New York Hunting License - Steps to Buy in NY

David Harrison  ·  Updated on May 18, 2025

Hunting LicenseGuidesHunter Education

Follow these straightforward steps to obtain a New York hunting license:


NY Hunter Education Certification

Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course.

We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online, and your hunter education certificate is accepted by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for use in New York for NY residents and non-residents alike.

After completing the Hunter Ed course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate.

We submit your course results to the state. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including New York), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.


Select Your New York Hunting License

New York offers a variety of hunting licenses for different age groups, residency statuses, and hunting preferences.

Additional permits may be required to hunt specific game species.

New York residents age 70 or older are eligible for reduced-fee licenses.

Below is an overview of the primary license types available:​

Resident Licenses

A resident is a person who has lived in New York for 30 days or more. Active-duty military members stationed in New York and non-resident full-time students who live in New York and attend a college or university in New York are considered residents.

New York residents age 12 or older must have a resident hunting license.

Various lifetime licenses are available to residents.

  • Annual Hunting License • Required if you’re 12 years or older using a firearm or bow to hunt wild game; under-12 cannot hunt.
    • Includes big game & small game—no separate bear tag needed.
  • Additional Privileges (must buy Annual License first)
    • Bowhunting Privilege
    • Muzzleloading Privilege
    • Turkey Permit
    • Harvest Information Program
    • Federal Duck Stamp
    • Deer Management Permit
    • Disability Permits

Non-Resident Licenses

All non-residents age 12 or older must have a non-resident hunting license.

  • Annual Hunting License • Required if you’re 12 years or older using a firearm or bow in NY.
  • Additional Privileges • Bowhunting Privilege
    • Muzzleloading Privilege
    • Turkey Permit
    • Harvest Information Program
    • Federal Duck Stamp
    • Deer Management Permit – $1
    • Disability Permits

Youth Licenses & Requirements

  • Ages 12–15: • Purchase the Annual Hunting License
    • May hunt big game only under adult supervision (see Junior Hunter Mentoring Program).
  • Under 12: • No hunting license required but must be under direct supervision of a licensed adult.

Required Endorsements & Tags

  • Bowhunting Privilege
  • Muzzleloading Privilege
  • Turkey Permit
  • Harvest Information Program (HIP) – required for migratory game birds
  • Federal Duck Stamp – required for waterfowl
  • Deer Management Permit – for antlerless deer in certain units
  • Disability Equipment Permits – e.g., crossbow for disabled hunters

Hunting licenses, which must adhere to specific regulations, are good from Sept 1–Aug 31. of the following year. Residents are able to buy a lifetime hunting license.


Where to buy your NY Hunting License

To hunt in New York, you can buy your license either online through DEC’s HuntFishNY system or in person through a licensing agent, all listed here.

Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license agents in the state of New York:

Suggested Authorized In-Person Hunting License Agents in New York


Where to Find Additional Resources

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Contact Information:

Phone: (518) 402-8843 Email: [email protected] Website: dec.ny.gov