Don’t Wait To Get Your NY Hunting Licenses This Year

The 2020-21 hunting season licenses will go on sale in just over two weeks and if you are looking forward to some time in the woods this fall, you may find that you are seeing more hunters in your area.

For a number of reasons, there are many people in New York who are looking forward to hunting this year. Many New Yorkers are still out of work and will have time to hunt. There are plenty of people who need another way to get out of the house and hunting is a great way to help fill your freezer with meat!

If you have not hunted in a few years or are planning to hunt this fall, there are some things to keep in mind. Because of the pandemic, there may not be as many workers behind the scenes prepping and approving licenses and there may be a surge in DMP applications because of the higher amount of deer hunters this year. Licenses go on sale August 1st and if you normally buy a license in person, be prepared for some changes or delays.

Hunting Licenses/Tags:

• You must wait 14 business days to receive licenses & tags in the mail before going hunting. The receipt of purchase / phone confirmation number is NOT valid proof to perform hunting activities. To receive licenses/tags instantly, visit a sporting license issuing agent location.
• The 2020-21 season licenses & deer management permits will go on sale beginning August 1, 2020.
• Hunting & Trapping licenses are valid from September 1 - August 31 annually.
• New Year licenses go on sale in August each year.

I try to hunt as often as I can each year. In the last few years, I have noticed that there are not nearly as many hunters in the woods as there used to be. For whatever reasons, not time to hunt, no interest in hunting in younger generations, limited land access, there simply have not been as many people in the woods. My guess is that it will change this fall. If you haven't posted your land in a few years, it may be a good idea to check on your property lines and be sure to get your licenses and applications in as early as you can.