Hunters and anglers in New York State will see a less complicated licensing structure and a slight drop in fees under a plan announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo yesterday, Feb. 20. The new structure will eliminate 11 types of licenses and include trapping in the hunting license for registered trappers.
Under the Governor’s proposal, licenses will be valid for one year from the date of purchase. Currently, a freshwater fishing license is valid from Oct. 1 through Sept. 31, meaning anglers that purchase a license April 1 for trout and salmon opening day have only six months of fishing privileges.
“According to a national survey, more than $8.1 billion of economic activity is created as a result of sporting activity in New York. Under my proposal, it will be easier for more New Yorkers and visitors from across the country to take advantage of New York’s rich sporting tradition.” — Governor Andrew Cuomo
The proposed fee schedule would lower costs as follows:
NYS Residents:
- Annual Fishing License – current, $29, proposed, $25
- Annual Hunting License – current, $29, proposed, $22
- Annual Bow Hunting – current, $21, proposed, $20
- Annual Muzzleloading – current, $21, proposed, $11
Out-of-State Residents:
- Annual Fishing License – current, $70, proposed, $50
- Annual Hunting License – current, $140, proposed, $100
- Annual Bow Hunting – current, $140, proposed, $40
- Annual Muzzleloading – current, $140, proposed, $30
- One-day Turkey – current, $50, proposed, $20
- One-day Fishing – current, $15, proposed, $10
Saltwater fishing registration, which allows for free fishing in marine waters, will be made permanent under the proposal. Currently, the provision is set to expire at the end of the year, which would require saltwater anglers purchase a $10 license. The discounts offered to youths, disabled military, senior citizens and Native Americans will continue.
According to the Governor, this plan ensures that the state’s Conservation Fund remains solvent through the 2018-2019 fiscal year. The proposal is an amendment to the Governor’s 2013-14 Executive Budget.
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