Hunting Licenses
Hunter Safety Education Requirement
All first-time hunters must pass one or more courses before they can get a hunting license in New York. Visit the Hunter Education page to learn more and find a free course near you.
Purchase Your Hunting License/Privilege/Permit
- At a License Issuing Agent Location
- Online or by Phone
**IMPORTANT: When making an online/phone purchase, you must wait 14 business days to receive your license/tags by mail before going hunting. To get licenses/tags instantly, visit a license issuing agent location.
NOTE: Transactions that cannot be made via the links above: Permits for hunters with disability, the Harvest Information Program, Migratory Duck Stamp, and some reduced fee/free licenses require a separate application system or process. Please follow the links provided on this page for details on how to apply to these permits, stamps or licenses.
License Types & Fees
Annual Hunting License (View residency qualifications)
With this license you can hunt big game and small game.
***This license is required before other privileges (i.e. bowhunting, muzzleloading & turkey permit) can be purchased.***
| Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee |
|---|---|
| $22 (ages 16-69) $5 (ages 70+) $5 (ages 12-15) |
$100 (ages 16+) $5 (ages 12-15) (Note: It is not necessary to purchase a separate bear tag when buying a hunting license. Small game and big game hunting is now included in the annual hunting license for both residents and nonresidents.) |
Additional Annual Hunting Privileges/Permit/Stamps (View residency qualifications)
An annual hunting license (above) must be purchased before purchasing the following privileges/stamps.
| Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Needed For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowhunting Privilege | $15 (ages 16-69) No fee (ages 70+) $4 (ages 12-15) |
$30 (ages 16+) $4 (ages 12-15) |
To know when you need a privilege, permit or stamp, visit the Hunting Licenses/Privileges Needed page. |
| Muzzleloading Privilege | $15 (ages 14-69) No fee (ages 70+) |
$30 (ages 14+) | |
| Turkey Permit | $10 (ages 12+) | $20 (ages 12+) | |
| Harvest Information Program | No fee (ages 12+) | No fee (must register in New York even if registered in another state) |
|
| Federal Duck Stamp (link leaves DEC website) |
$25 (ages 16+) | ||
| Deer Management Permit | $10 (ages 16+) No fee (ages 12-15) No fee (holders of lifetime sportsman licenses purchased prior to October 1, 2009) |
Harvesting antlerless deer (antlers less than 3" long) in select Wildlife Management Units. |
|
| Permits for Hunter's with Disability | No fee | Using specialized equipment to aid in discharging a bow, or to discharge a firearm from a motorized vehicle. |
|
Valid Dates of Annual Licenses/Privileges
- Annual hunting licenses and privileges are valid from September 1 through August 31 each year.
- The Harvest Information Program and Federal Duck Stamp is valid July 1 through June 30 annually.
Free/Reduced Fee & Lifetime Licenses
- Free/Reduced Fee Licenses: You may qualify for free/reduced fee annual hunting licenses/privileges if you are:
(For information on required documents and qualifications click the links below. In most instances, you must be a New York resident): - Lifetime Licenses: Hunt for life with our lifetime licenses! Available to residents only.
Who Needs a Hunting License
You need a hunting license if you are:
- 12 years and older and using a firearm or bow to hunt or take wild game. Persons under age 12 cannot hunt.
- Junior Hunters (12-15): review regulations and information for junior hunters, ages 12-15.
- Additional Privileges/Permits: depending on the season and species you are hunting you may need additional privileges or permits. These are listed in the table above.
You do not need a hunting license if you are:
- A resident landowner primarily engaged in farming (including lessees and members of their immediate families) when small game hunting on farm lands they are occupying and cultivating.
- A Native American living and hunting on reservation land.
- Hunting on a licensed shooting preserve or big game shooting facility..
Note: To hunt turkey, all hunters must purchase a turkey permit. There are no exceptions.
General License Information
Other Helpful Links/Resources
- Hunting Seasons
- Hunting Regulations
- Access Permits: Some state and municipal lands require a special access permit for fishing, hunting and trapping. Details on how to get the permit can be found in the links below:
- New York City Watershed Recreation Access Permit (link leaves DEC website) (Issued by NYC DEP)
- Long Island State Land Access Permit (Issued by DEC)
More on hunting in New York State
More about Hunting Licenses:
- Hunting Licenses/Privileges Needed - Quick reference for the types of hunting licenses or privileges required based on the species you are hunting.
- Permits for Hunters with Disabilities - New York State hunting permits for people with disabilities.
- Harvest Information Program - New York State Harvest Information Program (HIP) is a legal requirement. Any person who hunts migratory game birds (this includes Woodcock) must have proof of participation whenever he or she goes afield.
