New York Hunter Safety Course Requirements

Hunter education rules before you start the New York practice test.

New York hunters generally need hunter safety certification before hunting. Here is what to know before you take the New York practice test.

Minimum age / certification
Minimum age 11 for the course; minimum age 12 to hunt; hunters under 16 need a signed parental consent.
Blaze orange
Since 2021, at least 250 square inches of solid fluorescent orange or pink above the waist (or a cap that's at least 50% fluorescent) for big game.
License year
September 1 through August 31.

Official regulations are set by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Always confirm current rules there before hunting.

⚠ Some details above came from secondary research rather than a direct read of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)'s own site — treat them as a starting point, not the final word.

See how we source and fact-check this page.

Start the New York practice test