Hunting and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits for the 2021-2022 seasons are now on sale. This year there are expanded hunting seasons and opportunities for youth ages 12 and 13 to hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow in upstate counties that have passed a local low and opted in to participate.
Licenses and permits can be purchased online, at any one of DEC's license-issuing agents or by telephone at (866) 933-2257.
New hunting and trapping licenses are valid from Sept. 1, 2021, through Aug. 31, 2022; annual fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from date of purchase.
Beginning this week, the DEC Call Center's hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays through Nov. 30. Regular call center weekday hours resume Dec. 1.
Individuals should have the following items ready when buying a license: Complete contact information (e.g. name, address, email address, telephone number); DEC customer ID number if applicable; proof of residency (driver's license or non-driver ID with a valid New York State address); and if purchasing by phone or internet, a valid credit card.
If not already entered in DEC's automated licensing system, individuals are required to 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.
DMPs are available at all license-issuing outlets, by phone, or online through Oct. 1. DMPs 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 2021 chances of selection for a DMP in each Wildlife Management Unit are available online, through license-issuing agents, or by calling the DMP Hotline (866) 472-4332. Detailed information on Deer Management Permits and the fall deer season forecast is available on the DEC website.
The 2021-22 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide is also available online, and copies will be available soon at license-issuing agents.