ALBANY, N.Y. – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton has announced that hunting and trapping licenses and deer management permits 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,” Lefton said.
“Hunter education classes and licenses are now available to help hunters get outdoors and connect to nature,” she continued. “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 including name, address, email address and 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, a 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.
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 at https://ift.tt/y6MKd0x.
Information for hunters with a disability can be found on the Permits for Hunters with Disabilities page on the DEC website: https://ift.tt/WoCMldi.
