New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that hunting and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) for the 2026-27 season are now on sale.
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 Sept. 1 through Aug. 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.
Through Nov. 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, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 29. Regular call center weekday hours resume on Dec. 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.
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 Aug. 3 through Oct. 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.
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.ny.gov
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.
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.
