The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that the examination for individuals interested in obtaining a license to use leashed tracking dogs to find wounded or injured big game animals is scheduled for Friday, August 19, from 10:00 AM until noon at designated DEC regional offices across the state.

The list of Regional Offices can be found at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/50230.html.The deadline for registering to take the exam is August 12. A score of 80% or higher on the written exam and a valid New York State Big Game hunting license are mandatory requirements for receiving a license.

There is a $50.00 application fee, and a $25.00 non-refundable processing fee associated with the license. The leashed tracking dog license is valid for five years.

Before this exam was first offered in 1990, DEC conducted experimental testing with a small group of leashed tracking dog handlers. Now, there are approximately 200 licensed handlers in New York. More information regarding the leashed tracking dog license can be found on the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/25020.html.