ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – It's that time of the year again – Whitetail deer season is almost here in New York State. Bowhunting is the first of deer hunting season that is set to start throughout the end of September and beginning of October depending on your location in New York State. You can check out when each deer season starts in your area by looking at this map provided by the DEC. As of August 1, the DEC changed the material for hunting and trapping tags as well as fishing licenses from synthetic paper to plain paper. This gives NYS hunters and trappers the ability to print hunting tags right from the comfort of their home. The change was made in effort to lower the states carbon footprint and lower costs. New paper means hunters in New York State no longer are required to wear back tags when hunting. All tags ordered online can be printed at the end of your transaction and will also be delivered to you through email as well as available in you online DECALS account under your 'Active Licenses, Permits and Privileges.' Tags ordered online will no longer be mailed to your home. Licenses ordered over the phone will also be delivered by email. You can request to have your licenses and tags mailed when ordering over the phone, but you will need to allow up to 14 business days to receive them. Children ages 15 and under must have a legal parent or guardian assist with tag or license purchases. Despite the recent changes, people can still buy licenses and tags in person or by the phone at select local stores or at a local Town Clerks Office. For proof of licensure, you can use the HuntFishNY application. For more information on the changes made to purchasing tags or how to create a DECALS online account, you can visit the DEC website. If you are still looking to purchase your annual or lifetime hunting or fishing license and need more information license requirements, rules, regulations and prices, you can visit this website.