New Applicant License Exams Scheduled for Sept. 17, 2020

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that the Licensed Guides exam for anyone currently registered is now scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1.  This exam will be offered to all applicants that previously signed up to take the exam. Out of an abundance of caution and to limit the community spread of COVID-19, DEC previously postponed examinations scheduled in March, April, May, and June. Exams for new applicants will be held Sept. 17, 2020.

The licensing of outdoor guides is administered by DEC Forest Rangers. New York State Environmental Conservation Law requires DEC to publish a list of guides. A list of current New York State Licensed Guides is available on-line. Applicants do not need to be a resident of New York State to receive a guide's license.

A guide is a person, at least 18 years of age, who offers services for hire, part or all of which includes directing, instructing, or aiding another in fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, whitewater rafting/canoeing/kayaking, or rock and ice climbing.

The Aug. 1 exam will be held in outdoor pavilions at the below locations:

• DEC Region 3 Office, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561-1696 - Google Maps
  

• DEC Region 5 Office, 232 Golf Course Road, Warrensburg, NY 12885 - Google Maps
  

• Birdseye Park, Bradford County, County Road 96, Bradford, NY (Steuben County)
  

DEC will offer exams for new applicants interested in the Licensed Guide Program on Sept. 17, 2020, at select DEC Regional Offices. New applicants interested in taking the Licensed Guide Program exam can download the application from DEC’s website directly.

For more information on DEC’s Licensed Guide Program, visit DEC’s website or contact Colleen Kayser with the NYS DEC Forest Rangers at 518-402-8838.