DEC Announces New York State 2026-27 Hunting and Trapping Licenses Now on Sale

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 2026-27 season are now on sale.

“With more than 5 million acres of public land and thriving wildlife populations in New York State, nearly 550,000 New Yorkers enjoy connecting with nature and providing for their families by hunting and trapping each year,” Commissioner Lefton said. “In some parts of New York, deer populations are too abundant. DEC recently adopted deer hunting regulation changes to reduce impacts to habitat and benefit deer health and the public by increasing the availability of Deer Management Permits, expanding the September antlerless season, and creating the Earn-a-2nd-Buck tag system to encourage hunters to Choose a Doe.”

Licenses and permits can be purchased online, at any of DEC's license-issuing agents, or by telephone at 1-866-933-2257. Hunting and trapping licenses are valid from September 1 through August 31 each year, while annual fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from date of purchase. Lifetime licensees who receive their licenses and tags electronically should check their email and those still receiving them via mail should receive them during the month of August.

Beginning this week through November 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, November 22 and Sunday, November 29. Regular call center weekday hours resume on December 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.
If not already entered in DEC’s automated licensing system, hunters 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 DEC’s website.

The 2026-27 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, with pertinent rules and regulations, is available on the DEC Hunting webpage. Copies are also available at license issuing agents. Hunters are encouraged to stay up to date on changes to regulations as they prepare for the fall hunting seasons by visiting the Hunting page on DEC’s website.

New York State’s habitats serve 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. 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. This year's Habitat & Access Stamp features the eastern pondhawk dragonfly.

Deer Management Permits (DMPs)
Hunters can apply for DMPs (tags for antlerless deer) at all license-issuing outlets, by phone, or online. New in 2026, hunters can apply for up to four DMPs: two in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) with limited DMPs and two in WMUs with unlimited DMPs. For WMUs with limited DMPs, the DMP application and issuance process will be open from August 3 through October 1 and DMPs will be issued through the typical lottery process. The chances of obtaining a DMP in these units will remain the same throughout the application period; hunters do not need to rush to apply. 

Unlimited DMPs will be available in 23 WMUs (1C, 3M, 3P, 3R, 3S, 4J, 6P, 7F, 7H, 7J, 7R, 8A, 8C, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 8R, 8S, 9A, 9F, and 9G). Hunters can apply for DMPs in these WMUs at any time throughout the hunting seasons and all hunters who apply will receive DMPs. Preference points are not used or received when applying for DMPs in WMUs with unlimited DMPs. DMPs that are used to harvest antlerless deer in these WMUs will be replaced with a bonus DMP in the same WMU upon harvest report, allowing hunters to continue harvesting antlerless deer. There is no fee to obtain bonus DMPs.

The 2026 chances of selection for a DMP in each WMU are available online, through license issuing agents, or by calling the DMP Hotline at 1-866-472-4332. To learn more about the issuance of DMPs, visit DEC’s website.

Hunting and Trapping Rule Changes for 2026
In addition to changes in DMP availability, DEC adopted several changes to deer hunting regulations, including an expanded September antlerless season in several Wildlife Management Units and the “Earn-a-2nd-Buck” program. To facilitate the “Earn-a-2nd-Buck” program, DEC reclassified the former “Regular Season Deer Tag” as an “Antlered Deer Tag” and the former “Bow/Muzzleloader Either-Sex Deer Tag” as a “Bow/Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Tag.” Hunters who purchase bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges will receive a “Bow/Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Tag” for each privilege. Hunters will earn a tag for a second buck after taking and reporting one antlerless deer. For more information, review the “Q&A” on new hunting regulations to increase harvest of antlerless deer.

DEC also adopted changes to season dates and zones for fisher trapping. Visit DEC’s website for up-to-date information on hunting and trapping regulations and seasons.

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 a smartphone. In addition to providing instant mobile access to electronic versions of your sporting licenses, permits, privileges, and carcass tags, the app offers the ability to report game harvests immediately while afield, even when not in cell service. Additionally, the app provides 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.

Hunter Education Program
To purchase a hunting or trapping license, a hunter, bowhunter, or trapper education certificate is required. For over 75 years, DEC’s Hunter Education Program has taught future hunters and trappers how to be safe, responsible, and ethical. Courses are available in-person or online. All in-person courses are free and taught by DEC-certified instructors. Demand for in-person courses is high during late summer and early fall, so it is important to sign up early. For more information, and to find a local course, visit DEC’s website.

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