Fish and Wildlife Special Uses

Fish, Wildlife and Marine Licenses and Permits

The Special Licenses Unit provides an efficient, effective and equitable way to meet Legislative and Departmental mandates governing "special uses" of the fish and wildlife resource. The Unit strives to achieve maximum user opportunity compatible with the intent and purpose of the mandates and the welfare of fish and wildlife resources. We are responsible for the distribution of applications for special licenses and the review and issuance of these licenses.

Fisheries Related Special Permits and Licenses

Many fisheries activities beyond everyday angling, or collection of bait for personal use with a small net, require a special license or permit. These activities include commercial harvest of fish or bait, intensive management of ponds for fish production, stocking of fish and fish eggs, and the possession of some highly regulated species of fish.

Routine freshwater fisheries licenses and permits are issued through DEC Regional Offices. These include licenses to take (or sell) bait fish and aquatic insects, Fish Stocking Permits, Triploid Grass Carp Permits, Piranha Permits, and Farm Fish Pond Licenses. Contact the DEC Regional Fisheries Manager for the location where the regulated activity will be taking place.

Inland Commercial Fishing Licenses, Fishing Preserve Licenses, Set Line Licenses, and Lake Sturgeon Licenses are issued by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources Special License Unit.

Fish Hatchery Permits for raising and selling black bass, trout, or salmon are issued by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources, Bureau of Fisheries.