New York State Hunting

On October 3, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced that hunters and trappers could begin hunting and trapping in upstate New York.

Hunting, trapping, and related activities provide significant benefits to New York's economy, especially in rural areas. A recent national survey estimated that hunter expenditures on equipment and trip-related expenses in New York totaled more than $1.5 billion in 2011.

Governor Cuomo recently announced a new initiative to make New York even more attractive to hunters and anglers. The "NY Open for Fishing and Hunting" plan streamlines sporting licenses and reduces fees to benefit sportsmen and sportswomen throughout the state.

Fees will also be lowered for non-residents to encourage out-of-state hunters to experience the great game opportunities in New York. These changes will first go into effect in 2014.

All new hunters or trappers planning to go afield this upcoming hunting and trapping season must first complete a mandatory hunter or trapper education course before they can obtain the appropriate sporting license. Training in safe handling of firearms and hunting is a legal requirement for anyone hunting in New York.

Courses are free to take and are taught by DEC-certified instructors. Although primarily offered for first-time hunters or trappers, anyone is welcome to attend a sportsman education course, whether it is for a refresher or an interest of the topic. For more on basic hunting safety rules visit DEC's website.

For general information about hunting or trapping in New York, or to get additional information about specific opportunities, visit DEC's hunting or trapping pages.

DEC advises hunters and trappers to confirm the exact dates, bag limits, legal implements, and other regulations pertaining to any area where hunting or trapping is planned before going afield.

source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)