NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

FAQs on the Transition to Plain Paper Licenses and Tags

Q: - Why is DEC changing from Valeron license stock to plain paper?

A: - DEC, like other state conservation agencies around the country, has experienced difficulties acquiring Valeron stock due to supply chain issues and increased costs. Over the last few years, many states such as Ohio, Oregon, New Hampshire, and Virginia, have successfully shifted to plain paper and digital licenses and tags, providing a good framework to guide our transition. Additionally, using plain paper rather than Valeron reduces the agency’s carbon footprint and modernizes the way sporting licenses are fulfilled and utilized afield. This transition will allow easier and quicker access to recreational activities as hunters, trappers, and anglers will be able to print their licenses and tags at home.

Q: - How will hunters, trappers, and anglers get licenses and tags?

A: - Hunters, trappers, and anglers will still be able to purchase their licenses online, over the phone, and at a LIA location. Purchases made online will include an email receipt with a PDF copy of licenses and tags which can be printed at home. Purchases made at a LIA location may be printed by the vendor or received by email. Purchases made by phone may be printed and mailed from DEC's license vendor or received by email.

Q: - What should hunters or trappers do if they lose their license or tags or if the paper gets destroyed?

A: - Hunters and trappers may obtain plain paper replacements of their licenses and tags from an in-person license sales agent, though replacement fees will apply. Alternatively, they may reprint the licenses and tags from their online account or from the PDF included in the email associated with their original license purchase. Also, hunters and trappers may use the HuntFishNY app as an electronic copy of their license.

Q: - What kind of paper, ink, and printer can be used to print licenses and tags?

A: - Hunters and trappers printing licenses and tags at home should use standard 8½ x 11-inch paper with black ink. Licenses and tags can be printed with laser, inkjet, or solid ink printers.

Indigenous Nations Territories

New York State shares borders with nine sovereign Indigenous Nations. Nation territories or lands, most often being reservations, are reserved for the exclusive use of recognized Nation citizens. While most Indigenous Nations do not permit non-Nation citizens to hunt, trap, or fish on their land, some have made exceptions for limited public hunting, trapping, and fishing access. New York State sporting license privileges do not extend to Indigenous Nations lands. Check with the respective Nation’s office to determine the requirements for hunting, trapping, and fishing within the Nation’s boundaries, and whether a special permit may be required if these activities are allowed. As a responsible New York State hunter, it is important to know where you are; any trespass onto Indigenous Nations land while hunting or trapping or afield is enforceable by community or tribal police, DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, and NYS Police.

DMAP on State Lands

DEC has enrolled several state lands in DMAP. Tag availability is limited and hunters must apply to participate. See dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/deer-bear/deer-management-assistance-program-hunting for information.

Properties include:

• Bully Hill State Forest, WMU 9P
• Doodletown Wildlife Management Area, WMU 4Z

Be Safe — Be Seen

• Assume every gun is loaded.
• Control the muzzle, point in a safe direction.
• Keep finger off the trigger until firing.
• Be sure of your target and what's beyond.
• Wear hunter orange or pink.

Hunter Education: Next Step Courses

The DEC’s Hunter Education Program (HEP) is now offering Next Step courses for people who have already completed a hunter education, bowhunter education, or trapper education certification course and want more education and hands-on experience.

• Taught by HEP staff and certified HEP instructors.
• 4-Hour courses focus on safety, techniques and hands-on experience in:
  • rifle, shotgun, crossbow, archery, fur handling, land trapping, and water trapping.

All Next Step courses are FREE

• Registration with your certificate number is required.
• Minimum age is 12 years old.
• No certification is offered in these courses.

For more information and to register, visit http://on.ny.gov/learntohunt

Use of ATVs and off-road vehicles (ORVs) is restricted on most State lands.

Report Moose Sightings

Moose are protected in New York State and cannot be hunted. DEC and its research partners are working to understand the status of the moose population. You can help us by reporting moose sightings at dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/moose.

Eurasian Boar

Eurasian boars are a destructive invasive species that damage habitat and crops, and threaten native wildlife and domestic livestock. DEC and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have worked hard to eradicate these animals from the state’s landscape. We are now working to prevent their reintroduction into New York State.

• It is illegal to possess, sell, distribute, trade, or transport Eurasian boars or their hybrids.
• It is illegal to import, breed, or release Eurasian boars or their hybrids.
• It is illegal to hunt, trap, or take free-ranging Eurasian boar or their hybrids.

Although DEC’s eradication efforts have been very successful to date, we must remain vigilant. Anyone who sees a Eurasian boar should report it to DEC as soon as possible by emailing [email protected] or calling 518-402-8883.

Tree Stand Safety—Hunt Safe, Hunt Smart

• Read the manufacturer’s instructions. Replace worn/missing parts.
• Use a full-body harness with a foot strap to relieve harness leg pressure.
• Use a "lifeline" or safety rope that is secured at base of the tree or stand and to the tree just above your head when sitting in the stand. Stay connected to a lifeline from the time you leave the ground to the time you get back down.
• Attach the tether from your full-body harness to the lifeline using a carabiner and prusik knot, which easily slides up and down the lifeline.
• Once secured in your stand, use a haul line to raise/lower unloaded implements and quiver. Do not tie the haul line around the trigger or trigger guard. Haul unloaded guns, bows, and cocked (but unloaded) crossbows pointed down.
• Carry emergency equipment (knife, phone, flashlight, whistle) in your pockets at all times, not in your pack.
• Tell someone where you will be hunting and when you will return.

Adopt Trapping Best Management Practices (BMPs)

• Learn practical traps and techniques that improve efficiency, selectivity, and the welfare of trapped animals
• Find out about specifications for traps that meet BMP criteria for each species
• Instill public confidence in and maintain public support for trapping

Visit dec.ny.gov and search “Trapping BMPs”

Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact

New York State is a member of Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (IWVC), which is an agreement between 47 states to share information regarding hunting, fishing, and trapping convictions.

The IWVC gives members the capability to honor each other's license revocations so a violator convicted in one state may be barred from hunting, fishing, or trapping in all member states, at the discretion of each state.

Call NYSDEC Law Enforcement at 518-402-8816 or visit wildlifecrimestoppers.org.

Turkey Hunters Needed for Grouse Survey

DEC is seeking spring turkey hunters to participate in a survey to help monitor grouse populations.

For more information:

• Email us at [email protected] and type “Grouse Drumming Survey” in the subject line, or
• Call 518-402-8883, or
• Visit www.dec.ny.gov and search for "drumming survey."