Hunting and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits for the 2024-25 season are now on sale. For the first time, licenses and associated tags will be printed on plain paper rather than plastic stock.

“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,” said Sean Mahar, interim commissioner of the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation, in a release from the DEC.

Licenses and permits may be purchased online at any of the 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. 

A person buying a license needs to provide contact information, proof of residency, and certification of having completed hunter or trapper education.

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 — a hard copy license or electronic license through the HuntFishNY mobile app — is still required.

While a recent law change gave the 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.

The DEC also encourages outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat and Access Stamp each year. Funds from the $5 stamp support projects to conserve habitat and improve public access for wildlife-related activities. This year's 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.

Deer Management Permits, tags for antlerless deer, are available at all license-issuing outlets, by phone, or online through Oct. 1. The permits are used to manage the deer population and are issued through an instant random selection process at the point of sale. 

For additional information,visit the General Sporting License Information webpage on the DEC’s website. Information for hunters with a disability may also be found on the Permits for Hunters with Disabilities page on DEC’s website.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer