Shooting Preserve License

Much of the information below can also be found in the printable Shooting Preserve License Fact Sheet (pdf, 145kb).

Definition

Shooting Preserve: Wholly enclosed lands or an entire island where the release and taking of propagated domestic game birds by shooting is allowed from September 1- April 15. A shooting preserve may or may not have a minimum acreage requirement, depending upon its classification as either a Class A or Class B shooting preserve. All lands used for a shooting preserve must be one contiguous block with the boundaries posted with appropriate signs in accordance with section §11-2111 (Posting; service of notice).
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

Shooting Preserve License

DEC issues two different class types of Shooting Preserve Licenses that are identified below:

Shooting Perserve License Types

Class A Shooting Preserve (Commmerical or Club)	Class B - Shooting Presere (Private)
Allows for: the operation of a commercial or club membership shooting preserve the purchase, possession, transport, rearing and release of captive bred domestic game birds taking of captive bred domestic game birds by shooting from September 1- April 15 at other times, the taking of domestic game birds in any manner other than shooting the charging of a daily fee for shooting domestic game birds charging a fee for each bird killed or combination thereof domestic game birds to be killed for the licenee's own use the selling of captive bred domestic game birds (dead or alive) the shooting of captive bred domestic game birds on a shooting preserve without a New York State hunting license as long as persons meet the State's minimum age requirement for the issuance of a hunting license	Allows for: the operation of a shooting preserve with use restricted to the licensee, their family or invited guests provided no fees are charged for the privilege of shooting or for birds shot the purchase, possession, transport, rearing and release of captive bred domestic game birds the taking of captive bred domestic game birds by shooting from September 1- April 15 at other times, the taking of captive bred domestic game birds in any manner other than shooting the taking of game birds for the holders use the shooting of captive bred domestic game birds on a shooting preserve without a New York State hunting license as long as persons meet the State's minimum age requirement for the issuance of a hunting license
Does NOT allow: the shooting of species other than captive bred domestic game birds the release of Canada geese, wild turkey and swan of any species to the wild the propagation of domestic game birds	Does NOT allow the sale of live birds, their eggs and carcasses UNLESS the licensee holds a Class A Domestic Game Bird Breeder's license. the shooting of species other than captive bred domestic game birds the release of Canada geese, wild turkey and swan of any species to the wild the propagation of domestic game birds
License Fee: $200.00 License Expires: April 15, every fifth year Minimum Acreage Requirement: 100 acres	License Fee: $60.00License Expires: April 15, every fifth year Minimum Acreage Requirement: none

Applying for a Shooting Preserve License

Complete the Shooting Preserve Application form (PDF 140 kb). 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
Attach a tax ID map of the property to be used for the shooting preserve, with the area for the preserve designated as such. A Tax ID Map should include any bordering properties or roads, as well as the acreage. The intended shooting preserve area should be highlighted.
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 189kb) by April 15th.

Applicable Laws and Regulations

New York Codes Rules and Regulations (NYCRR):
6 NYCRR Part 153 (Preserve Licenses)
6 NYCRR Part 154 (Domestic Waterfowl)
6 NYCRR Part 175 (Special Licenses and Permits - Definitions and Uniform Procedures)
Environmental Conservation Law (ECL)
§11-1903 (Shooting Preserves)
§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