New York

New York Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to New York hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Sep 1, 2025 – Aug 31, 2026 season.

Last updated: March 2026

Resident License $22 General hunting

Non-Resident License $100 General hunting

Hunter Education Required Born after 1949-01-01

Online Purchase Yes Sep 1, 2025 – Aug 31, 2026

LICENSE FEES

New York Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Sep 1, 2025 – Aug 31, 2026.

Resident Licenses

Resident Hunting (16-69) $22 —

Resident Senior Hunting (70+) $5 —

Resident Junior Hunting (12-15) $5 —

Resident Sportsman $55 —

Resident Military Disabled (40%+) $5 —

Resident Lifetime Sportsman $535 —

Non-Resident Licenses

Non-Resident Hunting (16+) — $100

Non-Resident Junior Hunting (12-15) — $5

Non-Resident 5-Day Small Game — $35

Non-Resident 1-Day Small Game — $15

Tags & Permits

Deer Management Permit (DMP) $10 $10

Turkey $10 $20

Black Bear Free Free

Deer (Camo Day/Youth Weekend) Free Free

Endorsements & Stamps

Bowhunting Privilege $15 Required for archery seasons; NR: $30; free for seniors 70+; Jr: $4

Muzzleloading Privilege $15 Required for muzzleloader seasons; NR: $30; free for seniors 70+

Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl hunters 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30

HIP Certification Free Free; required for all migratory bird hunters

NY State Waterfowl Stamp Free No longer required since 2015; only Federal Duck Stamp needed

Pheasant Release Program Free DEC releases pheasants on public land; no additional cost; check stocking schedule

PURCHASE

How to Buy a New York Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit decals.dec.ny.gov. Create DEC account or sign in. Select hunting license type + privileges (bowhunting, muzzleloading). Apply for DMP lottery during application period. Purchase turkey permits if needed. Pay with credit/debit card. Print or save license and privileges

Buy In Person

Walmart stores statewide, Dick's Sporting Goods, Local sporting goods stores, Town clerk offices (1,000+ locations), DEC regional offices

Buy By Phone

Call 866-933-2257. Service fee may apply

Shop for hunting gear at our partners:

Bass Pro Shops → Cabela's → Amazon → Academy Sports →

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your New York hunting license is online through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in New York

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after January 1, 1949

Online course: Available — Cost: Free

Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required

Minimum age: 12 years old

Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education

Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt

Start Your Hunter Education Course

EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in New York?

Youth (12-15) $5 Junior license at $5 for both residents and non-residents; hunting with licensed adult 21+ required

Youth (Under 12) Cannot hunt Minimum age to hunt in NY is 12; crossbow allowed at 14+

Senior (70+) $5 + free privileges Hunting $5; bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges FREE; fishing included

Disabled Veteran (40%+) $5 40%+ service-connected disability; includes small game, big game, fishing

Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in NY pay resident rates; leave no longer required

Landowner Free (own land) NY landowners and their family members may hunt their own land without a hunting license

SEASONS

New York Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

White-tailed Deer Early Archery (Southern Zone) Oct 1 – Nov 14 Bow and crossbow (14+)

White-tailed Deer Early Archery (Northern Zone) Sep 27 – Oct 25 Bow and crossbow

White-tailed Deer Regular Firearm (Southern Zone) Nov 15 – Dec 7 Rifle, shotgun (rifle restricted in Westchester, Suffolk, Nassau)

White-tailed Deer Regular Firearm (Northern Zone) Oct 26 – Dec 1 Rifle, shotgun

White-tailed Deer Late Muzzleloader (Southern Zone) Dec 8 – Dec 16 Muzzleloader only

White-tailed Deer Late Archery (Southern Zone) Dec 8 – Dec 16 Bow and crossbow; concurrent with muzzleloader

White-tailed Deer Holiday Antlerless (select WMUs) Dec 26 – Jan 1 Bow, muzzleloader; antlerless only

Black Bear Early Archery Sep 6 – Sep 14 Bow only

Black Bear Regular Nov 15 – Dec 7 Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow

Turkey Spring May 1 – May 31 Shotgun, bow

Turkey Youth Spring Apr 26 – Apr 27 Shotgun, bow

Turkey Fall Oct 1 – Oct 31 Shotgun, bow, rifle

Pheasant Regular Oct 1 – Feb 28 Shotgun

Ruffed Grouse Regular Sep 20 – Feb 28 Shotgun

Duck/Waterfowl Regular Oct-Jan – Zone-specific Shotgun (non-toxic shot)

Rabbit/Hare Regular Oct 1 – Feb 28 Shotgun, rifle, bow

BAG LIMITS

New York Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

White-tailed Deer 1 2 (1 antlered + 1 antlerless with DMP) Camo Day + regular tags; WMU-specific antler restrictions; CWD surveillance in select areas

Turkey (Spring) 1 2 Bearded turkeys only; 2 per spring season

Turkey (Fall) 1 1 Either sex; not available in all WMUs

Black Bear 1 1 One per season; primarily Adirondacks, Catskills, Southern Tier

Pheasant 2 No season limit Ring-necked pheasant; DEC stocks public land

Ruffed Grouse 4 No season limit Native bird; best in Adirondacks and Southern Tier

Duck 6 No season limit Species-specific limits; non-toxic shot required

Rabbit/Hare 6 No season limit Cottontail + snowshoe hare combined

COMPARE

How New York Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

New York $22 $100

Pennsylvania $20.97 $101.97 New Jersey $27.50 $135.50 Connecticut $19 $91 Massachusetts $40 $112 Vermont $28 $102

Compare All 50 States

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About New York Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in New York?

Resident hunting costs just $22 (ages 16-69) — among the cheapest in the US. Seniors 70+ and juniors 12-15 pay $5. Non-residents $100. Sportsman combo ($55) bundles hunting + fishing + bowhunting + muzzleloading.

What is a Deer Management Permit (DMP)?

A DMP ($10) is an additional antlerless deer tag awarded by WMU lottery. Allows harvesting one extra deer in specific Wildlife Management Units. Free for juniors. You can apply for up to 2 DMPs per year.

What are New York's hunting zones?

NY is split into Northern and Southern zones — each with different season dates. Northern Zone rifle: Oct 26-Dec 1. Southern Zone: Nov 15-Dec 7. Some counties restrict rifles (Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk). Always check your WMU.

Can I hunt bear in New York?

Yes, black bear tags are FREE — included with any hunting license. The Adirondacks, Catskills, and Southern Tier have the highest populations. Bear archery opens Sep 6; regular season concurrent with deer firearm Nov 15.

Are crossbows legal in New York?

Yes, crossbows are legal statewide during ALL archery seasons for hunters 14+. No extra privilege needed — just a regular hunting license. This expansion has made deer hunting more accessible for all ability levels.

Do seniors get discounts in New York?

Yes, residents 70+ pay only $5 for a hunting license and get bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges FREE. This is one of the most generous senior programs in the US. Fishing is also included at the $5 rate.

Do NY landowners need a hunting license?

No — New York landowners and their immediate family members may hunt on their own land without purchasing a hunting license. This is one of the few states with a true landowner exemption from license requirements.

Can I buy a New York hunting license online?

Yes, through DECALS at decals.dec.ny.gov. Also by phone at 866-933-2257 and at over 1,000 agents including Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods, town clerks, and DEC offices.