New free fishing days in New York State have been slated, and sporting licenses will be available for purchase in St. Lawrence County Aug. 1.

The state has designated new free sport fishing days on Veterans Day, the weekend preceding Presidents Day, and National Hunting and Fishing Day, the fourth Saturday in September, said a press release from the governor’s office.

During these designated free fishing days, New York residents and non-residents are permitted to fish for free without a fishing license.

The press release from the governor’s office also announced that sporting licenses and deer management permits for the 2017-18 season will be available for purchase beginning Tuesday, Aug. 1.

Sporting licenses and deer management permits can be purchased at any one of DEC's license-issuing agents, by telephone 866-933-2257, or online.

Hunting and trapping licenses are valid for one year beginning September 1, 2017, while annual fishing licenses are valid 365 days from date of purchase.

Revenues from the sale of all sporting licenses provide direct support to the state's efforts to protect, preserve and enhance fish wildlife species and the habitats they depend on.

Free fishing days will allow various organizations to conduct fishing educational programs for the general public. A complete list of 2017 fishing education programs conducted by DEC can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27123.html.

Free fishing day participants are reminded that although the requirement for a fishing license is waived during free fishing days all other fishing regulations remain in effect.

Deer management permits will be available at all license-issuing outlets, by phone, or internet through Oct. 1, 2017. Deer management permits, which are used to ensure proper management of the deer herd, are issued through a random selection process at the point of sale.

Selected customers will receive their permits immediately. The chances of obtaining a deer management permit remain the same throughout the entire application period. Hunters do not need to rush to apply for a Deer Management Permit on the first day of sale.

The 2017 chances of selection for a deer management permit in each wildlife management unit are available online, through license issuing agents, or by calling the deer management permits hotline at 1-866-472-4332.

Detailed information on deer management permits is available on DEC's website.

The new Hunting & Trapping Regulations guide, a compendium of pertinent rules and regulations, will be available in August at all license-issuing outlets and on the DEC's hunting regulations webpage.

The public can find a list of license issuing agents at DEC's online license center or by contacting the DEC call center at 1-866-933-2257.

Beginning Aug. 1, the DEC call center will be accessible from 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays through Sept. 30. Regular call center weekday hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) will resume on Oct. 2.

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 (e.g., driver's license or non-driver's ID with a valid NYS 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.

Free Sportsmen Education

DEC works closely with thousands of dedicated certified instructors statewide to provide sportsmen education training courses free of charge. Courses are offered for hunter education, bowhunter education, trapper education, and waterfowl identification.

Courses fill up quickly, so those interested are encouraged to register soon.

Education courses are added throughout the year, so check the on-line system frequently to find a course. To locate a nearby hunter or trapper education course, visit the Sportsman Education webpage on DEC's website or contact a local DEC office for assistance.

Opportunities for Junior Hunters & Trappers

In an effort to foster the next generation of hunters in New York, DEC has expanded opportunities for junior hunters (licensees ages 12-15) and trappers (under 12 years old) by designating special youth hunts for deer, wild turkey, pheasants, and waterfowl through the Mentored Youth Hunter and Trapper Program.

These opportunities allow youth hunters and trappers to spend time in the field with experienced adults and gain the necessary knowledge and skills to become safe and responsible members of the hunting and trapping community.

Additional information about these programs and other opportunities for junior hunters and trappers is available here.

Trail Supporter Patch

DEC encourages all outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat/Access Stamp and/or a Trail Supporter Patch.

These stamps and patches support the State's efforts to conserve habitat, increase public access for fishing and wildlife-related recreation, and maintain non-motorized trails.

Buying a $5 stamp or patch or donating directly to the Conservation Fund is a simple way to help conserve New York's rich wildlife heritage and enhance outdoor recreation in the state.

Venison Donation Program

Anyone can help feed the hungry by contributing to the Venison Donation Program at any license issuing outlet. Individuals should inform the license sales agent if they are interested in making a donation of $1 or more to support the program.

Since 1999, these funds have been used by the Venison Donation Coalition for the processing of more than 330 tons of highly nutritious venison, the equivalent of 2.8 million meals served. For more information about the Venison Donation Coalition program, visit DEC's website.