From the September 2008 issue

2008-09 Sporting License Sales

Hunting, fishing and trapping licenses and deer management permits (DMPs) for 2008-09 can be purchased at any of the Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) 1,500 license sales outlets statewide. All sporting licenses are valid beginning October 1, 2008, through September 30, 2009. Prices for state residents range from as little as $5 for a Junior Hunting License to $76 for a Conservation Legacy License that allows a full range of hunting and fishing privileges and includes specialty items such as a subscription to Conservationist magazine and a Habitat/Access Stamp.

DECALS

Sporting licenses also can be ordered by mail or phone. Previous DEC Automated Licensing System (DECALS) customers can purchase licenses via DEC's website. License applications also may be downloaded from the website and submitted by mail to the address listed on the application. For questions regarding license purchases, please call the DECALS Call Center at 1-866-933-2257. Hours of operation are 7 AM to 7 PM, Monday through Saturday through October 13, 2008. Regular weekday hours of 8 AM to 5 PM will resume on October 14.

Individuals may purchase 2008-09 sporting licenses and permits through DECALS at all license-issuing outlets across the state.

The DECALS System is New York's program for issuing sporting licenses and tracking license sales and revenues. DECALS also can be used for donations to the Habitat/Access Stamp Program, Venison Donation Coalition, Conservation Fund and the Trail Maintenance Program. Individuals may purchase 2008-09 sporting licenses and permits through DECALS at all license-issuing outlets across the state.

Required Information

License buyers should have the following items ready when applying: complete name and address information, customer ID number if applicable, proof of residency information (driver's license number or non-driver's ID number) and, if purchasing by phone, credit card and card expiration date. Hunting license purchases require individuals to provide proof of hunter education certification or a copy of a previous license, or this information must be contained in their DECALS file already.

Deer Management Permits

Deer management permits (DMPs), for antlerless deer only, are available at all license issuing outlets and by phone, internet or mail through close of business on October 1. DMPs are issued through a random selection process at the point of sale; therefore customers who are selected for DMPs will receive their permits immediately.

DMP's are assigned by wildlife management units.

The probability of DMP selection in each wildlife management unit (WMU) is determined by the number of applications expected for each and the number of DMPs that DEC must issue to effectively manage the deer herd. An applicant's selection is also affected by residency, number of preference points, land ownership or disabled veteran's status. Chances of selection in each WMU are listed in this year's Hunting and Trapping Guide, available at license issuing outlets and on DEC's website. Chances of getting a DMP are the same throughout the application period from August 18 through October 1, 2008.

DEC plans to issue approximately 530,000 DMPs this year, about 13 percent more than last year's target DMP issuance. The boost in DMP targets for 2008 reflects increases in deer abundance in many parts of the state and DEC's intent to manage deer populations toward levels suggested by citizen task forces for each WMU. Applicants are reminded that DMPs are valid for use only in the WMU specified on the permit.

If a significant number of DMPs remain available in a WMU after October 1, leftover DMP sales will begin on November 1, 2008 and continue on a first-come, first-served basis until the end of the hunting season or until all DMPs have been issued. Hunters who were accustomed to applying for leftover DMPs in archery-only units 4J and 8C are advised that these units will not be open during the first-come, first-served application period this year, but bonus DMPs will be available in these units. For information about bonus DMPs in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J and 8C, see DEC's website.

New Mentoring Program

14 and 15 year-olds may now hunt big game with a firearm if they hunt with an experienced adult.

Hunters and trappers are reminded of a new junior hunter and trapper mentoring program which allows 14 and 15-year-olds to hunt big game with a firearm while accompanied and supervised by an experienced adult hunter. The new law also allows unlicensed youth less than 12 years of age to accompany and assist a licensed trapper who is at least 18 years of age and has a minimum of three years of trapping experience. More details about these new opportunities are available in this year's Hunting and Trapping Guide.

Conservation Fund

Sales of all sporting licenses are deposited into the Conservation Fund, which is used for the management of New York State's fish and wildlife populations and for protection and management of the habitats on which these animals rely. Via DECALS, donations to the Conservation Fund may be made in addition to or in lieu of purchasing a sporting license or Habitat/Access Stamp.