ALBANY -The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is switching to paper sporting licenses and carcass tags on or before August 1, 2024. Hunting and fishing licenses are currently printed on a synthetic paper that prevents sportsmen from printing their tags if they purchase them online.
This change, according to the DEC, will modernize the license purchasing process by allowing easier, quicker access to licenses and tags and offering at-home license and tag printing options for the increasing number of hunters, trappers, and anglers who purchase their licenses online.
“DEC’s transition to paper tags will provide the sporting community with a streamlined process to go afield,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “This cost-effective shift to paper tags will reduce the state’s carbon footprint and ensure our sporting license program is at the forefront of emerging technologies.” Many states have already switched to plain paper tags following supply chain issues that made it both more expensive and more difficult to obtain synthetic paper.
Customers will still be able to purchase licenses in-person at an issuing agent, online, or over the phone, but will have more flexibility in license delivery, including printing at the point-of-sale or email and print-at-home. Additionally, when hunters and anglers are afield, proof of licensure can be shown electronically through the HuntFishNY mobile app. The app is also a fast and easy way for hunters to report their game harvests. Currently, the only option for backtags and carcass tags will be plain paper.
This change is effective for the 2024-25 license year and will begin with sales starting August 1, 2024. Lifetime license holders should also expect to receive their 2024-25 licenses and tags on plain paper by mail by September 1, 2024. The change to plain paper does not apply to the spring 2024 turkey season.
More information on this change is available in a “Q&A” format on the DEC website. Additional details will be forthcoming prior to licenses going on sale in August.
