Captive Bred White-tailed Deer License
License Details
This license authorizes individuals to breed captive white-tailed deer and operate a commercial or private deer hunting preserve. Licensed individuals must be the owner or lessee of the facility premises.
Fees
The Class A (Commercial) license is $200. The Class B (Private/Personal Use) license is $40.
License Duration
The duration of either license is 5 years.
What This License Allows
Class A (Commercial):
- All the same activities as Class B below, plus: Selling captive-bred deer, dead or alive to other licensed domestic white-tailed deer breeders.
Class B (Personal/Private Use):
- Purchasing captive-bred deer from Class A license holders.
- Breeding and transporting captive-bred white-tailed deer for personal use.
What This License Does Not Allow
- Releasing white-tailed deer into the wild.
- Class B license holders only: selling captive-bred deer.
How to Apply
- Contact the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets at 518-457-3502 to:
- Enroll in the Chronic Wasting Disease Herd Certification Program
- Have your facility and perimeter fencing inspected
- Complete and submit the Captive Bred White-tailed Deer License Application (PDF)
Renewing & Reporting
License Renewal
Licenses expire on March 31 every fifth year after the license was issued. A renewal form will be sent by mail prior to the license expiration date noted on the license. If a license renewal form is not received at least 2-weeks prior to the expiration date, please contact us.
Annual Reporting
Complete the appropriate report form for you license class and submit by March 31 each year:
Carcass Identification Form
A Carcass Identification Form (PDF) is required to complete when any animal or carcass leaves the licensed premises.
Laws & Regulations
Environmental Conservation Law (ECL)
Please visit New York State Legislature (Leaves DEC website)
- 11-0103 Definitions
- 11-1905 Breeding of Domestic Game Animals
New York Codes Rules and Regulations (NYCRR)
- Part 153: Preserve Licenses (Leaves DEC website)
- Part 175: Special Licenses and Permits - Definitions and Uniform Procedures (Leaves DEC website)
- Part 189: Chronic Wasting Disease (Leaves DEC website)
- 1NYCRR: Part 68: Captive Cervid Health Requirements (Leaves DEC website)
Contact Information
DEC Special Licenses Unit
Address: 625 Broadway, Albany NY 12233
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 518-402-8985
Other Related or Similar Licenses
DEC also issues the following licenses for permitting breeding of captive-bred animals:
- Shooting Preserve: authorizes an individual to operate a commercial or private shooting preserve for hunting captive-bred game birds.
- Domestic Game Bird Breeder: authorizes an individual to breed, release, transport or sell select game bird species.
