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DEC Announces New York State 2024-25 Hunting and
Trapping Licenses Now On Sale
Published: August 06, 2024
at 01:30 p.m.
By: Press Release from NYS DEC
DEC Announces New York State 2024-25 Hunting and
Trapping Licenses Now On Sale
New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean
Mahar today announced that hunting and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) for the 2024-25
season are now on sale. The sale kicks off the first time that all hunting,
fishing, and trapping licenses and associated tags will be printed on plain paper rather
than plastic stock.
"DEC
continues to modernize the sporting license system and improve the
license-buying experience for the public," Interim
Commissioner Mahar said. "The ability for people to receive
their license electronically and print tags at home will make it quicker
and easier to get outdoors and connect with nature through hunting and
fishing."
Licenses and
permits can be purchased online at any of DEC's license issuing agents or by
telephone at 866-933-2257. Hunting and trapping licenses are
valid from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31 each year, while annual fishing
licenses are valid for 365 days from date of purchase.
With the
transition to plain paper licenses this year, licenses purchased online or
over the phone can be emailed to a customer and printed at home, making
them almost instantly accessible. Additional information on the transition to plain paper licenses and
how to properly tag your harvested deer, bear, or turkey using
paper tags can be found on DEC’s website.
Also new this
year, hunters are no longer required to wear a backtag while afield
anywhere in New York State. Carrying a proof of licensure in the field
(hard copy license or electronic license through the HuntFishNY mobile app) is still required.
In addition, while a recent law change gave DEC the authority to
accommodate electronic carcass tags for deer, bear, and turkey, this
requires a regulatory change. Electronic tagging will not be available for
the 2024-25 license year and tags are required to be printed
on plain paper and carried while afield.
New York's
habitat serves a vital role in maintaining healthy and sustainable fish and
wildlife populations. Purchasing a hunting, fishing, or trapping license
helps support DEC's conservation projects. DEC also encourages outdoor
enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat and Access Stamp each year.
Funds from the $5 Habitat and Access Stamp support projects to
conserve habitat and improve public access for fish and wildlife-related
activities.
This year's
Habitat and Access Stamp features the brook trout, the State’s
official freshwater fish.
Beginning this
week through Nov. 30, the DEC Call Center is accessible from 7
a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9
a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on
Sunday, Nov. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 1. Regular call
center weekday hours resume Dec. 1.
Individuals
should have the following items ready when buying a license:
1. Complete contact
information (e.g., name, address, email address, telephone number). If you
are requesting that your license and/or tags be
emailed, a valid email address is required;
2. DEC customer ID
number (if applicable);
3. Proof of
residency (e.g., driver’s license or non-driver’s ID with a valid New York
State address);
4. If purchasing by
phone or internet, a valid credit card; and
5. If not already
entered in DEC’s automated licensing system, individuals are required to
provide proof of hunter or trapper education certification or a copy of a
previous license for all hunting and trapping license purchases.
For additional
information, visit the General Sporting License Information webpage on
DEC’s website.
Information for
hunters with a disability can also be found on the Permits for Hunters with Disabilities page on
DEC’s website.
The 2024-25
Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, which provides an easy-to-read
collection of pertinent rules and regulations, is available on the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide page on the
DEC website. Copies will also be available at license issuing
agents.
Buying your
License at the Great New York State Fair?
DEC sells
hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses in the DEC Aquarium Building at
the New York State Fair from Aug. 21 through Sept.
2. Fairgoers are advised that only credit and debit cards are
accepted for these purchases at this license sales location.
Deer Management
Permits (DMPs)
DMPs, tags for
antlerless deer, are available at all license-issuing outlets, by
phone, or online through Oct. 1, 2024. DMPs are used to manage the
deer population and are issued through an instant random selection process
at the point of sale. The chances of obtaining a DMP remain the same
throughout the application period; hunters need not rush to apply. The chances of DMP selection in each Wildlife Management Unit (PDF)
are available online, through license issuing agents, or by calling
the DMP Hotline at 1-866-472-4332. Detailed information on DMPs is available on
DEC's website.
HuntFishNY Mobile App
DEC's HuntFishNY app provides hunters and
anglers with an easy way to display sporting licenses and privileges and
view important hunting and fishing related information through the
convenience of your smartphone. In addition to providing instant mobile
access to electronic versions of your sporting licenses and privileges, the
app offers the ability to report game harvests immediately while afield
even when not in cell service, as well as links to useful information like
season date summaries, regulations guides, a DEC contact list, and much
more. Download HuntFishNY today from the Apple App and
Google Play stores.
Opportunities for
New Hunters and Junior Hunters and Trappers
To foster the
next generation of hunters and trappers in New York, DEC designates
special seasons for junior hunters (licensees aged 12-15) for
deer, wild turkey, pheasants, and waterfowl, and opportunities for junior
trappers (younger than 12 years old) through a trapper mentoring program.
These opportunities allow youth hunters and trappers to spend time in the
field with experienced adults and gain the necessary knowledge and skills
to become safe and responsible members of the hunting and trapping community.
More information about these programs and other opportunities
for junior hunters and trappers is available on DEC's
website.
DEC’s Learn to Hunt webpage provides
resources both for new hunters and organizations offering mentored
hunting opportunities. Mentored hunts allow people with little or no
hunting experience to learn additional firearm safety and hunting skills
while building confidence under the guidance of more experienced hunters.
First-time hunters can find mentored hunt events in New York and register
for those learn-to-hunt opportunities on the Mentored Hunt Program registration webpage. DEC’s
Mentored Hunt Program registration page also provides a platform for those
hosting a mentored hunt to advertise their event statewide.
Excellent hunting
opportunities throughout the state support the Governor's “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative, which was
launched earlier this month to promote physical and mental health by
helping encourage New York’s kids and families to put down their phones and
computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor
social gatherings.
Online and
In-Person Hunter Education Training Courses
All first-time
hunters, bowhunters, and trappers are required to pass one or
more courses before they can purchase a license. Online and in-person
courses are available. In-person courses include a field portion where
new hunters can get hands-on experience. All in-person courses are free of
charge. Courses fill quickly, so be sure to sign up early. Visit DEC's website for more information, including a
list of courses, registration instructions, and ways to obtain study
materials.
All the
requirements to earn a New York State hunter education certificate can also
be met by completing DEC's online hunter education course and passing the
exam. Upon passing, participants will receive a hunter education
certificate so they can purchase a hunting license. Participants must be
New York State residents and the cost of the course is $24.95. The online
course can be accessed at the Hunter-Ed website.
The New York
State bowhunter education certification course is also available online.
Upon passing, hunters will receive their bowhunter education certificate so
they can purchase a bowhunting privilege. Participants must be New York
State residents and the cost of the course is $30. The online course can be accessed at the Bowhunter-Ed website.
Remember: Hunt
Safe, Hunt Smart!
The number of
hunting-relating shooting incidents is declining, but even one incident is
too many. Hunters can prevent injuries and fatalities by following the
cardinal rules of hunting safety:
1. Assume every
firearm to be loaded.
2. Control the
muzzle in a safe direction.
3. Keep your finger
off the trigger until firing.
4. Be sure of your
target and beyond.
5. Wear fluorescent
orange or fluorescent pink.
Fluorescent
orange or pink not only improve visibility and safety, wearing these
colors is also required when hunting big game
with a firearm.
Strap Up Before
You Go Up
Tree stand falls are the leading cause of hunting injuries and they are
easily preventable. Hunters are advised to use a full-body harness and
fall-arrest system and stay connected from the time you leave the ground
until the time you return. Check your stand (including straps) every season
and replace any worn or missing parts. The proper use of tree stands, and
full-body harnesses will help prevent injuries and fatalities. For more information, visit DEC's website and
watch a tree stand safety video.
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