New York Deer license: What License do You Need to Hunt Deer in New York?

What license(s) do I need to hunt deer in New York?

• Regular (firearm) season: Hunting license. If you will hunt during the regular season with a bow or crossbow, add the Bowhunting Privilege (bowhunter education required). For the special muzzleloader season, add the Muzzleloading Privilege.

• Bow seasons (vertical bow or crossbow in 2025):
  Hunting license + Bowhunting Privilege (bowhunter education required). Crossbows are now treated like vertical bows during archery seasons.

• Muzzleloader seasons:
  Hunting license + Muzzleloader Privilege.

• Want extra antlerless opportunity?
  Apply for DMPs (antlerless-only tags) during the annual application window (through October 1) via instant random selection at the point of sale.

Who must complete hunter education?

All first-time hunters must pass hunter education before they can purchase a New York hunting license. Separate education is required for the Bowhunting Privilege. Courses can be taken online or in person.

Read More: New York Online Hunter Education

Crossbow rules 

New York now allows crossbows in the same seasons, places, and manner as vertical bows for deer and bear. To use a crossbow in archery seasons, you need a hunting license + Bowhunting Privilege (bowhunter education required). DEC also clarified how crossbows relate to muzzleloader overlaps in 2025. Always check the current regulations before hunting.

Youth hunters & minimum ages

• Minimum age to hunt deer: 12 years old

• Ages 12–15 follow Junior Hunter rules.

• Ages 12–13 may use firearms or crossbows only in counties that have opted in.

• DEC also offers a special Youth Firearms Big Game weekend each October, typically over Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Required safety colors (firearm deer/bear)

When hunting deer or bear with a firearm (and for anyone accompanying such a hunter), New York requires fluorescent orange or pink as follows:

• At least 250 square inches of solid or patterned (≥50% orange/pink) material above the waist and visible from all directions, or

• A hat or cap with at least 50% solid fluorescent orange or pink visible from all directions.

Seasons & dates

Season timing varies by zone (Northern Zone, Southern Zone, Long Island) and by method (bow, firearm, muzzleloader). DEC publishes the official season dates each year for the current license period (September 1–August 31). Always confirm this year’s calendar before you hunt.

Tags, bag limits, and DMPs

Your total deer harvest depends on the tags and privileges on your license (regular season tag, bow/muzzleloader either-sex tags, and DMPs).

• DMPs are antlerless-only tags allocated by WMU through an instant random selection at the time of application.

• Applications are accepted through October 1, and drawing results are available immediately.

• Additional opportunities (Bonus DMPs, DMAP) may exist in select units with high deer populations.

How to buy a New York hunting license

You can purchase online, by phone, or in person through DEC license agents. During checkout, you can add the Bowhunting or Muzzleloader Privilege and apply for DMPs at the same time. Review DEC’s “Identify What You Need” checklist before you buy.

Step by Step Guide: How to Get a Hunting License in New York

Deer Hunting Checklist

• I’m a first-time hunter and have completed hunter education.

• I purchased my hunting license for the current year.

• I added Bowhunting and/or Muzzleloader Privilege if my season requires it.

• I applied for DMPs (optional antlerless tags) by October 1.

• If using a crossbow in 2025 archery seasons, I hold the Bowhunting Privilege.

• For firearm hunts, I wear fluorescent orange/pink that meets the 250-sq-in rule.

• I verified season dates and zones for this year.

FAQs

Do I need a separate deer license in New York?

No. Deer hunting is covered by the New York hunting license, with privileges added for bow or muzzleloader seasons. DMPs are optional antlerless tags.

Do I need hunter education?

Yes. All first-time hunters must complete hunter education before buying a license. Bowhunting requires bowhunter education for the Bowhunting Privilege.

Can I use a crossbow during archery season?

Yes. New in 2025, crossbows are allowed in the same seasons and manner as vertical bows, with the Bowhunting Privilege.

When can I apply for DMPs?

You can apply each year through October 1. Applications are selected instantly at the point of sale, and there’s no advantage to applying early.