Nuisance Wildlife Control License

This license permits the license holder to take, temporarily possess, transport and release wildlife whenever they become a nuisance, destroy property, or menace an individual or domestic animal.

General License Information

Fee: $50. Municipalities may be exempt.
Expiration: Annually on September 30. Renewal license applications will be sent in the mail prior to expiration.
Additional Requirements: Certain species may require additional permits. This will be specified in your license conditions.

How to Become a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator

License Examination

You must first take and pass a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator examination.

Examinations are held variable times throughout the year at regional DEC wildlife offices statewide. Contact your local DEC Regional Wildlife Office to sign up for the next exam or to find out when the next exam will be offered.

The Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Training Manual _{(External Link)} is available to view online or to download and print.

License Application

After passing the exam, an application will be sent to you by mail.

Current Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators

Current Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators must submit a log of activity each year.
The annual log form (PDF, 149KB) and instructions (PDF, 137KB) are available to download and print.

Questions

Contact the Special Licenses Unit at 518-402-8985 or by e-mail with any questions or concerns about this license.

List of Applicable Laws and Regulations

New York Codes Rules and Regulations (6NYCRR)

Part 175 - Special Licenses and Permits - Definitions and Uniform Procedures

New York Environmental Conservation Law (ECL)
Note: The following links leave DEC's website

More Information

For information about handling issues with common nuisance and damaging wildlife species and to find a contact list of nuisance wildlife control operators statewide, visit DEC's Nuisance Species: Handling Problems with Wildlife webpage.