Hunting & Trapping Licenses Now On Sale, Announces NY DEC

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced on Tuesday that hunting and trapping licenses for the 2024-2025 season have gone on sale.

This is the first year licenses will be printed on plain paper instead of plastic stock. This means that licenses can be emailed to customers and printed at home. The provision for hunters to wear a backtag while in the field has been repealed, but they still must carry a copy of their license (either hard copy or electronic). Tags must be printed on plain white paper as tagging will not be done electronically for the 2024-2025 year.

“DEC continues to modernize the sporting license system and improve the license-buying experience for the public,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “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.” 

Licenses  are valid from September 1st through August 31st each year. They can be purchased at any DEC license issuing agency, online, or over the phone by calling 866-933-2257.