New York hunters can now purchase licenses for the 2026-2027 hunting season, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
Licenses are available online, by phone, or in person through license issuing agents.
The DEC is also reminding hunters about updated deer hunting regulations that change the way Deer Management Permits, or DMPs, are issued and allow an unlimited number of DMPs to be transferred between hunters.
Under the new DMP application process, hunters can apply for up to four permits: two in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) with limited DMP availability and two in WMUs with unlimited DMP availability.
For WMUs with limited DMPs, the application and issuance process will continue through the traditional lottery and order-of-selection system.
Unlimited DMPs will be available in 23 Wildlife Management Units. Hunters who apply for DMPs in those units will receive them.
The DEC said DMPs used to harvest antlerless deer in unlimited DMP units will be replaced with a bonus DMP after the hunter reports the harvest. Used and reported bonus DMPs will also be replaced with additional bonus permits, allowing hunters to continue harvesting antlerless deer. There is no fee for bonus DMPs.
More information about deer hunting regulations and Deer Management Permits is available through the DEC website.
Hunters can purchase a 2026-2027 license and find additional information through the DEC’s hunting license resources.