Domestic Game Bird Breeder License

Much of the information below can also be found in the printable Domestic Game Bird Breeder License Fact Sheet (pdf 136kb).

Definition

Domestic Game Birds: Bred in captivity under a domestic game bird breeder's license shall mean
Ducks
Geese
Brant
Swan
Pheasants
Quail
Wild Turkey
Ruffed Grouse
Chukar Partridge
Hungarian or European Gray-Legged Partridge

Domestic Game Bird Breeder License

DEC issues two different class types of Domestic Game Bird Breeder Licenses that are identified below:

Domestic Game Bird Breeder License Types

Class A - Domestic Game Bird Breeder	Class B - Domestic Game Bird Breeder
Allows for: the purchase, possession, propagation, transport and sale of domestic game birds, dead or alive, and their eggs domestic game birds may be killed by the licensee for their own use in any manner other than shooting the licensee must be the owner or lessee of the property to be licensed when selling live birds the purchaser must also have a license that allows for the possession of domestic game birds birds released to the wild for restocking may be hunted, but only during their regular season provided that ther is a season for the species in question	Allows for: the purchase, possession, propagation, and transport of domestic game birds, dead or alive, and their eggs domestic game birds may be killed by the licensee for their own use in any manner other than shooting the licensee must be the owner or lessee of the property to be licensed birds released to the wild for restocking may be hunted, but only during their regular season provided that there is a season for the species in question
Does NOT allow: the taking of domestic game birds by shooting the release of Canada geese, wild turkey and swan of any species to the wild	Does NOT allow the taking of domestic game birds by shooting the release of Canada geese, wild turkey and swan of any species to the wild the sale or transfer of domestic game birds or their eggs to any other party
License Fee: $200.00 License Expires: March 31, every fifth year	License Fee: $40.00License Expires: March 31, every fifth year

Class A - Domestic Game Bird Breeder

Class B - Domestic Game Bird Breeder

Allows for:

the purchase, possession, propagation, transport and sale of domestic game birds, dead or alive, and their eggs
domestic game birds may be killed by the licensee for their own use in any manner other than shooting
the licensee must be the owner or lessee of the property to be licensed
when selling live birds the purchaser must also have a license that allows for the possession of domestic game birds
birds released to the wild for restocking may be hunted, but only during their regular season provided that ther is a season for the species in question

Allows for:

the purchase, possession, propagation, and transport of domestic game birds, dead or alive, and their eggs
domestic game birds may be killed by the licensee for their own use in any manner other than shooting
the licensee must be the owner or lessee of the property to be licensed
birds released to the wild for restocking may be hunted, but only during their regular season provided that there is a season for the species in question

Does NOT allow:

the taking of domestic game birds by shooting
the release of Canada geese, wild turkey and swan of any species to the wild

Does NOT allow

the taking of domestic game birds by shooting
the release of Canada geese, wild turkey and swan of any species to the wild
the sale or transfer of domestic game birds or their eggs to any other party

License Fee: $200.00
License Expires: March 31, every fifth year

License Fee: $40.00License Expires: March 31, every fifth year

Applying for a Domestic Game Bird Breeder License

Complete the Domestic Game Bird Breeder Application Form (PDF 196kb). Forms are available by contacting the Special Licenses Unit at fwslu@gw.dec.state.ny.us
Complete a check or money order for the appropriate amount as specified on the application
Send completed information to the following address: NYSDEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany NY 12233-4752

Current License Holder Information

Carcass Identification Form

Carcasses leaving the licensed premises, not already prepared for consumption, must be accompanied by the appropriate Carcass Identification Form (PDF 231 kb).

Helpful information when using the Carcass Identification Form is below:

One form can be used for more than one carcass. However, a separate form should be filled out for each person taking possession of the carcass(es).
The form must remain with the carcass(es) while in transit from the facility and until the animal is prepared for consumption.
A person may transport the carcass(es) for other individuals provided that the transporter has the original Carcass Identification Form. Upon delivery of the carcass(es), the transporter shall give the appropriate Carcass Identification Form to the individual taking final possession of the carcass(es).
For ease of continued use, licensees may fill out sections 1-3 with name, license information, mailing address and facility address and make copies.

Annual Report and Continuous Record of Operations

Each year the licensee shall submit a Annual Report and Continuous Record of Operations Form (PDF 177kb) by March 31th.

Applicable Laws and Regulations

New York Codes Rules and Regulations (NYCRR):
6 NYCRR Part 153 (Preserve Licenses)
6 NYCRR Part 175 (Special Licenses and Permits - Definitions and Uniform Procedures)
Environmental Conservation Law (ECL)
§11-1901 (Breeding of Domestic Game Birds)
§11-0103(4) (a) (c) (Fish and Wildlife Definitions)
(to read these laws, visit the Department of State website at http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/menuf.cgi)

For questions or concerns contact DEC's Special Licenses Unit at (518) 402-8985 or send an email to fwslu@gw.dec.state.ny.us