Fall means many things to different people, but to the men in my family it is the arrival of the long awaited hunting season! Now there are various hunting seasons designated for different types of game (ie which animals are allowed to be killed), but from my observations deer season seems to be the most popular with Essex County hunters.
You can’t just hunt wherever you want. Find some places throughout NYS that are public access hunting grounds. Always remember to get permission before hunting on private property! Also be sure of the Essex County hunting seasons.
Before you get your hunting gear and go into the woods, you must learn the hunting regulations of your region and get a hunting license!
Hunting License
Are you a beginner? You can attend a hunter’s education course to learn about the type(s) of hunting you want to partake in. If you haven’t previously had a sporting license it is required that you take a course before obtaining a license! There is an online hunters course available to test yourself.
You must be at least 12 years old and a NYS resident to acquire a hunting license, but an active members of the US Armed Forces stationed in NY, or a full-time college student in residence during the school year also qualifies for a residency license (NYDEC). Non-residents of NYS may also purchase a license.
“Licenses and permits are valid from October 1 through September 30“–meaning the license you buy this fall will be valid until September of next year (NYDEC).
Certain game require special permits in addition to a license. For example, you must purchase a turkey permit to hunt those birds (NYDEC). You can examine all of the sportsman license, permit, and stamp information and prices to determine which is right for you. Prices vary depending on the type of license and additional permits/stamps you’d like to purchase. There are also some specialty licenses (like falconry) available.
Exceptions
There are some circumstances that do not require hunters to have a license or may allow them to obtain one for free. There are two exceptions when hunting small game that do not require licenses:
- Resident owners primarily engaged in farming, lessees and members of their immediate families do not need a hunting license when hunting on farm lands they are occupying and cultivating.
- Native Americans living on a reservation do not need a hunting license while hunting on reservation lands. (NYDEC).
- Members of the Shinnecock and Poospatuck tribes and members of the Six Nations residing on reservations in the state.
- NYS residents who have the appropriate Sportsman Education and are active service members of the NYS Militia, US Reserve Forces or certain members of the US Armed Forces. (NYDEC).
For more information about New York’s regulations and licensing requirements you can examine the online version of the NY Hunting & Trapping Official Guide to Laws & Regulations.
Where to Buy an Essex County Hunting License
You can go online at the NYDEC to purchase a sporting license and additional permits & stamps.
Order one by phone at 1-86-NY-DECALS (1-866-933-2257).
Or you can go in person to a local town clerk’s office or sporting goods store. You can find one near you that sells them.
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