The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced several updates aimed at improving the hunting experience and management of deer populations in the state. These changes include the introduction of electronic hunting tags, enhanced reporting requirements, and new opportunities for youth hunters.
“Hunting is an affordable, accessible, and valued tradition for many New Yorkers and a critically important conservation measure,” said Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “DEC is committed to improving user experience for all hunters and these changes will provide new options to improve harvest reporting and success for years to come.”
Hunters now have the option to use either paper licenses and tags or the HuntFishNY mobile app as electronic proof of licensure and possession of tags for deer, bear, or turkey. The electronic tag system allows users to report their harvest immediately through the app, regardless of cell service availability. Hunters using e-tags are not required to attach a physical tag to their harvested animal while it remains in their possession, including during transport or storage at home.
If a hunter leaves a carcass somewhere other than their home or vehicle—such as with a taxidermist or processor—they must attach a homemade tag that includes their name, identification number, and reporting confirmation number.
For those who prefer paper tags, there is now a requirement to report any harvest within 48 hours instead of the previous seven-day window. This change aims to encourage timely reporting and enhance law enforcement oversight.
A new initiative also provides youth hunters aged 12-15 with additional opportunities. Youth who successfully take and report a deer during Youth Big Game Hunt weekend using their regular season tag—and who do not hold a Deer Management Permit (DMP) for regular firearms season—will receive an extra regular season tag by mail. This bonus tag will be valid for harvesting a deer of the opposite sex from what was taken during the youth hunt.
Changes have also been made to the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP). The permit renewal cycle has been extended from three years to five years, and there is no longer a limit on how many DMAP tags an individual hunter can fill on participating properties. However, DEC will continue determining the total number of available tags per property based on size and management needs.
Starting in fall 2025, crossbows may be used throughout New York State in all seasons where vertical bows are permitted for hunting deer and bear. More details about this expanded crossbow use can be found on DEC’s website.
Further information about these regulatory changes—including full regulation text and summaries of public comments—is available on DEC’s website.
