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DEC Announces New
York State 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Licenses Now on Sale
Published: August 06, 2025
at 06:00 p.m.
By: Press Release
from NYS DEC
DEC Announces New York State 2025-26 Hunting and
Trapping Licenses Now on Sale
Deer Management Permits Available through Oct. 1
New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton has
announced that hunting and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits
(DMPs) for the 2025-26 season are now on sale.
“With an
estimated half a million New Yorkers looking to take part in the
long-standing traditions of hunting and trapping this fall, excitement is
building and preparation for the upcoming seasons already underway,” Commissioner
Lefton said. “Hunter education classes and licenses are now available
to help hunters get outdoors and connect to nature. While hunters are planning ahead, I encourage experienced hunters to
consider mentoring a new or less experienced hunter this year to help
foster the next generation of New York’s sporting community.”
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.
Beginning this
week through Nov. 30, the DEC Call Center is operating from 7 a.m. to 7
p.m., Monday through Friday; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays; and from 9
a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 7. Regular call center
weekday hours resume on Dec. 1.
Hunters should
have the following ready when buying a license:
- Complete contact information (e.g., name,
address, email address, telephone number). For those who want their
license and/or tags emailed, a valid email address is required;
- DEC customer ID number (if applicable);
- Proof of residency (e.g., driver’s license or
non-driver’s ID with a valid New York State address);
- If purchasing by phone or internet, a valid
credit card; and
- If not already
entered in DEC’s automated licensing system, you must 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 be found on
the Permits for Hunters with Disabilities page on the
DEC website.
The 2025-26
Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, which provides an easy-to-read
collection of pertinent rules and regulations, is available on
the DEC Hunting webpage. Copies are available at license issuing agents. Legislation regarding use of crossbows and a regulatory proposal for electronic carcass tagging and
harvest reporting are both pending and are not enacted. Hunters
are encouraged to stay up to date on potential changes as they prepare for
the fall hunting seasons by visiting the Hunting page on DEC’s website.
New York's
habitat serves a vital role in maintaining healthy and sustainable fish and
wildlife resources. Purchasing a hunting, fishing, or trapping license
helps support DEC's conservation projects and ensures the future of natural
resources for generations to come.
Habitat &
Access Stamp
DEC also
encourages outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat &
Access Stamp each year. Funds from the $5 Habitat & Access Stamp
support projects to conserve habitat and improve public access for fish and
wildlife-related activities. Examples of recent projects include a fish
habitat enhancement project on Wiscoy Creek in
Wyoming County and a wildlife observation platform at Hamlin Marsh Wildlife
Management Area in Onondaga County. This year's Habitat & Access Stamp
features the American kestrel.
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. 20 through Sept. 1.
Fairgoers are advised that only credit and debit cards are accepted for
these purchases as cash is no longer accepted 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, 2025. DMPs are used to manage the deer herd 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 2025 chances of selection for a DMP in each
Wildlife Management Unit 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 gives hunters and anglers 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.
Online and
In-Person Hunter Education Training Courses
All first-time
hunters, bowhunters, and trappers must pass one or more courses before they
can purchase a license. Online and in-person courses are available.
In-person courses
include a field day where new hunters can get hands-on experience. All
in-person courses are free of charge, but space may be limited. 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.
New York State is
also offering an online bowhunter education certification course. 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.
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