New York State Hunting License Information
Anyone wishing to hunt small game, big game, waterfowl or migratory birds in New York State (with a few exemptions) is required to obtain a hunting license before doing so. Check out info on New York State hunting licenses below.
Hunter Education Requirements:
If you have never possessed a hunting license, you are required to complete a Hunter Education Course. In-person courses require a minimum of 7 hours of instruction and homework prior to attendance. In-person courses are free of charge.
A convenient, fully online Hunter Education Course is available for New York State residents ages 11 and older (provider fee applies). Hunter Education Certificates from other states will be honored by NYSDEC.
Hunters wishing to bowhunt for deer or bear must also complete an additional Bowhunter Education Course.
Minimum Hunting Age:
Minors under the age of 12 may not obtain a hunting license or hunt wildlife. In most upstate counties (not Erie or Rockland for 2026/2027 season), 12- and 13-year-olds can hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow under the supervision of an adult 21 years of age or older with at least 3 years of deer hunting experience, plus a big game license.
License Year & Formats:
NYS Hunting Licenses are valid from September 1 through August 31. Licenses and carcass tags can be printed at home on standard white paper, printed at a licensing agent, or carried digitally and reported instantly via the official HuntFishNY mobile app.
Hunting License Fees (NYS Residents)
* Hunting License (Ages 16–69, includes small and big game): $22.00
* Senior Hunting License (Ages 70+): $5.00 (covers hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges)
* Junior Hunting License (Ages 12–15): $5.00
* Military Disabled Hunting License (40%+ service-related disability): $5.00 (includes small game, big game, and fishing)
* Bowhunting Privilege (Ages 16–69): $15.00 (Junior: $4.00; Age 70+ or 40%+ Disabled: FREE)
* Muzzleloading Privilege (Ages 16–69): $15.00 (Age 70+ or 40%+ Disabled: FREE)
* Turkey Permit (Ages 12+): $10.00
* Deer Management Permit (DMP) (Ages 16+): $10.00 application fee (Free for Ages 12–15)
* Federal Duck Stamp: $25.00 (Harvest Information Program/HIP registration is mandatory for migratory game bird hunters, but free)
Hunting License Guidelines:
* A hunting license, tag, or permit is non-transferable (with the exception of legally consigned DMPs). It is illegal to possess another person's license or tags.
* You must have your valid license on your person—either physical paper copies or digitally within the HuntFishNY app—while exercising any privilege of that license.
* You must present your license to any police officer, peace officer, environmental conservation officer, or the owner/lessee of the lands or waters where you are hunting.
* A hunting license does not authorize you to trespass on private property.
Frequently Asked Questions About NYS Hunting Licenses
Do I have to carry paper tags in the woods, or can I use my phone?
You can use either. The NYSDEC allows hunters to carry digital licenses and report harvests electronically through the free HuntFishNY mobile app. If you prefer physical tags, you can print them at home on standard white copy paper or have an issuing agent print them.
Can I take the Hunter Education course online?
Yes. New York State residents ages 11 and older can complete the Hunter Education course entirely online through a state-approved provider. In-person courses remain free of charge and require completing homework prior to the 7-hour classroom session.
At what age can youth hunt in New York State?
Children must be at least 12 years old to obtain a junior hunting license. In participating counties (all but Erie and Rockland for 2026/2027), 12- and 13-year-olds are permitted to hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow when accompanied by an experienced, licensed adult mentor (21+ with at least 3 years experience).
When does my hunting license expire?
All New York State annual hunting licenses and privileges run on a standardized license year valid from September 1 through August 31, regardless of the date purchased.
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