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Lawmakers are hearing testimony this week on S.258, which would ban hunting coyotes with dogs and baiting coyotes. It would also shift who gets to weigh in on state regulations around hunting and fishing. The bill has many hunters and trappers in the state concerned � though groups that advocate for animal rights in the state say the changes are necessary.

The coalition of advocacy groups says the department acted unlawfully by lifting a moratorium on hunting coyotes with hounds, and that they are concerned new trapping regulations don't go far enough.

A set of new regulations that tighten the rules for recreational trapping as well as hunting coyotes with dogs in Vermont went into effect on Jan. 1. The changes are drawing ire from both wildlife advocates and some lawmakers.

The state's Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted new regulations for hunting coyotes with dogs, as well as trapping. But lawmakers and wildlife advocates say the regulations aren't sufficient.

The Longhorned tick swarms livestock and wild animals.

The season lasts until Nov. 26.

But Vermont’s animal cruelty law does not apply to activities regulated by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, including hunting and trapping, officials said.

Over some 20 years, researchers in Vermont and across the country went out with trappers to look at how effective different types of traps are, and how often animals are injured in the process. From those findings, wildlife managers came up with a set of best management practices to minimize injuries and incidental take.

About 30 states around the country have tested their deer populations for the virus, and Vermont is the first state to receive negative results.

Vermont's Fish and Wildlife Board voted last week to kick off the process of updating the state's regulations on hunting and trapping animals like bobcat, coyote and beaver.