As a reminder for hunters, trappers, and anglers, by August 1, 2024 the paper used for sporting licenses and carcass tags will change from special stock (Valeron) to plain paper. This change 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 people who purchase their licenses online.   

Supply chain issues in recent years have made it increasingly more difficult and expensive for state fish and wildlife agencies to acquire Valeron, and many states have already successfully made the transition to plain paper licenses and tags. With these changes, we are excited to offer multiple options for customers to obtain their licenses and tags, keep up-to-date on emerging technologies, reduce our carbon footprint, and become more cost effective.  

Customers will still be able to purchase licenses in all the same ways they do now (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 HuntFishNY app is also a fast and easy way for hunters to report their game harvests. 

This change is effective for the 2024-25 license year and will begin with sales starting just prior to August 1, 2024. Additionally, lifetime license holders should expect to receive their 2024-25 licenses and tags on plain paper via mail by September 1, 2024.

More information is available in a “Q&A” on the DEC website, and more details will be forthcoming prior to licenses going on sale on August 1, 2024. Please be sure to check the DEC’s website and to sign up for DEC Delivers for information and updates regarding this change.