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.