I did not renew my NYS nuisance license for a few years and the NYSDEC is telling me I have to retake the test to renew the license. Did this happen to anyone?

That is mandatory in Pa. also now. Everyone must retest if you let your license lapse. I was grandfathered into the new regulatory system since I had been an operator for so many years. Long before tesing was implemented. If I would my license expire I would then have to re test and pay the current fee for testing.

I've known guys who let them slip and tge state just asked for the $50. How long is a "few"?

5 years, I taught the course for 10 years, I think the guy is busting my dupaw

Mike, that is normal. I think a year or two you might get away with a renewal. I have heard of other people having the same issue, some with less time than you. My Father is one of them. He let his lapse and was told to re-take the test also after a couple years.

retake the test cry baby

I think it's still $50 to take the test in person, and now you can do online for $200.

Illinois has been that way for 30 years. Let your license lapse and then retake the test.

You'll be very lucky if it doesn't cost you the $200. Had a friend do the same and it cost him the $200. Had to do it on the computer because of the covid. Good luck and I hope you get away with the $50 renewal

What course did you teach? There is no course that is taught for a NWCO in NY. You get a manual online or buy one, study, take the exam.

The trappers training course, you need a trapping license for the nuisance license.

I have never held a regular trapping license. I'm 95% sure that neither have any of my other licensed employees.

I took the trapper safety course years ago for my own giggles, but I doubt any of my guys did.

You do need a NYS Trapping license in certain situations when Nuisance trapping in NY, or at least you used to. I get one every year as we fur trap, so I have not followed the regulations on it, and checked if they ever dropped those requirements. It used to be, and may still be, that anytime you set a foot hold trap, or a body gripping trap, a trapping license was required while nuisance trapping in conjunction with your NWCO license. I've had mine since 1990, and haven't looked in years, I just took for granted it was still a requirement. Looked it up:

You must successfully complete any training program required by the DEC. For example, if you use firearms, you must pass the DEC hunter safety course. If you use any foothold trap or a body-gripping trap that has a jaw spread of 5” or larger, then you must pass the DEC trapper training course. Foothold and body-gripping traps must meet the requirements of ECL 11-1101 sub. 6.