Beginning on August 1st 2024 NYS will issue licenses electronically and will not provide a printed tag.  This is largely due to the decreased availability and increased cost of Valeron (tear proof) stock.  License purchasers can either print their license on PLAIN PAPER at the issuer or print the license at home.

As sportsmen and women we all hope for a quick and successful recovery of wild game.  Taking only high percentage shots and using the correct equipment are ethical and consistent with fair chase. Employing aircraft of any type including drones is not ethical or lawful in New York State.  A good alternative is to contact Deer Search.  Their team of recovery volunteers are licensed with the DEC.

Recently, DEC has received inquiries about the potential use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) to assist with the recovery of hunter-harvested deer or bear. However, tracking and recovery of a deer or bear are part of the hunt, and New York laws do not allow drones to be used in this way.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today encouraged outdoor enthusiasts to respectfully share the woods and follow safety precautions this fall and winter. Hikers, nature photographers, leaf peepers, and mountain bikers are encouraged to follow safety measures while hunters and trappers are afield. Regular big game hunting season in the Northern Zone began Oct. 21 and closes Dec. 3. Bowhunting season for deer and bear is ongoing in the Southern Zone and ends at the beginning of the regular firearms season on Nov. 18.

How To Share The Woods During Hunting Season (youtube.com)