The Town of Bolivar

Beginning with the 2024-25 hunting license year, DEC is transitioning from special license stock (Valeron) to PLAIN PAPER licenses and tags. The following questions and answers provide information on how this change will impact licensed hunters, trappers, and anglers. This will be updated as we progress through this transition and as more details become available.

Q: How will hunters, trappers, and anglers get licenses and tags?

A: Hunters, trappers, and anglers will still be able to purchase their licenses online, over the phone, and at a LIA location. Purchases made online will include an email receipt with a PDF copy of licenses and tags which can be printed at home. Purchases made at a LIA location may be printed by the vendor or received by email. Purchases made by phone may be printed and mailed from DEC’s license vendor or received by email.

Q: Will Lifetime Hunting License holders still receive their licenses and tags in the mail?

A: Yes, lifetime license holders should receive their licenses and tags in the mail by September 1, 2024, printed on plain paper. Beginning in January of 2025, lifetime license holders will be able to call 1-(866)-933-2257 to arrange to have their lifetime license and tags emailed to them each year rather than delivered by mail. Once signed up for email delivery, lifetime license and tags will be emailed each year, allowing the license holder to retain an electronic copy of the license and to print tags at home. Lifetime license holders will also be able to sign up for email delivery as well as gaining complete access to their online profile by creating a username and password for their DECALS account.

Q: What can hunters, trappers, and anglers show to an Environmental Conservation Police Officer (ECO) as a proof of licensure when afield?

A: Hunters and trappers will have the option of carrying a plain paper copy of their license, or an electronic copy of their license in the free HuntFishNY mobile app. In addition to the paper copy of their license and the electronic license in the HuntFishNY app, anglers can also provide an officer with their 12-digit, DEC ID number. Currently, the only option for backtags and carcass tags is plain paper.

Q: Will backtags be printed on plain white paper?

A: Yes, however, backtags will be printed in grayscale, so will not appear white when displayed in a backtag holder. In addition, licenses and tags can be printed on colored paper or hunters may use a highlighting marker to change the color of their backtag, though the backtag numbers must still be legible. Hunters should avoid using red- or blue-colored paper or markers.

Q: If the new tags are plain paper and not weather resistant, won’t they get damaged when afield hunting?

A: It is the hunter’s responsibility to protect their license and tags. Carcass tags must still be filled out, dated, signed, and attached to the animal as required by regulation. DEC suggests storing licenses and tags in a waterproof bag or container while hunting and placing the completed carcass tag in a zip-top bag or other reusable waterproof protector and securely fastening it to the deer, bear, or turkey to ensure the tag remains protected and legible. Tags do not have to be attached to the carcass while it is being dragged or physically carried from the field but must be attached as soon as it is taken to a home, camp, or point where transportation is available. DEC will be producing videos to help show hunters how they can tag their harvest as well as protect their carcass tags and license. Once these videos are complete, they can be viewed on the NYSDEC YouTube page as well as on the DEC website.

Q: How will the change to plain paper carcass tags affect hunters who take their deer, bear, or turkey to a processor or taxidermist?

A: The use of plain paper carcass tags will not result in a significant change for hunters who take their deer, bear, or turkey to a processor or taxidermist. Hunters will still be required to fill out, date, sign, and attach the tag to the animal, and are also responsible for protecting the tag so it remains legible. DEC recommends placing the completed carcass tag in a zip-top bag or other reusable waterproof protector and securely fastening it to the deer, bear, or turkey to ensure the tag remains protected and legible.

Q: What should hunters, trappers, or anglers do if they lose their license or tags or if the paper gets destroyed?

A: Hunters, trappers, and anglers may obtain plain paper replacements of their licenses and tags from an in-person license sales agent, though replacement fees will apply. Alternatively, they may reprint the licenses and tags from their online account or from the PDF included in the email associated with their original license purchase. Also, hunters, trappers, and anglers may use the HuntFishNY app as an electronic copy of their license. Anglers may also provide their 12-digit DEC ID number.

Q: Are hunters still required to report their harvests?

A: Absolutely! Successful hunters are required by law to report the harvest of deer, bear, and turkey. DEC’s recommends reporting via the HuntFishNY app immediately as you also fill out the tag. This report can be made even if you do not have cell service and will automatically be transmitted when you have service. Harvest reports can also be completed online or by phone (1-866-426-3778). For more information on game harvest reporting, visit the DEC website.