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From the September 2007 issue
2007-08 Sporting Licenses Now Available
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has announced that 2007-08 hunting, fishing and trapping licenses and deer management permits (DMPs) may now be purchased at any of DEC's 1,600 license-sales outlets statewide. They also can be purchased via the Internet or ordered by mail or phone. Prices for New York State residents range from as little as $5 for a Junior Small Game Hunting License to $76 for a Conservation Legacy License that allows a full range of hunting and fishing privileges. All sporting licenses will be valid from October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008.
License buyers should have the following items ready when applying: complete name and address information, proof of residency information (driver's license number or non-driver's ID number to qualify for a resident license) and, if purchasing by phone, credit card number and card expiration date. Hunting license purchases require individuals to provide proof of hunting education certification or a copy of a previous license, or the information must be available in their DECALS file.
Even if the fish aren't biting, anglers can enjoy spectacular views
DECALS
DEC's Automated Licensing System (DECALS) is the state's program for issuing sporting licenses and tracking license sales and revenues. DECALS also may be used for making donations to the Venison Donation Coalition and for purchasing the Habitat/Access Stamp the Trails Supporter Patch. Applicants who have previously purchased a license through DECALS may apply for their 2007-08 license electronically via DEC's website (look for the "Purchase a Sporting License" button on the home page). Applications also may be downloaded from the website and sent to the address listed on the form.
For questions regarding license purchases, please call the DECALS Call Center at 1-866-933-2257. Hours of operation for the Call Center are 7 AM to 7 PM, Monday through Saturday until October 13, 2007. Regular weekday hours of 8 AM to 5 PM will resume on October 14, 2007.
Deer Management Permits
DMPs, for antlerless deer only, will be available at all license-issuing outlets and by phone, Internet or mail through midnight on October 1, 2007. DMPs are issued by an instant lottery selection process at the point of sale; therefore, customers who are selected for DMPs will receive their permits immediately. The probabilities for DMP selection in each wildlife management unit (WMU) are determined by the number of applications expected for each WMU and the number of DMPs that DEC must issue to effectively manage the deer herd.
An applicant's chances of selection are also affected by their residency, number of preference points, land ownership or disabled-veteran status. Chances of selection in each WMU are listed in this year's Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, available at license-issuing agent locations and at via DEC's website. Chances of getting a DMP remain the same throughout the application period, so hunters do not need to rush to apply for a DMP on the first day of sale. Applicants are reminded that DMPs are valid for use only in the WMU specified on the permit.
Big-Game Hunting with Rifles
Hunters are reminded that Governor Eliot Spitzer signed a new law that allows big-game hunters to use rifles in three Southern Tier counties beginning this year. The legislation, which allows rifle use for big-game hunting in Chemung, Steuben and Yates counties, is similar to legislation enacted in 2005 for 10 counties in central New York and the Southern Tier. However, the new law expires in one year and is subject to renewal in 2008 by state lawmakers.
Supporting Habitat, Trails and the Hungry
DEC encourages all outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat/Access Stamp when they purchase their license. It is an optional stamp that is available to people who want to support DEC's efforts to conserve habitat and increase public access for fish- and wildlife- related recreation. This year's stamp features a line drawing of a white-tailed deer. Buying a $5 habitat stamp is the perfect way for young or old, angler or hunter, birder or photographer to help conserve New York's fabulous wildlife heritage. If you purchase a Habitat/Access Stamp, you will also receive a collectable limited edition Habitat/Access lapel pin by mail.
Help feed the hungry by contributing to the Venison Donation Program at all license-issuing outlets. You don't have to be a hunter or angler to help. Individuals should inform the license sales agent that they want to make a donation of one dollar or more to support the Venison Donation Program.
Proceeds from the new Trails Supporter Patch will help maintain and enhance trails throughout New York State that are not open to motorized vehicles. All monies raised will be deposited in the Conservation Fund's Outdoor Recreation, Trail Maintenance and Development Account. Funding from sales of the patch also will provide DEC's partners in the Adopt-A-Natural-Resource Stewardship Program with additional money to maintain more trails.
