New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced that hunting and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) 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,” Commissioner Lefton said. “Hunter education classes and licenses are now available to help hunters get outdoors and connect to nature. 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 (e.g., name, address, email address, 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 (e.g., 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; and
- 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. Information for hunters with a disability can be found on the Permits for Hunters with Disabilities page on the DEC website.
The 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, which provides an easy-to-read collection of pertinent rules and regulations, is available on the DEC Hunting webpage. Copies are available at license issuing agents. Legislation regarding use of crossbows and a regulatory proposal for electronic carcass tagging and harvest reporting are both pending and are not enacted. Hunters are encouraged to stay up to date on potential changes as they prepare for the fall hunting seasons by visiting the Hunting page on DEC’s website.
