Thinking about Deer Season Yet?  

Start Planning Your Next NY Hunt.

Hunting Licenses are now available for the 2017-18 seasons.

Licenses and permits can be purchased at any one of DEC's license-issuing agents, by telephone (866-933-2257) or online. Hunting and trapping licenses are valid for one year beginning September 1, 2017.

New this year, we are requesting that hunters provide an email address when purchasing their licenses, so that we will have an efficient means to notify hunters of additional hunting or trapping opportunities, impending legislation or regulation changes, and license renewal reminders. We also hope to use email addresses to request feedback and conduct surveys of hunters and trappers about wildlife management programs. All customer information is privacy protected and emails will only be used by DEC for program-related information.

Check the DMP Targets and Your Chances of Being Selected for a Doe Tag before Applying

This fall, we are increasing the statewide allocation of Deer Management Permits (DMPs) for antlerless harvest by about 11% over what we issued last year. See DMP Availability and Probability of Selection to review our target allocation of DMPs for each Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) and to anticipate your odds of being selected for a tag.

There's no need to rush out to be first in line for a DMP, though.  Your chances of obtaining a DMP remain the same throughout the entire application period.  Just be sure to apply for a DMP before the October 1 deadline.  For questions, contact the DMP Hotline (1-866-472-4332) or read about the DMP application process.

What's happening with the deer population in your area?

Every year, DEC wildlife biologists compile Deer Season Forecasts for each WMU across the state.  Use these to help plan your hunt or just to keep up with what is happening with deer hunting in your area.

Excitingly, deer hunting has been changing in New York, with more hunters opting to voluntarily pass up shots at young, small-antlered bucks. As a result, hunters are now taking more older bucks than ever before. Hunters can continue to see and take more older bucks simply by choosing to Let Young Bucks Go and Watch Them Grow and cooperating with your neighbors and hunting partners to do the same.