The New York Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative with three new dates. These dates include Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017 on Veterans Day, and Saturday, Feb. 17 and Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018 on the weekend before Presidents Day.
During these free fishing days, New York State residents – and even non-residents – can fish for free without a fishing license, though all other fishing regulations remain in effect. These events allow individuals and families to try out fishing, perhaps for the first time, without having to buy a license first. These dates especially give people the opportunity to experience the excellent fall fishing and ice fishing offered throughout the Finger Lakes region and New York State.
For those who want to continue fishing outside of the free fishing days, license can be purchased at any one of the DEC’s license-issuing locations. Visit www.dec.ny.gov/permits/95448.html for a list of locations near you. Fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses can also be purchased by telephone at 866-933-2257 or online at https://decals.dec.ny.gov/DECALSCitizenWeb/citizenhome.htm. Fishing licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase, while hunting and trapping licenses are valid for one year beginning Sept. 1, 2017.
