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Nuisance Wildlife Control License

Statutory Authority: ECL 11-0507, 11-0511, 11-0513, 11-0521, 11-0523, 11-0524 and 6 NYCRR Part 175

The Department may issue a Nuisance Wildlife Control License to qualified individuals to act as an agent for a property owner or lessee. The licensee is permitted to take, temporarily possess, transport, and release wildlife, at any time whenever the wildlife becomes a nuisance, destroys property, or menaces an individual or domestic animal.

Please note:

  • DEC Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Exam is required for this license. After a passing score is achieved, the Nuisance Wildlife Control License Application will be sent to you by mail.
  • Certain species may require additional permits.
  • This license expires annually on September 30.
  • There is a $50.00 fee for this license. Municipalities may be exempt from this fee.

If you are currently a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator the following links will supply you with some needed documents.

Please contact the Special Licenses Unit with any questions or concerns about qualifying or applying for this permit. To sign up for the Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Exam please contact your Regional DEC Office.

NYSDEC
Special Licenses Unit
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-4752
518-402-8985

List of applicable Laws and Regulations

  • New York Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) to read visit Department of State website at http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/menuf.cgi
    • 11-0507
    • 11-0511
    • 11-0513
    • 11-0521
    • 11-0523
    • 11-0524
  • New York Codes Rules and Regulations (6NYCRR)
  • Page applies to all NYS regions
  • PDF Help:
  • For assistance with PDFs on this page, please call 518-402-8985.
  • Contact for this Page:
  • NYSDEC
    Fish, Wildlife & Marine Resources
    625 Broadway
    Albany, NY 12233-4752
    518-402-8985
    email us