Deer Management Permits (DMPs)
On This Page:
- Applying for DMPs
- DMP Availability and Probability of Selection
- Consignment of DMPs
- Quota Setting and Permit Selection
- DMP Allocation
- Bonus DMPs
- Leftover DMPs
Hunters possessing a Deer Management Permit (DMP) may take one antlerless deer per permit, in addition to deer that may be taken with a regular big game tag or Bow/Muzz Antlerless or Bow/Muzz Either Sex tags.
- DMPs may only be used for antlerless deer (have no antlers or antlers less than 3" long).
- DMPs may only be used in the WMU for which they are issued.
- DMPs are valid during all deer hunting seasons.
- Junior Bowhunters may use DMPs during the special archery seasons and during the regular season.
- Hunters may transfer or receive up to 2 DMPs from other hunters (see Consignment of Deer Management Permits for instructions).
- An overview of how DMP quotas are established is available at Understanding DMPs: Quota Setting and Permit Selection.
Applying for DMPs
DMP Application Deadline: October 1 each year
What You Need to Know Before Applying
- All licensed hunters, aged 12 or older can apply for a DMP. Junior hunters aged 12-13 can only hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow in counties that have passed a local law authorizing such action. Check the map on the Junior Big Game Hunting webpage to confirm the counties in which 12- and 13-year-olds can hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow.
- You can apply for up to two DMPs within the same Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) or two different WMUs. Both must be applied for at the same time. Find a WMU near you by viewing the written WMU boundary descriptions.
- If applying at a license sales agent, hunters who are selected will receive their tags immediately. If applying online or by phone, hunters who are selected must wait approximately three weeks to receive tags.
- Follow best practice and check your DMP before leaving the license issuing outlet to make sure it is for the correct WMU. If the clerk made an error, they can contact our DMP Hotline (1-866-472-4332) to get the error corrected.
- There is a $10 non-refundable application fee for all applicants, except for holders of Lifetime Sportsman licenses purchased prior to 9/30/2009, and Junior Hunters & Junior Bowhunters.
- Disabled Veterans who are residents of New York and who have a service-connected disability rated at 40% or greater will receive preference on DMPs. Annually, you must bring a letter from the Veteran's Administration, dated in the current year, with your case number and your disability percentage. If you are claiming permanent disabled status, the letter must clearly state that the service-related disability is 'permanent'.
- Landowners who own 50 or more contiguous acres of land within a WMU will receive preference on DMP selection. Annually, you must bring your tax map identification number and SWIS code (found on your tax bill) with you when you apply. Be sure to tell the license issuing agent PRIOR to applying that you are a landowner. Lessees do not qualify as landowners. A spouse of a landowner may receive landowner preference, but both spouses may not apply as a landowner for the same parcel of land. Corporate ownership: only one person may be designated by a corporation as the landowner each year no matter how many 50-acre parcels are owned. The corporation must submit an original letter or certified copy of a resolution, dated in the current year, designating the individual and must include the tax map ID and SWIS code information.
Ways You Can Apply
Chances of Being Selected for a DMP
The chances remain the same throughout the entire application period, which runs from the middle of August through October 1.
See DMP Probabilities for a table of the chances of selection for 1st and 2nd choice DMPs for residents and non-residents.
The DMP probabilities are based on the following criteria:
- Number of antlerless deer to be harvested in each WMU.
- Number of applicants expected.
- Ranking of the applicant based on the Order of Selection below.
Order of Selection
- Landowners and Disabled Veterans
- NYS residents and non-residents with 3 or more preference points.
- Residents with 2 preference points.
- Residents with 1 preference points.
- Residents with 0 preference points.
- Non-residents with 2 preference points.
- Non-residents with 1 preference points.
- Non-residents with 0 preference points.
Preference Points
- Preference points increase your chances of selection but do not guarantee DMP selection.
- Preference points are won and lost on first permit selection only.
- If you receive a DMP in your first choice WMU, all available preference points will be used, regardless whether the unit chosen was advertised as needing preference points or having high, medium, or low odds of being selected.
- If you do not receive a DMP in your first choice WMU, you will receive a preference point for the following year.
- Any preference points contained in your file are automatically applied to your first-choice WMU selection. If you do NOT receive your first choice, the points are applied to your second choice, but will remain in your file for the following year, regardless of your second choice selection results.
- Qualifying landowners and disabled veterans will receive their first choice DMP in all open WMUs.
- Preference Points are not WMU specific. That is, if you earned a preference point by being denied in one WMU, you can use that preference point in a subsequent year when applying for a DMP in a different WMU.
Additional Opportunities for Acquiring DMPs
- Leftover DMPs
If there are permits remaining after the initial application period ends on October 1, an extended application period for leftover DMPs will begin on or around November 1 each year. Applications for leftover DMPs can only be made at a license issuing agent location. - Bonus DMPs in WMUs (1C, 3S, 4J and 8C)
Hunters who fill a DMP tag by harvesting an antlerless deer can apply for an additional (bonus) DMP to harvest another antlerless deer.
DMP Information Hotline
For more information regarding Deer Management Permits, you may call our DMP Information Hotline at 1-866-472-4332.
DMP Availability and Probability of Selection
DMP Application Deadline is October 1
View a Table of DMP Targets and Chances of DMP Selection for Residents and Non-Residents (PDF).
View a larger version of the 2022 DMP map (PDF).
DMP Selection Probabilities Remain the Same through the Entire Application Period.
See Wildlife Management Units for WMU boundary descriptions.
Consignment of DMPs
Deer Management Permits (DMPs) allow for the taking of antlerless deer only. Removal of antlerless deer from the population is the most effective and efficient tool for controlling deer numbers over large landscape areas. Allowing the transfer of DMPs maximizes our ability to use this tool.
Transferring DMPs
There is a section on your DMP that you can sign indicating that you consent to allow another hunter to use your DMP. You can only transfer your DMP to other hunters who are already licensed to hunt deer.
The hunter who wishes to receive and use your DMP must write your DMP number, in indelible ink or indelible pencil, on the License Privilege Panel immediately below the line where it states "DMP #'s received from other hunters."
As a result of your written consent to allow your DMP to be transferred and the receiving hunter adding your DMP number to his or her license, the DMP may be legally possessed and used by that hunter. Possession of someone else's DMP would otherwise be illegal.
Remember: Only DMP carcass tags can be transferred from one hunter to another. Hunting licenses or other tags (regular season tag and Bow/Mz tags) are not transferrable.
Example:
DMP tag of hunter Art Fern
- To transfer his DMP carcass tag hunter Art Fern must sign the bottom of the tag. This allows the DMP carcass tag to be transferred.
- The DMP carcass tag is given to Pete Moss.
License privilege Panel of hunter Pete Moss
- Hunter Pete Moss must record the Doc# from the DMP carcass tag being transferred to him on his license.
- If Pete Moss does not use the DMP carcass tag, he can give it back to Art Fern or give it to another hunter. The other hunter must then record the Doc# from the DMP carcass tag on his/her license.
Using a Consigned DMP
- Licensed hunters may receive up to two consigned DMPS from other hunters.
- There are two spaces available on the License Privilege panel for hunters to write in the DMP permit numbers they receive from another hunter.
- Consignment allows others to possess and use your DMP but it need not be a permanent transfer. If the DMP is not filled by any other party, you may use it, only after it is returned to you. Whoever has possession afield of the DMP may take an antlerless deer with it.
- There is no limit to the number of hunters who can borrow a single DMP; however, only the hunter who is actually in possession of the permit in the field may use it to take a deer.
- One DMP cannot be used to take multiple antlerless deer.
- If you don't use a consigned DMP and return it to its original owner, you have still used up one of your spaces on your License Privilege panel and cannot replace it with a different DMP.
Reporting Deer with a Consigned Permit
The shooter should report the deer if one is taken. He or she must have the report tag from the consigned DMP when they call to report the deer harvest. They should report the Document Number from the transferred tag, not the numbers that are on their own tags. They should also use their own birth date when reporting.
Understanding DMPs: Quota Setting and Permit Selection
Deer Management Permits (DMPs), often called "doe tags", are a critical part of New York's deer management program. By adjusting the number of DMPs available in individual Wildlife Management Units, we can influence the number of does that are taken by hunters and thus manipulate the population toward desired levels. Annual removal of appropriate numbers of does is essential for ecologically responsible deer management. It is beneficial for sustaining biodiversity and maintaining healthy habitat and healthy deer.
DMP Quota Setting
The math involved in setting DMP numbers is actually quite simple, though the process of determining the desired adult female (doe) harvest requires biologists to consider a variety of factors that influence population dynamics. Here is the essence of the permit setting process:
Step 1. Assess deer population status relative to the objective.
Deer population trajectory objectives (increase, stay the same, decrease) are assigned to each WMU based on public interests and assessments of deer-impacts to forests. Biologists use adult buck harvest density (bucks taken per square mile of habitat) as an index of deer abundance within each WMU, and review trends in this index to determine whether the population is changing consistent with the objective. It's not quite as simple, though, as seeing that the buck take went up and assuming that the population must be increasing. Biologists also study previous levels of doe harvest and observe how they influenced recent buck harvests. We monitor indices of herd health and productivity through annual measurements of yearling antler beam diameters and fawn to doe harvest ratios, and we consider likely impact of winter conditions on deer survival based on the number of days with temperatures below zero and snow deeper than 15 inches. All of these factors weigh into the biologists' interpretation of whether or not the deer population is on track to meet the objective.
Step 2. Determine the desired doe harvest.
Based upon the deer population status assessment, DEC biologists decide whether additional, fewer, or roughly the same number of does need to be harvested during the next hunting season to modify population growth according to the WMU's objective. Biologists review recent trends in doe harvest and determine the desired total doe harvest.
Step 3. Calculate the target doe harvest on DMPs.
Because does can also be harvested during bow and muzzleloader season and on DMAP tags, we review harvest records for each WMU to determine the desired doe harvest on DMPs.
(Desired Total Doe Harvest) - (# Adult Does Taken by Muzzleloader Hunters and Archers and on DMAP tags) = Target Doe Harvest on DMPs
Step 4. Add the expected fawn take.
All antlerless deer, including fawns and adult does, can be taken on DMPs, and the proportion of fawns in the harvest varies by WMU. Biologists review harvest records and adjust the desired DMP take to include fawns.
(Target Doe Harvest on DMPs) ÷ (% Adult Doe in DMP Harvest) = Total Desired DMP Harvest
Step 5. Account for hunter success.
Not all of the DMPs issued result in a harvested deer, and that success rate varies by WMU. Biologists use past DMP harvest success to adjust the target DMP issuance level to ensure the desired number of antlerless deer and the desired number of does are harvested.
(Total Desired DMP Harvest) ÷ (DMP Success Rate) = Total # of DMPs to Issue
Example. To illustrate the DMP quota setting process, consider the following:
| Step 1. | Population Trajectory Objective | Stay the Same |
| Current Population Status | Increasing, need additional doe harvest |
|
| Step 2. | Recent Total Doe Harvest | 1,000 does; 2.0 does/mi2 |
| Desired Total Doe Harvest | 1,250 does; 2.5 does/mi2 |
|
| Step 3. | Recent Doe Harvest by Bow, Muzzleloader, & DMAP | 150 |
| Target DMP Doe Harvest | 1,250 - 150 = 1,100 |
|
| Step 4. | Percent Does of DMP Harvest (accounts for fawns) | 70% |
| Total Desired DMP Harvest | 1,100 ÷ 0.70 = 1,571 |
|
| Step 5. | Recent DMP Success Rate | 20% |
| Total # of DMPs to Issue (DMP Target) | 1,571 ÷ 0.20 = 7,855 rounded to 7,900 |
DMP Allocation
Quota setting is only the first part of the DMP process. The next step is to get the permits in the hands of hunters. DMPs are issued by an instant selection process when hunters buy their license allowing applicants who are selected for DMPs to receive their permits immediately. The system is designed to provide equal opportunity for a hunter regardless of whether they apply on the first or last day of the application period. The chances for DMP selection are determined by the DMP quota and the number of applications expected for each WMU. An applicant's chances of selection are also affected by their residency, qualification as a landowner of 50 or more acres, status as a veteran with disabilities, or the number of preference points accumulated through previous DMP applications. The order of priority for DMP selection is:
- Landowners and Disabled Veterans
- NYS Residents and Nonresidents with 3 or more preference points.
- Residents with 2 preference points.
- Residents with 1 preference points.
- Residents with 0 preference points.
- Nonresidents with 2 preference points.
- Nonresidents with 1 preference points.
- Nonresidents with 0 preference points.
Example. To illustrate DMP issuance, consider the following simplified process. In reality, this process incorporates each category of residency and preference noted above.
DMP Target = 7,900
| Expected # Applicants | Odds of Selections | Expected # DMPs to Issue | Expected # DMPs to Remain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 100% | 100 | 7,800 |
| Expected # Applicants | Odds of Selections | Expected # DMPs to Issue | Expected # DMPs to Remain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,800 | 100% | 2,800 | 5,000 |
| Expected # Applicants | Odds of Selection | Expected # DMPs to Issue | Expected # DMPs to Remain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 | 62.5% | 5,000 |
0 |
| Expected # Applicants | Odds of Selections | Expected # DMPs to Issue | Expected # DMPs to Remain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 | 0% | 0 | 0 |
Actual DMP issuance is impacted by the overall number of people that apply for DMPs in a given WMU and their preference status, but we examine past application trends to predict application rates in each category for each WMU. If a WMU unit is substantially under-subscribed at the close of the initial application period (October 1 each year), DEC runs another random selection process for any hunters that were denied in that WMU during the initial period. If necessary, the unit is opened for a first-come, first-serve application period for leftover DMPs in November.
Hunters play an essential role in maintaining appropriate deer numbers in New York and our DMP system is the cornerstone of that process.
Bonus DMPs
Bonus DMPs will be available in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J and 8C.
Only antlerless deer may be taken on Bonus DMPs.
Bonus Deer Management Permits (DMPs) are issued to increase hunter participation and antlerless deer harvest in areas with abundant deer. Bonus DMPs are available to hunters who take an antlerless deer on a DMP or a Bonus DMP in one of the units listed above. Bonus DMPs may be used only in the WMU for which they are issued. All Bonus DMPs will be valid only for antlerless deer. There is no fee for Bonus DMPs.
How to Apply
To obtain a Bonus DMP, hunters may apply in either of the following ways:
- By e-mail or mail (address information is listed below):
- Submit a photocopy, photo, or scanned copy of both sides of a completed DMP for the appropriate Bonus WMU.
[Note: An original completed DMP carcass tag may be submitted if the carcass has already been prepared for consumption (butchered)]. - Include your name, hunter ID number (backtag number), mailing address and phone number to receive your bonus permit by mail within 2 business days (delivery times may vary).
- Submit a photocopy, photo, or scanned copy of both sides of a completed DMP for the appropriate Bonus WMU.
- In person. Bring one of the following to a check station location listed below (Appointments Required):
- the unfrozen head or whole carcass and completed DMP tag of an antlerless deer;
[Note: Some locations do not accept carcasses. This is specified per location below]. - the completed and signed DMP tag; or,
- a photocopy, photo, or scanned image showing both sides of the original completed and signed DMP tag for the appropriate Bonus WMU.
- the unfrozen head or whole carcass and completed DMP tag of an antlerless deer;
WMU 1C Bonus DMP Issuance
All deer taken on DEC managed properties must be physically checked at either the Ridge or Hither Hills deer check stations.
Mail or Electronic Application
Hunters may send, or present in person, clear photocopies, photos, or scanned images of both sides of their completed 1C DMPs or 1C Bonus tags to:
- NYS DEC Bureau of Wildlife, 50 Circle Road, Stony Brook, NY 11790; Attention: 1C Bonus
- Or send electronic images to wildlife.r1@dec.ny.gov with "1C Bonus" in the subject line
Be sure to include your name, hunter ID number (backtag number), mailing address, and phone number to receive Bonus permits by mail.
In Person Application - Masks and Social Distancing Required
Hunters may bring qualifying antlerless carcasses to the Ridge or Stony Brook deer check station during bow and firearms seasons or Hither Hills deer check station during the firearms season. Qualifying copies of completed 1C DMP tags may be taken to any of the following deer check stations in Suffolk County.
Ridge Hunter Check Station; Randall Rd. & Rt. 25, Ridge
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| September 13 and 15 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
| October 1 thru 31; Tues., Thurs. & Sun. | 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
| November 1 thru December 30; Daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| December 24 and December 31; Closing early | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| January 2 thru 31 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
DEC Office in Stony Brook; 50 Circle Road, Stony Brook
Do not bring carcasses into the building; all animals must be left in the parking lot.
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| By Appointment Only - Call Ahead (631) 444-0270 or (631) 444-0310 Office coverage subject to staff availability. |
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
Shelter Island Town Hall; Town Clerks Office, 38 North Ferry Road, Shelter Island, (631) 749-1166
No carcasses; completed DMPs or copies o completed DMPs only.
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| September Anterless Season and October 1 - January 31 Weekdays Only, Closed Holidays |
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
East Hampton Check Station at Hither Hills State Park; Old Montauk Hwy, 1/2 mile east of Montauk Hwy, East Hampton
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| January 4 - 31; Weekdays only | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
Peconic Recreation Center; 970 Peconic Lane, Peconic
No carcasses; completed DMPs or copies of completed DMPs only. For additional information, contact Southold Town DPW at (631) 765-1283.
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| September 11 thru 12 and 18 thru 19 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM |
| September 13 thru 17 | 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Weekdays in October (by appointment) | 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
| Weekends in October | 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
| Weekdays November 1 - January 31 (by appointment) | 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
| Sundays November 1 - December 31 | 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
| Holidays | Closed |
East Hampton Town Hall; 159 Pantigo Road, East Hampton, (631) 324-4142
No carcasses, completed DMPs or copies of completed DMPs only.
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| October 1 - December 31; weekdays | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Holidays | Closed |
Southampton Town Hall Clerk's Office; 116 Hampton Road, Southampton, NY 11968
No carcasses; for information call (631) 287-5740
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| Weekdays | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Holidays | Closed |
Southampton Town Clerk's Annex; 25 Ponquogue Ave, Hampton Bays, NY 11946
No carcasses; for more information call (631) 287-5740
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tuesdays and Thursdays | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Holidays | Closed |
North Haven Village Hall; 335 Ferry Rd, Sag Harbor, NY 11963, (631) 725-1378
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Friday | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Village of Sagaponack; 3175 Montauk Highway, Sagaponack, NY 11962, (631) 537-0017
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Friday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
WMU 3S Bonus DMP Issuance
Mail or Electronic Application
Hunters may send, or present in person, clear photocopies, photos, or scanned images of both sides of their completed 3S DMPs or 3S Bonus tags to:
- NYS DEC Region 3 Headquarters, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561; Attention: 3S Bonus
- Or send electronic images to Wildlife.R3@dec.ny.gov with "3S Bonus" in the subject line.
Be sure to include your name, hunter ID number (backtag number), mailing address, and phone number to receive Bonus permits by mail.
In Person Application
Hunters may bring qualifying antlerless carcasses or qualifying copies of completed 3S DMP tags to the deer check station at the DEC Office in New Paltz.
DEC Office in New Paltz; 21 South Putt Corners Road
Appointments required (call 845-256-3098)
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| Oct 1 - Dec. 31 (weekdays only) | 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
WMU 4J Bonus DMP Issuance
Mail or Electronic Application
Hunters may send, or present in person, clear photocopies, photos, or scanned images of both sides of their completed 4J DMPs or 4J Bonus tags to:
- NYS DEC Region 4 Office, 1130 North Wescott Road, Schenectady, NY 12306-2014; Attention: 4J Bonus
- Or send electronic images to Wildlife.r4@dec.ny.gov with "4J Bonus" in subject line.
Be sure to include your name, hunter ID number (backtag number), mailing address, and phone number to receive Bonus permits by mail.
Hunters are also encouraged to send in photos of the harvested deer's bottom jaw for DEC to estimate the age based on tooth replacement and wear. Send in a photo(s) of the entire jaw as seen in the example photo to the right. Submitting age data provides valuable information and is an important tool for properly managing deer populations.
In Person Application
Hunters may bring qualifying antlerless carcasses or qualifying copies of completed 4J DMP tags to the Regional Office in Schenectady.
DEC Office in Schenectady; 1130 N. Wescott Road near the intersection of Broadway and Curry Rd.
Appointments Required: Call (518) 357-2153
WMU 8C Bonus DMP Issuance
All Bonus DMPs for WMU 8C will be issued through the Region 8 DEC Office in East Avon.
Mail or Electronic Application
Hunters may send, or present in person, clear photocopies, photos, or scanned images of both sides of their completed 8C DMPs or 8C Bonus tags to:
NYS DEC Bureau of Wildlife, 6274 E. Avon-Lima Rd., Avon, NY 14414; Attention: 8C Bonus
Or send electronic images to R8Wildlife@dec.ny.gov with "8C Bonus" in the subject line.
Be sure to include your name, hunter ID number (backtag number), mailing address, and phone number to receive Bonus permits by mail.
In Person Application
Hunters may bring qualifying antlerless carcasses or qualifying copies of completed 8C DMP tags to the Avon Regional Office.
DEC Office in Avon; Route 5/20 (6274 East Avon-Lima Road), about 1½ miles east of Interstate 390, Exit 10.
Appointments Required: Call (585) 226-5380
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| During all Southern Zone Deer Seasons (weekdays only) |
8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed on holidays) |
Leftover DMPs
Extended Application for Leftover DMPs Will Begin November 1, 2022
If there are permits remaining after the initial application period ends, the leftover DMPs may be available during an extended application period.
Applications for leftover DMPs will be accepted at license issuing outlets only. Applications will not be accepted by phone, mail or on-line for leftover DMPs.
- Hunters may apply for and receive up to two additional DMPs in these WMUs.
- Applicants with licenses that are exempt from paying a DMP application fee or hunters who have previously applied for DMPs this license year will not be charged any additional fees during the extended application period. Otherwise, there is a non-refundable $10 application fee for leftover DMPs.
- Leftover DMPs are issued on a first-come / first-serve basis. DEC will continue to issue permits in these WMUs until sufficient numbers of DMPs are issued to achieve optimum management in each unit. When a unit is opened, it will remain open at least until close of business that day. At the end of the business day, any units that have reached the desired number of permits will be closed.
- Applications for leftover DMPs will not affect any preference points held by the applicant.
Note: DMPs are only valid for antlerless deer in the WMU for which they are issued.
