New York Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Complete guide to New York hunting and fishing licenses for 2026. Get current prices, purchase online, and learn about NY DEC's digital license requirements.
Quick Facts
Digital License
Accepted
License Year
September 1 (hunting) / October 1 (fishing) - August 31 (hunting) / September 30 (fishing)
Agency
NY DEC
Draw System
random
HIP Required
Migratory birds
Last updated: January 29, 2026
New York License Pricing
Compare resident and non-resident prices for hunting and fishing licenses.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting Base hunting license | $22.00 | $100.00 |
| Resident Fishing Annual fishing license (365 days) | $25.00 | $50.00 |
| Lifetime Sportsman Includes all hunting and fishing privileges for life | $765.00 | N/A |
| Deer Management Permit For antlerless deer; allocated by WMU | $10.00 | $10.00 |
Prices are for annual licenses unless otherwise noted. Additional stamps and endorsements may be required.
HuntFishNY
Digital licenses via HuntFishNY app. Separate DECALS system for purchases.
Kalkomey provides both hunter education and licensing for New York
Hunter Passport
All your licenses, one app
Tired of managing multiple state apps? Hunter Passport stores all your New York licenses alongside every other state - and works completely offline.
- Works offline - no signal needed
- Supports all 50 states
- Quick Display for game wardens
Store up to 2 licenses free. Unlimited with Premium.
Hunter Passport is not affiliated with or endorsed by any state wildlife agency.
New York Tag Draws & Lotteries
random Point System
All applicants have equal odds regardless of previous applications.
Draw Species
Application Deadline
October 1 (DMP)
Deer Management Permits allocated by Wildlife Management Unit. First-time applicants get priority.
New York Hunting Quirks & Tips
Unique rules and insider knowledge for hunting and fishing in New York.
Separate Hunt/Fish Years
importantHunting licenses run September-August while fishing is October-September OR 365 days from purchase. Track both expirations carefully.
First-Time DMP Priority
infoNew York gives first-time applicants priority for Deer Management Permits. If you've never applied, you have excellent odds.
DECALS vs HuntFishNY
importantNew York uses DECALS for license purchases and HuntFishNY app for displaying licenses. Two separate systems to navigate.
Crossbow Now Legal
infoCrossbows are now legal in New York during archery and gun seasons. A relatively recent change that expanded hunting opportunities.
Diverse Hunting Regions
infoFrom the Adirondacks to Long Island, New York offers diverse hunting environments. Regulations vary significantly by region.
Hunting Tools for New York
Free calculators and planning tools to help you hunt smarter in New York.
Legal Shooting Hours
Calculate legal hunting start and end times based on sunrise/sunset
Hunting License Cost
Compare hunting and fishing license costs for New York and residency
Hunter Education
Find hunter education requirements, exemptions, and course providers for New York
Hunting Season Dates
Find hunting season dates for New York, species, and weapon type
Bag Limit & Size Limit
Find daily, possession, and size limits for New York and species
New York Hunting & Fishing FAQ
How much does a New York hunting license cost?
Resident hunting licenses cost $22, while non-resident licenses are $100. A lifetime sportsman license for residents costs $765 and includes all hunting and fishing privileges.
What is a New York Deer Management Permit (DMP)?
A DMP allows you to harvest antlerless deer in specific Wildlife Management Units. They cost $10 and are allocated through an application process. First-time applicants receive priority.
When does the New York hunting license expire?
Hunting licenses run from September 1 through August 31. Fishing licenses can be either October 1 - September 30 or 365 days from purchase date.
Are crossbows legal for hunting in New York?
Yes! Crossbows are now legal in New York during both archery and gun deer seasons. This was a relatively recent regulation change.
What app do I use for my New York hunting license?
Use the HuntFishNY app to display your license in the field. License purchases are made through the separate DECALS system online.
Store Your New York License in Hunter Passport
Keep your New York hunting and fishing licenses alongside all your other states. Works offline, displays instantly, never fumble for paper again.