New York deer hunters might be going digital by trading paper tags for their smartphones.
he New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has proposed several changes to the state’s deer hunting regulations aimed at modernizing the process, expanding opportunities for youth hunters, and enhancing deer management.
The public is invited to comment on the proposals through August 18, 2025.
The proposed regulations include three main changes: the introduction of electronic hunting tags, a reduction in the harvest reporting deadline, and adjustments to the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP).
“These proposals reflect public desires for enhanced hunting opportunities and more effective deer management,” said Jacqueline Lendrum, director of DEC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Electronic harvest reporting and e-tagging
The DEC plans to implement the use of electronic carcass tags for deer, bears, and turkeys. Hunters will have the option of using the DEC’s HuntFishNY mobile app to report their harvest and obtain an electronic tag, eliminating the need for a physical tag while the carcass remains in the hunter’s possession. The app allows hunters to submit harvest reports even without cell service, storing the information until a connection is available. Once the carcass is left unattended, or delivered to a taxidermist or processor, hunters would need to attach a physical tag containing their name and reporting confirmation number.
For hunters who prefer paper tags, the reporting deadline will be shortened from seven days to 48 hours, aimed at ensuring quicker oversight.
Youth hunter tag replacement
The DEC also proposes to offer youth hunters who successfully use their regular season tag during the Youth Big Game Hunt a replacement tag for the regular firearms season. The replacement tag will be for a deer of the opposite sex, giving an additional opportunity to participate in the season.
Improvements to Deer Management Assistance Program
The DEC suggests changes to streamline the DMAP for private landowners. The renewal cycle for DMAP permits would be extended from three years to five years, allowing landowners to implement consistent deer management strategies while reducing paperwork. The proposal also removes the current cap of four DMAP tags per permit, with the number of tags determined by DEC staff based on property size and management needs.
Public feedback
The DEC asks the public to review the proposed changes and submit comments by Aug.18. Comments can be sent to wildliferegs@dec.ny.gov with the subject line “e-tags and DMAP,” or by mail to: NYSDEC, Attn: Deer Hunting Regs; 625 Broadway; Albany, NY 12233-4754.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: New York’s deer hunting could go digital with smartphone tagging
Reporting by Ryan Miller, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
