Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - DEC Announces 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Licenses Now on Sale

 DEC announced that 2025-26 hunting and trapping licenses, including Deer Management Permits are now on sale. Although we are in the midst of yet another heat wave, hunting season is just around the corner. Small game season begins in just a few weeks on September 1st.

New York State DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton has announced that hunting and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) for the 2025-26 season are now on sale through October 1st.

“With an estimated half a million New Yorkers looking to take part in the long-standing traditions of hunting and trapping this fall, excitement is building and preparation for the upcoming seasons already underway,” Commissioner Lefton said. 

Hunting remains a critical wildlife population management tool. 

“It contributes an estimated $2.6 billion in economic benefits annually to the state's recreational economy through license sales, equipment purchases, and related travel and lodging expenses.” 

Licenses and permits can be purchased online, at any of DEC's license-issuing agents, or by telephone at 866-933-2257. Hunting and trapping licenses are valid from September 1st through August 31st each year, while annual fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from date of purchase.

The 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, an easy-to-read collection of pertinent rules and regulations, is available on the DEC Hunting webpage. Hard/printed copies are available at locations where licenses are sold. 

Legislation regarding use of crossbows and a regulatory proposal for electronic carcass tagging and harvest reporting are both pending and at press time, not as yet enacted.  

These proposed changes in rules will provide a second regular season deer tag to youth hunters who successfully use that tag during the Youth Big Game Hunt weekend. It will extend the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) permit renewal cycle from 3 years to 5 years, and rescinds the limit on the number of DMAP tags that may be used per hunter. It will also define the process for completing an electronic or paper carcass tag for deer, bear, and wild turkey, establish the reporting time frame for electronic harvest reporting, and will reduce the reporting timeframe from 7 days to 48 hours for paper-tagged deer, bear, or wild turkey.

Hunters should expect both this rule change as well as the Crossbow Legislation to be in place in time for this year’s hunting seasons, but time will tell. The rule change is a strictly administrative function of DEC in conjunction with the governor’s office, while the Crossbow Bill still needs to be signed into law by the governor. Many expect Governor Hochul to sign the Crossbow Bill just prior to archery season and be announced via a press release. That timetable is likely being adopted to garner any political capital it may offer the governor among constituents who support the measure.   

“Purchasing a hunting, fishing, or trapping license helps support DEC's conservation projects and ensures the future of natural resources for generations to come.” 

Habitat & Access Stamp

DEC encourages outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat & Access Stamp each year. Funds from the $5 Habitat & Access Stamp support projects to conserve habitat and improve public access for fish and wildlife-related activities. Your local Region 4 Fish & Wildlife Management Board recently received notification that all four Habitat Grants applied for in Greene, Schoharie, and Rensselaer Counties have been approved. (More to follow on this in future columns.) This year's Habitat & Access Stamp features the American kestrel.

Deer Management Permits (DMPs)

DMPs (tags for antlerless deer) are available at all license-issuing outlets, by phone, or online through October 1st, 2025. DMPs are used to manage the deer herd and are issued through an instant random selection process at the point of sale. DEC reminds that the chances of obtaining a DMP remain the same throughout the application period; hunters need not rush to apply. The 2025 chances of selection for a DMP in each Wildlife Management Unit are available online, through license issuing agents, or by calling the DMP Hotline at 1-866-472-4332. Detailed information on DMPs is available on DEC's website.

HuntFishNY Mobile App

DEC's HuntFishNY app gives hunters and anglers an easy way to display sporting licenses and privileges and view important hunting- and fishing-related information through the convenience of your smartphone. In addition to providing instant mobile access to electronic versions of your sporting licenses and privileges, the app offers the ability to report game harvests immediately while afield even when not in cell service, as well as links to useful information like season date summaries, regulations guides, a DEC contact list, and much more. You can download HuntFishNY from the Apple App and Google Play stores.

Online and In-Person Hunter Education Training 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 include a field day where new hunters can get hands-on experience. All in-person courses are free of charge, but space may be limited. Courses fill quickly, so it’s a good idea to sign up early. Visit DEC's website for more information, including a list of courses, registration instructions, and ways to obtain study materials.

All the requirements to earn a New York State hunter education certificate can also be met by completing DEC's online-only hunter education course and passing the exam. Upon passing, participants will receive a hunter education certificate so they can purchase a hunting license. Participants must be New York State residents and the cost of the course is $24.95. The online-only course can be accessed at the Hunter-Ed website.

New York State is also offering an online bowhunter education certification course. Upon passing, hunters will receive their bowhunter education certificate so they can purchase a bowhunting privilege. Participants must be New York State residents and the cost of the course is $30. The online course can be accessed at the Bowhunter-Ed website. 

I highly recommend the in-person archery course, and remember, you MUST get your archery certification, then purchase a bow stamp/privilege if the Crossbill is signed into law and you wish to hunt big game with a crossbow. 

Happy hunting, fishing, and trapping until next time!

News and Notes 

Norton Hill Trap Shooting Program 3D Archery Programs are Still Underway 

The Norton Hill Wildlife Club’s Sunday Trap Program still has the following remaining dates:  August 10th, and September 7th. Trap begins at 10:00 am and the cost is $5.00 per round. Bring your own ammo and ear and eye protection which is required. Breakfast sandwiches will be available starting at 9:00 am for $5.00. For further information call Chad at 518-291-3784. 

The Norton Hill 3D Archery Program remaining dates are, August 23rd and 24th, and September 13th. A chicken BBQ will be available from 7:00 am until Noon. Cost for adults is $15.00, youth 12-17 at $7.00 and kids under 12 are free. For more information call Eric at 518-646-6338. 

*The gun range will be closed on the dates listed above during the 3D Archery Program