Deer Management Permits
Application Period Ends Close of Business October 1
You are able to apply for and receive your Deer Management Permits at all license issuing outlets via our computerized licensing system (DECALS). For information on how to purchase sporting licenses and permits please see DECALS.
Hunters possessing a Deer Management Permit (DMP) may take one antlerless deer per permit, in addition to a deer that may be taken with a regular big game license. Legally antlered deer (at least one antler 3" or longer) may not be taken on DMPs. DMPs are valid during all Southern Zone seasons, the Northern Zone regular season (in WMUs 6A, 6C, 6G, 6H and 6K), the Northern Zone late muzzleloader season (in WMUs 6A, 6C, 6G and 6H) and in all Westchester and Suffolk County seasons. Your DMP may only be used in the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) designated on the permit. In four archery only units (1C, 3S, 4J and 8C) hunters who fill a DMP with an antlerless deer can apply for a "Bonus DMP" good for a deer of either sex.
Junior Bowhunters may apply for Deer Management Permits and may use them during the special archery seasons and during the regular season.
DMPs are free to holders of Resident and Nonresident Junior Bowhunting licenses, Resident and Nonresident Junior Hunting licenses, and Lifetime Sportsman Licenses (purchased prior to October 1, 2009). There is a $10 fee for other resident and nonresident license holders.
During the initial application period, DMPs are not issued on a first-come/first served basis, but are issued by random computer selection at the License Issuing Agent. This selection is based, for each WMU, on "selection categories", the number of applicants expected and the number of antlerless deer we desire to harvest in that WMU. For an explanation of the process and a table of selection chances see our DMP Selection Process page. If selected, you will receive your permit(s) immediately.
If there are permits remaining after the initial application period ends, the remaining DMPs may be available for an Extended Application Period beginning on or about November 1 at all License Issuing Agents. The WMUs with available permits will be announced via news release and on our website. If you had already applied during the initial application period, there is no additional application fee. If you are applying for the first time, you will have to pay a $10 application fee unless you hold a Junior Bowhunting, Junior Hunting, or Lifetime Sportsman license (purchased prior to October 1, 2009).
For more information regarding Deer Management Permits, you may call our DMP Information Hotline at 1-866-472-4332.
More about Deer Management Permits:
- Deer Management Permit Probabilites and Selection Process - Forms and instructions for permit application for Deer Management Permits.
- Bonus Deer Management Permits - Bonus Permits may be available to hunters who take an antlerless deer on a Deer Management Permit (DMP) or a Bonus DMP in a unit where additional harvest is required (normally Units 1C, 3S, 4J, or 8C).
- Deer Management Permits Extended Application Period - First come-first served Deer Management Permit (DMP) applications will be accepted starting on November 1.
- Consignment of Deer Management Permits - Summary of procedure for Consignment of Deer Management Permits.
- Understanding Deer Management Permits: Quota Setting and Permit Selection - This article describes how Deer Management Permit quotas are calculated and how the permits are then distributed to hunters.
