Hunting License Types & Fees

Annual Hunting License (View residency qualifications)
With this license you can hunt big game and small game.
***This license is required before other privileges (i.e. bowhunting, muzzleloading & turkey permit) can be purchased.***

Resident Fee

  • $22 (ages 16-69)
  • $5 (ages 70+)
  • $5 (ages 12-15)

Nonresident Fee

  • $100 (ages 16+)
  • $5 (ages 12-15)

(Note: It is not necessary to purchase a separate bear tag when buying a hunting license. Small game and big game hunting is now included in the annual hunting license for both residents and nonresidents.)

Additional Annual Hunting Privileges/Permit/Stamps

An annual hunting license (above) must be purchased before purchasing the following privileges/stamps.

Bowhunting Privilege

Resident Fee

  • $15 (ages 16-69)
  • No fee (ages 70+)
  • $4 (ages 12-15)

Nonresident Fee

  • $30 (ages 16+)
  • $4 (ages 12-15)

Needed For

To know when you need a privilege, permit or stamp, visit the Hunting Licenses/Privileges Needed page.

Muzzleloading Privilege

Resident Fee

  • $15 (ages 14-69)
  • No fee (ages 70+)

Nonresident Fee

  • $30 (ages 14+)

Needed For

To know when you need a privilege, permit or stamp, visit the Hunting Licenses/Privileges Needed page.

Turkey Permit

Resident Fee

  • $10 (ages 12+)

Nonresident Fee

  • $20 (ages 12+)

Needed For

To know when you need a privilege, permit or stamp, visit the Hunting Licenses/Privileges Needed page.

Harvest Information Program

Resident Fee

  • No fee (ages 12+)

Nonresident Fee

No fee (must register in New York even if registered in another state)

Needed For

To know when you need a privilege, permit or stamp, visit the Hunting Licenses/Privileges Needed page.

Federal Duck Stamp

Needed For

To know when you need a privilege, permit or stamp, visit the Hunting Licenses/Privileges Needed page.

Deer Management Permit

Resident & Nonresident Fee

  • $10 (ages 16+)
  • No fee (ages 12-15 or holders of lifetime sportsman licenses purchased prior to October 1, 2009)

Needed For

Harvesting antlerless deer (antlers less than 3″ long) in select Wildlife Management Units.

Permits For Hunters With Disabilities

Needed For

Using specialized equipment to aid in discharging a bow, or to discharge a firearm from a motorized vehicle.

Valid Dates of Annual Licenses/Privileges

  • Annual hunting licenses and privileges are valid from September 1 through August 31 each year.
  • The Harvest Information Program and Federal Duck Stamp is valid July 1 through June 30 annually.

Free/Reduced Fee & Lifetime Licenses

(For information on required documents and qualifications click the links below. In most instances, you must be a New York resident)

Who Needs a Hunting License

You need a hunting license if you are:

  • 12 years and older and using a firearm or bow to hunt or take wild game. Persons under age 12 cannot hunt.
    • Junior Hunters (12-15): review regulations and information for junior hunters, ages 12-15.
    • Additional Privileges/Permits: depending on the season and species you are hunting you may need additional privileges or permits. These are listed in the table above.

You do not need a hunting license if you are:

  • A resident landowner primarily engaged in farming (including lessees and members of their immediate families) when small game hunting on farm lands they are occupying and cultivating.
  • A Native American living and hunting on reservation land.
  • Hunting on a licensed shooting preserve or big game shooting facility..

Note: To hunt turkey, all hunters must purchase a turkey permit. There are no exceptions.

Documents

Hunting Guide 2024

Related Pages

Fishing Licenses

DEC – Sporting Licenses

Harvest Information Program

Federal Duck Stamp

Deer Management Permit

Permits For Hunters With Disabilities

Licenses & Permits