Carcass Tag (e-tag) and Harvest Reporting Changes
Questions and Answers Fall 2025
Hunters should be aware of changes to carcass tagging and harvest reporting for the 2025-26 hunting seasons. Check DEC’s website prior to going afield for more information.
Electronic Tagging and Harvest Reporting
Q. What is an e-license and an e-tag?
A. An e-license is the electronic record of your hunting, fishing, and trapping license privileges in DEC’s HuntFishNY mobile app. E-tags are electronic records of your unreported and reported carcass tags for deer, bear, and turkey in the HuntFishNY mobile app. The app can be downloaded through DEC’s website. Once you are signed into the app, tap on My Licenses & Tags/Report Harvests to view your licenses and tags and report your harvests.
Q. Will I still have the option to use paper tags?
A. Yes. Plain paper licenses and tags will still be available and a valid option while hunting. Paper tags still need to be attached to the carcass, so the tag is intact, legible, and visible. Refer to DEC’s website for instructions on how to print and use paper licenses and tags.
Q. How do I purchase my license(s) and tags?
A. Licenses and tags can be purchased online, at a License Issuing Agent (LIA), or over the phone. You’ll now have the option to receive an e-license and e-tags or a paper license and paper tags.
Q. Is harvest reporting changing?
A. Yes. E-tag users must report immediately after harvesting a deer, bear, or turkey through the HuntFishNY mobile app. Paper tag users must report their harvest within 48 hours (no longer 7 days)through DEC’s website, the HuntFishNY mobile app, or calling 1-866-426-3778.
Q. Do I need internet service to view my e-licenses or report my e-tags?
A. No. As long as you sign into your HuntFishNY mobile app account while online before going afield, licenses and tags will continue to show in the app even while offline. You can submit a harvest report for an e-tag without internet service. The report will be uploaded when service resumes.
Q. If I use an e-tag, do I have to attach anything to the animal?
A. Hunters using e-tags who harvest a deer, bear, or turkey must immediately electronically “tag” the animal by reporting the harvest via the HuntFishNY mobile app. You do not need to attach anything to the carcass while in possession of it, including in your vehicle and at home. If the carcass is not in your possession (e.g., brought to a meat processor or taxidermist), the hunter must attach to the carcass a tag of your making that includes your name, hunter ID number, and reporting confirmation number(available in the mobile app). You can also print, fill-out (including reporting confirmation number), and attach the paper carcass tag from your DECALS account.
CONTACT:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Fish and Wildlife
Bureau of Wildlife
(518) 402-8883
wildlife@dec.ny.gov
For more information, or to sign up for email updates from NYSDEC, visit dec.ny.gov
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