New York Decals System

[culprit]

Currently trying to purchase my NYS Hunting license prior to October 1st to get a DMP for 7J and once again I get the NYS runaround.  I called twice last week to the Decals office and informed them I am active duty military and earn the "Patriot Act" privelidge to get a free sportsmans license.  I fax all the required paperwork to them. (application form, affidavit of military service, copy of NYS drivers license, active duty military ID, leave and earnings statement for August, and leave papers for Nov 13-24) 

I have a valid Decals ID# and am in the system as having all the required hunter safety requirements.  I am then told that I cannot purchase a license without being in NY in person.

How does this help an active duty military person?  I was told that I could just pay full price (because I'm in Decals) to ensure I get a DMP tag.  Rediculous!!!

This is just one of many issues I have with NYS and is why I seriously consider NOT returning upon retiring from the Navy in 2010.

[culprit]

Thanks for all the advice here fellas.  I ended up pulling some strings and got my license purchased without the Decals "runaround".  I ended up getting one DMP for 7J.  Am happy though to not have to run about the night before the season and get a license.  Shoot Straight!!   >>>>---------------------->

[K.K]

Hey culprit.  Congrats on getting your tags. I have always been of the school of thought that military and war veterans should be completely exempt from the purchase price of hunting and fishing licenses.  We could not enjoy the freedoms to pursue the life we love and cherish without the freedoms that the military provides.   Most of all thank you for your service to our Country.  I wish you a safe, successful hunting season.  Thanks-  KK

[culprit]

Thanks.  I appreciate it very much.  Last year while hunting here in WV I was talking to a guy in the woods for a few minutes and didn't say much about my time in the Navy but my other buddy told him I was in the Navy later on in the day.  My buddy made sure to tell me for him thanks.  Good luck to everyone hunting this year.

I used to live near Binghamton (Windsor) and my memories of opening morning of shotgun season are filled with utter chaos as folks are trying to fill their tag before noon.

Keep your head down......

[K.K]

I am through that area all the time.  I hope that you made it through the flood OK, i got caught driving in it.  It was sure a disaster!  Opening day around there must be insane.  Stay safe and wear plenty of balze orange.

[culprit]

I don't hunt near Windsor anymore.  It actually sounds like WWIII is happening in the backyard.  I've had the chance to fly over the area a couple of times and from the air it looks like a pumpkin patch.