Vermont wildlife officials say they expect to issue a total of 180 moose hunting permits

 Vermont wildlife officials say they expect to issue a total of 180 moose hunting permits for the fall hunt this year. It comes after the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board Wednesday voted to sign off on the recommended permit numbers. Officials say the “science-based hunt” is expected to result in a harvest of about 94 moose, or about 10% of the current moose population in Wildlife Management Unit E, in the northeastern corner of the state. The primary goal — as it has been the past few years — is to reduce the population of winter ticks that have taken a toll on the population. Permit applications for the lottery are now available for the October season. The drawing will take place July 17.