix § 122. Section 122 sets forth the list of species that may be taken, the season, and the waters where the fish species may be taken. A Handheld Spear (including "spearing" in Title 10 § 4606(e)) is a manually powered spear used from above the water's surface. A Speargun is a pneumatic or rubber band powered device with a line not to exceed 20 feet attached to a spear, used from below the water's surface. Spearguns shall be loaded and discharged only beneath the surface of the water and shall be used while snorkeling/freediving only. Spearing while SCUBA diving is not permitted.

(b) A person who holds a fishing or combination license may take fish species allowed under § 122 by bow or crossbow with line attached to arrow during the season provided and in waters designated by § 122 of these regulations.

(c) A person who takes a fish by handheld spear, speargun, bow or crossbow with line attached to arrow, in accordance with § 122, shall keep the fish in his or her possession until the fish is permanently removed from waters of the state and used or disposed of properly. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 2, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 2017 Fish and Wildlife Regs, eff. Jan. 1, 2018.)