Hunting and fishing licenses: The backbone of New York’s fish and wildlife management

When I hung up the phone after making my annual license purchases, I felt very pleased. First of all, I was legal for the coming year, a status I have enjoyed since I was 16. Second, I had drawn both Deer Management Permits for which I had I requested, including one for New York's 3-H Wildlife Management Unit. A DMP for that unit had been a seemingly nearly impossible draw in recent years. I had another reason to feel good. In the process of purchasing my license, I had also purchased a Habitat Access and Improvement Stamp and made a contribution to the Venison Coalition. I was paying my dues.