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New York Hunting Licenses and Fees
All 52 license, privilege, permit and stamp rows in the 2026-27 DEC guide: hunting, junior and trapping licenses, the bowhunting, muzzleloading and turkey privileges, Deer Management Permit applications, lifetime licenses, deer tags, reporting and hunter education.
Photo: fishhawk (CC BY 2.0)
Which license each New York hunt needs
One hunting license covers small game, deer and bear with a gun, and comes with the Antlered Deer Tag and a bear tag. Bowhunting and muzzleloading seasons need their own privileges, turkey needs the permit, and waterfowl adds HIP and the federal stamp. The license year is Sept. 1-Aug. 31.
Resident hunting $22 (70+ $5), nonresident $100; junior 12-15 $5; privileges: bowhunting $15/$30 (junior $4), muzzleloading $15/$30, turkey $10/$20, DMP application $10.
Deer and bear
Hunting license (includes Antlered Deer Tag and bear tag at 14+); bowhunting/muzzleloading privileges for those seasons; bowhunter education for any bow/crossbow big game hunting.
Turkey
Turkey permit (no exceptions).
Ducks and geese
Hunting license + HIP + federal duck stamp (16+).
Trapping
Trapping license (trapper education); hunting license does not allow trapping and vice versa.
Who is a resident
Resident annual license: domiciled in NY more than 30 days before applying; lifetime: 1 year. Land ownership does not confer residency. Active military stationed in NY and full-time students qualify as residents.
What to carry
Carry license, tags, permits; paper printouts, digital copies or HuntFishNY app accepted. Backtags no longer required.
Who needs no license
Resident farm owners/lessees and immediate family hunting small game on farmland they occupy and cultivate; enrolled members of Indian Nations in NY.
Age limits
Under 12 may not hunt; junior 12-15; first-time big game hunters 16-17 must be accompanied.
Sources: general license information; license fees; guide p. 12, compared line by line on October 27, 2026.
Every New York license, privilege and stamp (52 rows)
52 rows in 6 tables, priced as the guide prints them. Long notes are cut short; the source pages carry the full wording.
Hunting, junior hunting and trapping licenses (14 rows)
| License and who | Residency | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting License (Annual, ages 16-69) | Resident | $22 | Small game; deer/bear with gun, muzzleloader (regular season), bow/crossbow with bowhunter education; includes Antlered Deer Tag and bear tag. Hunter… |
| Hunting License (Annual, age 70+) | Resident | $5 | – |
| Hunting License (Military Disabled (40%+ VA rating)) | Resident | $5 | First hunting/fishing/trapping license purchase each calendar year $5, later ones free. |
| Hunting License (Patriot (NYS Guard, Reserves, certain active Armed Forces)) | Resident | FREE | – |
| Hunting License (Indigenous Peoples) | Resident | FREE | Members of Shinnecock, Unkechaug and Haudenosaunee nations; tribal ID or free DEC license. |
| Hunting License (Annual, ages 16+) | Nonresident | $100 | – |
| Junior Hunting License (Ages 12-15) | Resident | $5 | Must be accompanied by mentor; 12-13 deer with gun/crossbow only in opted-in counties; 14-15 deer and bear. |
| Junior Hunting License (Ages 12-15) | Nonresident | $5 | – |
| Trapping License (Ages 12-15) | Resident | $5 | Trapper education or prior trapping license required. |
| Trapping License (Ages 16-69) | Resident | $20 | – |
| Trapping License (Age 70+ / Military Disabled) | Resident | $5 | – |
| Trapping License (Patriot / Indigenous) | Resident | FREE | – |
| Trapping License (Ages 12-15) | Nonresident | $5 | – |
| Trapping License (Ages 16+) | Nonresident | $275 | – |
Bowhunting, muzzleloading and turkey privileges (12 rows)
| License and who | Residency | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowhunting Privilege (Ages 16-69) | Resident | $15 | Deer/bear with bow or crossbow in bowhunting seasons; includes Bow/Muzz Antlerless Deer Tag. Requires bowhunter education or pre-1980+ bowhunting… |
| Bowhunting Privilege (Age 70+ / Military Disabled / Indigenous) | Resident | FREE | – |
| Bowhunting Privilege (Patriot) | Resident | $15 | – |
| Bowhunting Privilege (Ages 16+) | Nonresident | $30 | – |
| Junior Bowhunting Privilege (Ages 12-15) | Resident | $4 | 12-13: bow deer/bear incl. early bear season with mentor 21+; receive Bow/Muzz Antlerless tag + bear tag. |
| Junior Bowhunting Privilege (Ages 12-15) | Nonresident | $4 | – |
| Muzzleloading Privilege (Ages 12-69) | Resident | $15 | Deer 12+, bear 14+ in muzzleloader seasons; Suffolk January season 14+; Bow/Muzz Antlerless Deer Tag. |
| Muzzleloading Privilege (Age 70+ / Military Disabled / Indigenous) | Resident | FREE | – |
| Muzzleloading Privilege (Patriot) | Resident | $15 | – |
| Muzzleloading Privilege (Ages 12+) | Nonresident | $30 | – |
| Turkey Permit (Ages 12+ (incl. Military Disabled, Patriot, Indigenous)) | Resident | $10 | Required for all turkey hunters; 2 spring tags + 1 fall tag; included with Lifetime Licenses. |
| Turkey Permit (Ages 12+) | Nonresident | $20 | – |
Deer Management Permit applications (4 rows)
| License and who | Residency | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer Management Permit application (Ages 16+) | Resident | $10 | Non-refundable; up to 4 DMPs; free for 12-15 and pre-Oct. 1, 2009 lifetime holders. |
| Deer Management Permit application (Ages 12-15) | Resident | FREE | – |
| Deer Management Permit application (Ages 16+) | Nonresident | $10 | – |
| Deer Management Permit application (Ages 12-15) | Nonresident | FREE | – |
Lifetime licenses (residents of one year or more) (10 rows)
| License and who | Residency | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifetime Sportsman (hunting + fishing, incl. turkey permits), age 0-4 (Lifetime) | Resident | $380 | NYS residents of 1+ year only; gift-only for children under 16 (tags after hunter education). |
| Lifetime Sportsman, age 5-11 (Lifetime) | Resident | $535 | NYS residents of 1+ year only; gift-only for children under 16 (tags after hunter education). |
| Lifetime Sportsman, age 12-69 (Lifetime) | Resident | $765 | NYS residents of 1+ year only; gift-only for children under 16 (tags after hunter education). |
| Lifetime Sportsman, age 70+ (Lifetime) | Resident | $65 | NYS residents of 1+ year only; gift-only for children under 16 (tags after hunter education). |
| Lifetime Hunting License (Lifetime) | Resident | $535 | NYS residents of 1+ year only; gift-only for children under 16 (tags after hunter education). |
| Lifetime Fishing License (0-69) (Lifetime) | Resident | $460 | NYS residents of 1+ year only; gift-only for children under 16 (tags after hunter education). |
| Lifetime Fishing License (70+) (Lifetime) | Resident | $65 | NYS residents of 1+ year only; gift-only for children under 16 (tags after hunter education). |
| Lifetime Trapping License (Lifetime) | Resident | $395 | NYS residents of 1+ year only; gift-only for children under 16 (tags after hunter education). |
| Lifetime Bowhunting (Lifetime) | Resident | $235 | NYS residents of 1+ year only; gift-only for children under 16 (tags after hunter education). |
| Lifetime Muzzleloading (Lifetime) | Resident | $235 | NYS residents of 1+ year only; gift-only for children under 16 (tags after hunter education). |
Stamps, HIP, donations and replacements (5 rows)
| License and who | Residency | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Ages 16+) | Either | $25 | Required for waterfowl, not for coot, rails, gallinules, woodcock, snipe or crows; junior hunters 12-15 exempt. |
| Habitat & Access Stamp (Optional donation) | Either | $5 | – |
| Venison Donation (Optional donation) | Either | $1 or more | – |
| Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration (All migratory bird hunters incl. juniors (not crow)) | Either | FREE | Register via DECALS or 1-866-933-2257. |
| Replacement license sheet / tag set (Replacement) | Either | $5 sheet; $10 big game or turkey tag set | Free reprint from DECALS account; lifetime holders free Sept. 1-Nov. 1, then up to $15. |
Special permits, seals and disability permits (7 rows)
| License and who | Residency | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Ambulatory Hunter Permit (Special permit for hunters with disabilities) | Either | FREE (DEC permit) | Issued by DEC Special Licenses; qualification criteria in guide. |
| Modified Crossbow Permit (breath tube) (Special permit for hunters with disabilities) | Either | FREE (DEC permit) | Issued by DEC Special Licenses; qualification criteria in guide. |
| Modified Longbow Authorization (Special permit for hunters with disabilities) | Either | FREE (DEC permit) | Issued by DEC Special Licenses; qualification criteria in guide. |
| Suffolk County January firearms deer permit (Special permit) | Either | Not stated | Landowner endorsement required; town permit may be required. |
| Tompkins DMFA permit and carcass tags (Special permit) | Either | FREE | Registration Aug.-Jan. 31. |
| Marten trapping permit (Special permit) | Either | FREE | From a regional wildlife office or online. |
| Furbearer possession tag / pelt seal (Required for bobcat, otter, fisher, marten) | Either | FREE | Seal within 10 days after season close. |
No separate transaction fee printed; phone/agent replacements may carry printing/mailing fees. Nonresident fees are flat, with no reciprocal pricing by home state. Sources: deer management focus areas; 26NYHD_LR2.pdf#page=15; big game hunting; furbearer trapping; furbearer trapping season dates bag limits; general license information; license fees; migratory game birds, compared line by line on October 27, 2026.
Deer tags that come with the license
Every hunting license from age 12 includes one Antlered Deer Tag. The bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges each add a Bow/Muzz Antlerless Deer Tag, Deer Management Permits add antlerless tags for one WMU, and new for 2026 a reported antlerless deer earns a second Antlered Deer Tag.
| Deer tag | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Antlered Deer Tag | Antlered deer in any season with privileges, except the September antlerless season; either sex in 3S, 1C, 4J, 8C, late seasons, youth hunt, non-ambulatory permit. |
| 2nd Antlered Deer Tag | Earned by reporting an antlerless harvest (Earn-a-2nd-Buck). |
| Bow/Muzz Antlerless Deer Tag | Antlerless only in bow/muzzleloader seasons (incl. 3S/1C regular and 1C January); not in Northern Zone antlered-only muzzleloader WMU 6N; junior bowhunters may use in regular season. |
| DMP Antlerless Deer Tag | Any open season, only in the WMU printed; transferable. |
| Bonus Youth Deer Tags | Opposite type after a youth-hunt deer on the Antlered Deer Tag (if no DMP held). |
Earn-a-2nd-Buck
Report an antlerless deer on any antlerless tag to receive a 2nd Antlered Deer Tag (both usable in any season except September antlerless). Keep a photo or the head/skull of the antlerless deer 7 days after harvest if a 2nd Antlered Deer Tag is issued.
Antlered or antlerless
At least one antler 3 inches or longer; antlerless = no antlers or antlers under 3 in.
Sources: deer tag descriptions; big game hunting; DMPs, compared line by line on October 27, 2026.
Tagging and reporting a New York harvest
Paper tags are filled out at once and attached when you reach camp, home or a vehicle, then reported within 48 hours. Electronic tags are reported right away in HuntFishNY.
| What | Reporting rule |
|---|---|
| Deer, bear and turkey | Mandatory: paper tags within 48 hours; e-tags immediately (HuntFishNY app, online, or 1-866-426-3778). |
| Tags in the field | Paper tags: fill out immediately, attach at camp/home/vehicle, report within 48 hours. E-tags: report immediately in HuntFishNY. Report by phone 1-866-426-3778, online or app. |
| Bear teeth | Requested: premolar tooth and dressed weight (Bear Management Cooperator Program; patch). |
| Fall turkeys | Save a leg from fall turkeys; spring: record spur, beard and weight. |
| Bobcat, otter, fisher, marten | Bobcat, otter, fisher, marten: possession tag and DEC pelt seal. |
| Migratory birds | HIP registration; band reports at reportband.gov. |
Sources: tagging and reporting; turkey; bear; furbearer trapping, compared line by line on October 27, 2026.
Hunter education, bowhunter education and mentors
Anyone who cannot show an earlier hunting license takes hunter education before buying one, and every bow or crossbow big game hunter also needs bowhunter education. In-person courses by DEC volunteer instructors are free.
| Topic | New York rule |
|---|---|
| Who needs a course | Anyone who cannot show a prior hunting license; minimum age 11 to take the course (licenses from 12). Bowhunter education required for bow/crossbow big game hunting (since 2025 also all crossbow users). Trapper education for trapping licenses (age 12+). |
| The course | Free in-person courses (minimum 7 hours) by DEC volunteers; paid online courses for NYS residents. Out-of-state IHEA-USA certificates honored. |
| Junior hunters 12-15 | Junior hunters 12-15 must be accompanied: small game mentor 21+ (12-13) or 18+ (14-15); bow big game 21+ w/3 yrs (12-13) or 18+ w/1 yr (14-15); firearm/crossbow big game 21+ with 3 yrs experience. Written permission if not parent/guardian. |
| First-time big game hunters 16-17 | First-time big game hunters 16-17 accompanied by licensed hunter 18+ with 1 year experience with the same implement. Trappers under 12 may assist a licensed trapper with 3+ years experience. |
Sources: general license information; guide p. 19; junior hunters, compared line by line on October 27, 2026.
Buying a license: DECALS, agents and clerks
Licenses run for the license year, Sept. 1-Aug. 31, and HIP registration runs Aug. 3 to July 30. Lifetime licenses are sold only to residents of a year or more.
Your DECALS account
Licenses, privileges and DMPs sit in your DECALS account; a lost license sheet can be reprinted free from the account.
In person
This site carries 1,071 active license issuing agents from the DEC list, among them 759 town, city, village and county clerk offices and many Walmart, DICK'S and gun shop counters.
Replacements
$5 sheet; $10 big game or turkey tag set. Free reprint from DECALS account; lifetime holders free Sept. 1-Nov. 1, then up to $15.
Lifetime licenses
Lifetime Sportsman $380-$765 by age ($65 at 70+); residents only.
Nonresidents
Nonresident prices are the same for every home state; the guide prints no reciprocal fees.
Sources: license fees; replacements; DEC license agent list, compared line by line on October 27, 2026.
New York license questions
How much is a New York hunting license for residents and nonresidents?
$22 for residents 16 to 69, $5 at 70 and over, and $100 for nonresidents. Junior hunters 12 to 15 pay $5, resident or not.
How fast must a deer be reported?
Mandatory: paper tags within 48 hours; e-tags immediately (HuntFishNY app, online, or 1-866-426-3778).
What does a nonresident pay to hunt deer with a bow?
The $100 hunting license plus the $30 bowhunting privilege. Nonresident fees are flat, with no reciprocal pricing by home state.
Do I need a separate license to bowhunt for deer?
Yes, the bowhunting privilege: $15 resident, $30 nonresident, plus bowhunter education. It adds a Bow/Muzz Antlerless Deer Tag.
How much is a Deer Management Permit application?
DMP application $10 (waived for 12-15 and pre-Oct. 1, 2009 lifetime holders).
Is a turkey permit separate from the hunting license?
Yes. Every turkey hunter needs it: $10 resident, $20 nonresident. It carries two spring tags and one fall tag and is included with lifetime licenses.
What do New York lifetime licenses cost by age?
The Lifetime Sportsman is $765 at 12 to 69, $535 at 5 to 11, $380 under 5 and $65 at 70 and over, for residents of at least a year.
What licenses does a duck hunter need?
Hunting license + HIP + federal duck stamp (16+). The federal stamp is $25; HIP is free.
Who must take hunter education?
Anyone who cannot show a prior hunting license; minimum age 11 to take the course (licenses from 12). Bowhunter education required for bow/crossbow big game hunting (since 2025 also all crossbow users). Trapper education for trapping licenses (age 12+).
Do military members hunt free in New York?
Patriot license holders (NYS Guard, Reserves and certain active Armed Forces) get the hunting license free; residents with a 40 percent or higher VA rating pay $5 for the first license each year.
Check the source once more
Licenses, tags and Deer Management Permits all live in your DECALS account and the HuntFishNY app, and harvests are reported there or by phone within the time the guide sets.
Other photos on this page: Frank.Vassen (CC BY 2.0); Bobolink (CC BY 2.0); Kristof Zyskowski & Yulia Bereshpolova (CC BY 2.0); USFWS/Southeast (CC BY 2.0); USFWS/Southeast (Public domain).