Hunting licenses available

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis recently announced that 2007-08 hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs).

Licenses and permits can be purchased at any of DEC's 1,600 license sales outlets statewide. They can also be purchased via the internet or ordered by mail and by phone. All sporting licenses are valid beginning October 1, 2007, through September 30, 2008. Prices for New York State residents range from as little as $5 for a Junior Small Game Hunting license to $76 for a Conservation Legacy license that allows a full range of hunting and fishing privileges.

"New York State is committed to helping provide outdoor enthusiasts with numerous recreational opportunities to enjoy the beauty of our state throughout the year," Commissioner Grannis said. "Hunting and fishing opportunities in New York are among the best in the Northeast. As DEC kicks off another license year, we will continue to help meet the needs of sportsmen and sportswomen by making improvements to better serve the public and protect our natural resources."

DEC's Automated Licensing System (DECALS) is the state's program for issuing sporting licenses and tracking license sales and revenues. DECALS may also be used for donations to the Habitat Stamp Program, Venison Donation Coalition, and the Trail Maintenance Program. DEC continues to improve and enhance DECALS to better meet the needs of sportsmen and women. Beginning August 13, 2007, individuals will be able to purchase 2007-08 sporting licenses and permits through DECALS at all license issuing outlets across the State, including during the 2007 New York State Fair in Syracuse. Applicants who have previously purchased a license through DECALS, may apply for their 2007-08 license electronically via DEC's website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/ (look for the "Purchase a Sporting License" button on the home page). Applications may also be downloaded from the website and submitted by mail to the address listed on the application. For questions regarding license purchases, please call our DECALS Call Center at (1- 866-933-2257). Hours of operation for the Call Center are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday from August 13 to October 13, 2007. Regular weekday hours of 8 am to 5 pm will resume on October 14, 2007.

License buyers should have the following items ready when applying: complete name and address information, proof of residency information (driver's license number or nondriver's ID number to qualify for a resident license), and, if purchasing by phone, credit card and card expiration date. Hunting license purchases require individuals to provide proof of hunting education certification or a copy of a previous license, or this information must already be contained in their DECALS file.

Deer Management Permits (DMPs), for antlerless deer only, will be available at all license issuing outlets and by phone, internet or mail, from August 13, 2007, through midnight October 1, 2007.