Free online outdoor and wildlife license exams in 2025

Posted

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced upcoming dates of examinations for select special licenses. To provide enhanced access, DEC is offering examinations online and free-of-charge.

Exams being offered include: New York State Licensed Guide: camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, whitewater, rock climbing, and ice climbing; Falconry License; Wildlife Rehabilitator License; and Leashed Tracking Dog License.

A guide is a person at least 18 years of age offering services for hire, including directing, instructing, or aiding another individual in camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, whitewater rafting/canoeing/kayaking, rock climbing, and ice climbing.

Applicants are not required to be a resident of New York state to receive a guide’s license.

Exams are Feb. 7, May 9, June 6, July 11, and Sept. 12 (online); March 1 (in-person).

Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog Licenses exams will be held April 11 and Aug. 8 (online).

Visit the DEC’s Special Licenses webpage to register and access study guides. Links to each license’s application and preparation materials are available online.

For questions, contact DEC at SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov or call 518-402-8985.