New Program Coming For New York Hunting and Trapping Licenses

Were you a big fan of homework when you were in school? If not, you may have a problem with the new program announced by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Okay, it's not that bad, but it is something new they're adding beginning this year.

To become a licensed hunter, bowhunter, or trapper in New York, you are first required to attend and pass a free training course offered by the DEC. Beginning this year, all Sportsman Education courses will require students to review course materials and complete a homework sheet prior to attending the classroom and field sessions.

The hope of the DEC is that the new homework portion of the course will act as an introduction to the subject and help the students' understanding of the course material.

You'll need to provide proof of the completed homework in order to enroll in the classroom and field portions of the course. Since the homework requirement takes about 3 hours, it is recommended that you register for the course well in advance in order to allow time to complete it. All courses also require successful completion of an in-person field day to earn certification.

If you are planning on taking these courses this year, you can click here for the online portion and print your voucher to bring to the course. There is a fee involved with this. For more information, you can click here to download the free manual and worksheets.