Hunting, Trapping Licenses, and DMP’s Now On Sale

New York 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,” New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean 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 the 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 back tag while afield anywhere in New York State. Carrying 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.