The Peru Gazette

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.

New York’s habitat serves a vital role in maintaining healthy and sustainable fish and wildlife resources. Purchasing a hunting, fishing, or trapping license helps support DEC’s conservation projects and ensures the future of natural resources for generations to come.

Habitat & Access Stamp

DEC also encourages outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat & Access Stamp each year. Funds from the $5 Habitat & Access Stamp support projects to conserve habitat and improve public access for fish and wildlife-related activities. Examples of recent projects include a fish habitat enhancement project on Wiscoy Creek in Wyoming County and a wildlife observation platform at Hamlin Marsh Wildlife Management Area in Onondaga County. This year’s Habitat & Access Stamp features the American kestrel.

Buying your License at the Great New York State Fair

DEC sells hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses in the DEC Aquarium building at the New York State Fair from Aug. 20 through Sept. 1. Fairgoers are advised that only credit and debit cards are accepted for these purchases as cash is no longer accepted at this license sales location.

Deer Management Permits (DMPs)

DMPs (tags for antlerless deer) are available at all license-issuing outlets, by phone, or online through Oct. 1, 2025. DMPs are used to manage the deer herd and are issued through an instant random selection process at the point of sale. The chances of obtaining a DMP remain the same throughout the application period; hunters need not rush to apply. The 2025 chances of selection for a DMP in each Wildlife Management Unit are available online, through license issuing agents, or by calling the DMP Hotline at 1-866-472-4332. Detailed information on DMPs is available on DEC’s website.

HuntFishNY Mobile App

DEC’s HuntFishNY app gives hunters and anglers an easy way to display sporting licenses and privileges and view important hunting- and fishing-related information through the convenience of your smartphone. In addition to providing instant mobile access to electronic versions of your sporting licenses and privileges, the app offers the ability to report game harvests immediately while afield even when not in cell service, as well as links to useful information like season date summaries, regulations guides, a DEC contact list, and much more. Download HuntFishNY today from the Apple App and Google Play stores.

Online and In-Person Hunter Education Training Courses

All first-time hunters, bowhunters, and trappers must pass one or more courses before they can purchase a license. Online and in-person courses are available.

In-person courses include a field day where new hunters can get hands-on experience. All in-person courses are free of charge, but space may be limited. Courses fill quickly, so be sure to sign up early. Visit DEC’s website for more information, including a list of courses, registration instructions, and ways to obtain study materials.

All the requirements to earn a New York State hunter education certificate can also be met by completing DEC’s online hunter education course and passing the exam. Upon passing, participants will receive a hunter education certificate so they can purchase a hunting license. Participants must be New York State residents and the cost of the course is $24.95. The online course can be accessed at the Hunter-Ed website.

New York State is also offering an online bowhunter education certification course. Upon passing, hunters will receive their bowhunter education certificate so they can purchase a bowhunting privilege. Participants must be New York State residents and the cost of the course is $30. The online course can be accessed at the Bowhunter-Ed website.