New York’s hunting and fishing license laws for 2025 feature several updates and modernizations, but the core requirements remain largely consistent with previous years. Here’s a comprehensive overview:
Hunting License Requirements
Who Needs a License: Anyone age 12 or older using a firearm or bow to hunt wild game must have a hunting license. Children under 12 are not allowed to hunt. Residents are defined as those who have lived in New York for at least 30 days; active-duty military stationed in New York and full-time students at New York colleges also qualify as residents.
Types of Licenses:
-Annual Hunting License: Required for big and small game hunting. No separate bear tag is needed for the 2024–2025 season.
-Additional Privileges: Must purchase the annual license before adding privileges like bowhunting, muzzleloading, turkey permits, and Deer Management Permits (DMPs).
-Lifetime Licenses: Available to residents only.
Fees:
-Resident: $22 (ages 16–69), $5 (ages 70+ and ages 12–15)
-Nonresident: $100 (ages 16+), $5 (ages 12–15)
Hunter Education: First-time hunters must complete a hunter education course before obtaining a license.
Digital and Paper Licenses: Licenses and carcass tags are now printed on plain paper for easier at-home printing. Electronic proof of license is accepted via the HuntFishNY mobile app, but tags must be printed on paper and carried while afield for 2024–2025. Backtags are no longer required.
Proposed Changes: The NYS DEC is considering electronic carcass tagging and streamlined digital options for future seasons, but this is not yet in effect for 2025.
Mentorship Program Legislation: A bill (S1153) is under consideration to allow children as young as 10 to hunt with a qualified mentor, without a license or hunter education course, but this is not yet law.
Fishing License Requirements
Who Needs a License: Anyone age 16 or older fishing in New York’s freshwaters needs a fishing license, whether resident or nonresident. No license is required for saltwater fishing (except for certain species), fishing on licensed preserves, during free fishing days, or for some specific groups (landowners, Native Americans on reservation land, etc.)
Types of Licenses:
-Annual: Valid for one year from date of purchase.
-7-Day and 1-Day: Available for short-term fishing.
Fees:
-Resident: $25 (ages 16–69), $5 (ages 70+)
-Nonresident: $50 (annual), $28 (7-day), $10 (1-day)
Free Fishing Days: No license required on designated days (e.g., June 28–29, September 27, November 11 in 2025).
Proposed Exemptions: A bill (A2209) is under consideration to exempt certain disabled individuals from needing a fishing license, but this is not yet law.
Key Changes and Modernizations
Paper Licenses and Tags: All hunting and fishing licenses and tags are now printed on plain paper for easier access and at-home printing.
Electronic Proof: The HuntFishNY mobile app can be used for electronic proof of licensure, but tags must still be printed and carried while hunting.
Backtags: No longer required for hunters anywhere in New York State.
Summary Table
| Activity | Age Requirement | License Needed? | Notes/Changes for 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting | 12+ | Yes | Plain paper tags, no backtag required |
| Fishing | 16+ | Yes (freshwater) | Free fishing days, plain paper tags |
Additional Notes
Mandatory Reporting: Hunters must report deer, bear, and turkey harvests within 7 days.
Special Permits: Additional permits are required for certain activities (e.g., bowhunting, muzzleloading, turkey).
Free/Reduced Fee Licenses: Available to some groups, including seniors and disabled individuals.
Always check the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website for the most current regulations before heading afield.
Sources:
- https://huntersafetyusa.com/articles/new-york-hunting-license-steps-to-buy-in-ny
- https://dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses/sporting-and-use/sporting/hunting-license
- https://www.eregulations.com/newyork/hunting
- https://991thewhale.com/new-york-state-dec-introduces-paper-licenses/