Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator

Wildlife Conflicts

Visit the Nuisance Wildlife Species webpage for information on controlling and resolving nuisance wildlife issues.

If you have a nuisance wildlife issue, please visit our list of Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators to contact a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator near you.

License Details

This license authorizes an individual to take/trap, transport and release wildlife whenever the animal becomes a nuisance, destroys property, or threatens public safety. The individual can conduct these activities for commercial purposes or as an employee of a municipality.

Fees

The General Commercial license is $50. There is no fee for the Municipal license.

Duration

The duration of this license is 1 year (from October 1 to September 30).

What This License Allows

• Taking, transporting and releasing, or euthanizing wildlife when such wildlife damages or destroys property or poses a threat to public safety.
• For a General (Commercial) License holder only: Charging a fee to provide wildlife removal services for a property owner or lessee.

What This License Does Not Allow

• Trapping or taking the following species without an additional special permit:
  • Endangered/threatened species. Requires an endangered/threatened species license from DEC's Special Licenses Unit.
  • Migratory birds (i.e. woodpecker, raptor, etc.). The homeowner requesting removal must acquire a federal migratory bird permit from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.
  • Certain wildlife species, including: white-tailed deer, black bear, beaver, otter, mink, muskrat, fisher, marten, bobcat, wild turkey, all native snakes and all native turtles. Requires special depredation permit from a regional DEC wildlife office.

How to Apply

New for 2026 – DEC offers online Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator exams

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is now offering the Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) examination online for individuals seeking to become licensed NWCO’s. To provide enhanced access, DEC is offering these examinations online and free-of-charge. To apply for the DEC online examinations, please see the registration instructions below.

Applying for a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator License

• All applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years old to apply for this license.
• You must pass the Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) examination with a score of 80% or higher. See Registering for the Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Exam below.
• Complete and submit the Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator application (an application form and instructions are provided after successfully passing the exam).

Registering for the Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Examination

Please note: Registration for each exam will open the week following the previous exam.

• To register for the exam, visit: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Special Licenses Exam Registration
• After you register, you will receive a confirmation with a one-time link to access the exam on the specified date.
• Time allotted to complete the exam: 2 hours
• Exam fee: There is no fee to take the exam
• Exam Study Materials: You may purchase a training manual by visiting the following: New York State Nuisance Wildlife Control Training Manual. This book is a great reference tool for NWCOs both in preparing for the exam and for later use when licensed and responding to calls concerning nuisance wildlife.

At the end of the examination, upon successful completion with a grade of 80% or higher, you will receive a license application form and further instructions on how to apply for the license. You will need to complete the application and submit it to the DEC Special Licenses Unit along with the required license fee. You will not be authorized to conduct nuisance work until you receive a license from DEC.

Examinations are also available through the National Wildlife Control Training Program (NWCTP):

• To register for this exam visit: NWCTP. Click on New York State WCO Certification Training.
• Dates and Locations: You can begin the online course at any time and take the exam when you are ready.
• Fee: $200
• Study Materials: All study materials are provided online.
• Upon successful completion of the online course, you will be given a certificate that you must send to the DEC Special Licenses Unit, along with your mailing address. When the certificate is received, you will be sent a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator License Application. Complete the application and return it to the DEC Special Licenses Unit along with the required license fee. You will not be authorized to conduct nuisance work until you receive a license from DEC.

Renewing and Reporting

Licenses expire annually on September 30 each year. DEC has created an automated online license renewal option for all current Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) licensees. The new system allows licensees to fill out their renewal request, submit their license fee, and upload a copy of their annual NWCO log, entirely online. 

This process provides enhanced efficiency in the license renewal process, reduces the reliance on paper renewal forms and mailing, simplifies the payment process, and allows for a quicker turn-around time in license renewals.

By using the online system, individuals will be able to track the progress of their request and if approved, receive a renewal via email within two weeks of submission.

We encourage all licensees to use the new online system for efficient and quick license renewals.

Please follow the NWCO renewal request instructions (PDF) to submit your renewal online.

Laws and Regulations

Environmental Conservation Law (ECL)

Please visit New York State Legislature

• 11-0507 Liberation of wildlife
• 11-0511 Possession and transportation of wildlife
• 11-0513 Pigeons
• 11-0521 Destructive wildlife; taking pursuant to permit
• 11-0523 Destructive or menacing wildlife; taking without permit
• 11-0524 Nuisance wildlife control operators

New York Codes Rules and Regulations (NYCRR)

• Part 175: Special Licenses and Permits - Definitions and Uniform Procedures