- Updated: Aug. 07, 2026, 10:29 a.m.
- |Published: Aug. 07, 2026, 6:02 a.m.
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Hunting and trapping licenses for the 2026-27 season are now on sale in New York. Significant new hunting regulations aimed at getting hunters to harvest more anterless deer go into effect September 1.
“In some parts of New York, deer populations are too abundant,” said state Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner, Amanda Lefton.
DEC adopted new regulations to reduce negative impacts deer have on habitats by increasing the availability of Deer Management Permits, Lefton added, and by expanding the September antlerless season, and creating the Earn-a-2nd-Buck tag system.
Licenses and permits can be purchased online, at any of DEC’s license-issuing agents, or by telephone at 1-866-933-2257.
Hunting and trapping licenses are valid from September 1 through August 31 each year, while annual fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from date of purchase.
Lifetime licensees who receive their licenses and tags electronically should check their email and those still receiving them via mail should receive them during the month of August.
Beginning this week through November 30, the DEC Call Center is operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays; and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 22 and Sunday, November 29. Regular call center weekday hours resume on December 1.
Hunters should have the following ready when buying a license:
- Contact information—name, address, email address, telephone number, and a valid email address if you want your license emailed.
- DEC customer ID number (if applicable).
- Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or non-driver’s ID with a valid New York State address.
- If purchasing by phone or internet, a valid credit card.
- If not already entered in DEC’s automated licensing system, hunters must provide proof of hunter or trapper education certification or a copy of a previous license for all hunting and trapping license purchases.
For additional information, visit the General Sporting License Information webpage on DEC’s website, where you’ll also find information for disabled hunters, and a digital version of the 2026-27 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide. Paper copies of the guide are available at license issuing agents.
Hunting, fishing, or trapping license fees directly support conservation projects and ensures the future of natural resources for generations to come.
Consider purchasing a $5 Habitat & Access Stamp to support conservation projects and improve public access for fish-and-wildlife-related activities. This year’s Habitat & Access Stamp features the eastern pondhawk dragonfly.
Deer Management Permits
Hunters can apply for DMPs (tags for antlerless deer) at all license-issuing outlets, by phone, or online.
New in 2026, hunters can apply for up to four DMPs: two in Wildlife Management Units with limited DMPs and two in WMUs with unlimited DMPs.
For WMUs with limited DMPs, the application period is August 3 – October 1. DMPs will be issued through the typical lottery process. The chances of obtaining a DMP in these units will remain the same throughout the application period, so there’s no rush.
Unlimited DMPs will be available in 23 WMUs: 1C, 3M, 3P, 3R, 3S, 4J, 6P, 7F, 7H, 7J, 7R, 8A, 8C, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 8R, 8S, 9A, 9F, and 9G.
You can request permits in these WMUs at any time and all hunters who apply will receive DMPs. Preference points are not relevant WMUs with unlimited DMPs. DMPs that are used to harvest antlerless deer in these WMUs will be replaced with a bonus DMP in the same WMU upon harvest report, allowing hunters to continue harvesting antlerless deer. There is no fee to obtain bonus DMPs.
The 2026 chances of selection for a DMP in each WMU are available online, through license issuing agents, or by calling the DMP Hotline at 1-866-472-4332.
2026 regulation changes
In addition to changes in DMP availability, several changes to deer hunting regulations go into effect this year, most prominently DEC’s “Earn-a-2nd-Buck” program. The new regulation requires hunters to kill an antlerless deer before getting a tag to kill a second buck.
DEC reclassified the former regular season deer tag as an antlered deer tag. Likewise, the former bow/muzzleloader either-sex deer tag is now an antlerless deer tag. Hunters who purchase bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges will receive a bow/muzzleloader antlerless deer tag for each privilege. Hunters will earn a tag for a second buck after taking and reporting one antlerless deer.
For more information, read DEC’s Q&A on new hunting regulations to increase harvest of antlerless deer.
DEC also adjusted regulations for fisher trapping. The new regulations open new areas to fisher trapping, and extend trapping seasons in parts of Central and Western New York. Season dates have also been shifted later in the year to better match when pelts are at their highest quality.
HuntFishNY Mobile App
DEC’s HuntFishNY app gives hunters and anglers an easy way to access sporting licenses and privileges and view relevant information, like season dates, regulations, a DEC contact list—all on their smart phones.
The app also lets you report game harvests immediately while afield, even when there’s no cell service. Download HuntFishNY from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.
Hunter education courses
All first-time hunters, bowhunters, and trappers must pass one or more courses before they can purchase a license. Online and in-person courses are available.
In-person courses are free and include a field day where new hunters can get hands-on experience. Space may be limited, so sign up early.