New York hunting and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) for the 2024-25 season are now on sale. Sales begin with the first time that all hunting, fishing and trapping licenses and associated labels will be printed on plain paper rather than plastic.

“DEC continues to modernize the sports license system and improve the license purchasing experience for the public,” said Sean Mahar, interim commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. “The ability for people to obtain their license electronically and print the tags at home will make it faster and easier to get outdoors and connect with nature through hunting and fishing.”

Licenses and permits can be purchased online at any DEC licensing office or by calling 866-933-2257. Hunting and trapping licenses are valid from September 1 to August 31 each year, while annual fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.

With the switch to paper licenses this year, licenses purchased online or by phone can be emailed to the customer and printed at home, making them available almost immediately. For more information on the switch to paper licenses and how to properly tag your harvested deer, bear or turkey with paper tags, visit the DEC’s website.

Also new this year: Hunters will no longer be required to wear a back tag while outdoors throughout New York State. Carrying proof of license (paper or electronically via the HuntFishNY app) will still be required. Although a recent law change gave DEC the authority to apply electronic carcass tags to deer, bear and turkey, this will require a change in regulations. Electronic tags will not be available for the 2024-25 license year, and tags must be printed on plain paper and carried outdoors.

New York’s habitat plays a critical role in maintaining healthy and sustainable fish and wildlife populations. Purchasing a hunting, fishing or trapping license supports DEC’s conservation projects. DEC also encourages outdoor enthusiasts to purchase 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.

Starting this week through November 30, the DEC call center will be open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, November 17 and December 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Regular call center hours will resume on weekdays starting December 1.

When purchasing a license, private individuals should have the following things ready:

1. Complete contact information (e.g. name, address, email address, phone number). If you request that your driver’s license and/or license plates be sent to you via email, a valid email address is required.
2. DEC customer ID number (if applicable);
3. Proof of residency (e.g., driver’s license or identification card with a valid New York State address);
4. For purchases made by telephone or internet, a valid credit card; and
5. Unless already enrolled in the DEC’s automated licensing system, individuals must provide proof of hunting or trapping training or a copy of a previous license when purchasing all hunting and trapping licenses.

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