The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the upcoming dates of examinations for individuals seeking select Special Licenses. To provide enhanced access, DEC is offering these examinations online and free of charge.
Exams being offered:
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New York State Licensed Guide: camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, whitewater, rock climbing, and ice climbing;
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Falconry License;
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Wildlife Rehabilitator License; and
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Leashed Tracking Dog License.
New York State Licensed Guide Exams
A guide is a person at least 18 years of age offering services for hire, including directing, instructing, or aiding another individual in camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, whitewater rafting/canoeing/kayaking, rock climbing, and ice climbing.
Applicants are not required to be a resident of New York State to receive a guide’s license.
| 2025 Licensed Guide Examination Schedule | ||
|---|---|---|
| Exam Date | Exam Times | Registration Must be Received by: |
| Feb. 7, 2025 | 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. | Feb. 5, 2025 |
| March 1, 2025 | NYSOGA meeting only | Feb. 21, 2025 |
| May 9, 2025 | 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. | May 7, 2025 |
| June 6, 2025 | 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. | June 4, 2025 |
| July 11, 2025 | 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. | July 9, 2025 |
| Sept. 12, 2025 | 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. | Sept. 10, 2025 |
All exams will be online, except for the in-person exam offered at the New York State Outdoor Guides Association (NYSOGA) winter rendezvous meeting on March 1, 2025. Exam and registration instructions can be found on the DEC Licensed Guide Program webpage.
To register, visit the Licensed Guide Exams Registration Website. Applicants will receive an email acknowledging registration with a one-time link to access the exam on the specified exam date. Upon successful completion of the exam(s), applicants will receive information on applying for the license, including an application form. Please do not send applications or fees prior to passing the examination(s).
An outline of exam content and a study guide can be found on the DEC Licensed Guide Program webpage. The Fieldbook, a reference book published by the Boy Scouts of America, is also recommended and available online.
Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog License Examinations
| 2025 Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog License Examination Schedule | ||
| Exam Date | Exam Times | Registration must be Received by: |
| April 11, 2025 | 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. | April 9, 2025 |
| Aug. 8, 2025* | 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. | Aug. 6, 2025
|
*Please note: Registration for the August exams will open the week following the April exam.
To register, visit the Special Licenses Registration Website. Applicants will receive an email acknowledging registration and a one-time link to access the exam on the specified exam date. The link to the exam registration webpage can be found on each of the individual license webpages at: Division of Fish and Wildlife Special Licenses and Permits.
Apprentice Falconry License
Falconry has a rich history and tradition throughout the world and requires a significant commitment of time and effort. Apprentices are limited to possessing one bird, either an American kestrel or a red-tailed hawk. To qualify for the Apprentice Falconry License, applicants must:
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score 80 percent or higher on the written exam;
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be at least 14 years of age;
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possess a valid New York State hunting license;
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maintain DEC-approved facilities for housing falconry raptors; and
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be a resident of New York State.
A falconry study guide and examination manual are available on the DEC Falconry License webpage. The exam is free; the cost of a five-year falconry license is $40.
Wildlife Rehabilitator License
Wildlife rehabilitators provide for the care of injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals for the purpose of returning rehabilitated animals to the wild. Prospective applicants are encouraged to gain experience by serving as an assistant to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. To qualify for the Wildlife Rehabilitator License, applicants must:
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score 80 percent or higher on the written exam;
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be at least 16 years of age;
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be interviewed by DEC Regional wildlife staff; and
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be a resident of New York State.
A wildlife rehabilitator study guide and examination manual are available on the DEC Wildlife Rehabilitator License webpage. The exam is free and there is no cost for the five-year wildlife rehabilitation license.
Leashed Tracking Dog License
Leashed tracking dog handlers provide a valuable service in aiding hunters in locating wounded big game that otherwise may go unrecovered. To qualify for a Leashed Tracking Dog License, applicants must:
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score 80 percent or higher on the written exam; and
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possess a valid New York State hunting license.
A leashed tracking dog study guide is available on the DEC Leashed Tracking Dog License webpage. The exam is free; the five-year leashed tracking dog license is $50. Additionally, there is a $25 non-refundable fee for first-time applicants.
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