New York hunting and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) for the 2019-20 season are now available for purchase, according to a press release from the state Department of Environmental Conservation

They can be purchased at any of the 1,100 licensed sales outlets in the state, such as those at sporting goods stores and departments, and municipal clerks’ offices.

Town clerks in St. Lawrence County will likely prefer that people get their licenses and permits through them, but they can also be ordered by telephone at 866-933-2257, or at www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6101.html.

The new hunting and trapping licenses are valid from Sept. 1, 2019 through Aug. 31, 2020, while annual fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from date of purchase.

Deer Management Permits (DMPs)

DMPs are also now available at all license-issuing outlets, by phone, or online through Oct. 1, 2019. 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 for one. The 2019 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 Deer Management Permits is available on DEC's website.

The new Hunting & Trapping Regulations Guide, which provides an easy-to-read compendium of all pertinent rules and regulations, is available on the DEC Hunting Regulations webpage.

A summary of hunting and trapping regulations is currently available at license issuing agents, and copies of the full hunting and trapping regulations guide will be available at license issuing agents beginning Sept. 1.

Expanded Call Center Hours

Beginning Aug. 1, the DEC Call Center is accessible from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays through Oct. 1. 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 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.

Free Hunter Education Training Courses Offered

DEC works closely with thousands of dedicated, certified instructors statewide to provide hunter education training courses free of charge. Courses are required for all first-time hunters.

Courses are offered in Hunter Education, Bowhunter Education, Trapper Education, and Waterfowl Hunter Identification. Courses fill quickly, so anyone interested in taking a course should register soon. Education courses are added continuously throughout the year, so check the online system frequently to find a nearby course.

To locate a nearby hunter or trapper education course, visit the Hunter Education webpage on DEC's website or contact a local DEC office for assistance.