The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has adopted a new regulation designed to ease the switch from plastic to paper sports licenses for hunting, fishing and trapping. The move is designed to help Licensing Agents (LIAs) offset the costs associated with this transition.

The updated system replaces Valeron plastic materials with plain paper for all associated licenses and tags. As part of the change, LIAs will supply their own paper, printers and ink. To cover these costs, DEC has approved a $1 printing fee for licenses purchased in person at an LIA. Customers can also choose to have their licenses printed and mailed by the DEC vendor, which will charge an additional $2.

Hunting and fishing enthusiasts can avoid these fees altogether by opting to receive their licenses and tags by email for free, allowing them to print the documents at home. This option is available for licenses purchased online, over the phone, through the HuntFishNY mobile app, or directly from an LIA.

The regulation aligns with DEC’s efforts to modernize its Automated Licensing System and reduce the environmental footprint of its operations. The new rules aim to simplify the licensing process while ensuring that LIAs remain financially sustainable.

For more information on sports licenses or hunting seasons, visit the DEC website.

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