Hunting License Idaho - Steps to Buy in ID

David Harrison  ·  Updated on May 18, 2025

Hunting LicenseGuidesHunter Education

Follow these straightforward steps to obtain a Idaho hunting license:


ID Hunter Education Certification

Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course.

We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online, and your hunter education certificate is accepted by Idaho Department of Fish and GameIdaho Department of Fish and Game for use in Idaho for ID residents and non-residents alike.

After completing the Hunter Ed course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate.

We submit your course results to the state. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including Idaho), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.


Select Your ID Hunting License

Idaho offers a variety of hunting licenses for different age groups, residency statuses, and hunting preferences.

Idaho residents and non-residents ages 10 to 17 may purchase a junior hunting license. They must be accompanied by a licensed adult.

Below is an overview of the primary license types available:​

Resident Licenses

A resident is a person who has lived in Idaho for at least six months. Active-duty military members are considered residents. All Idaho residents must have a resident hunting license. Additional tags and permits may be needed.

  • Annual Hunting License – Required for Idaho residents aged 18 and older to hunt small game and upland game birds.
  • 1-Day Hunting License – Valid for one day; not valid for big game or migratory bird hunting. Sportsman’s Package – Includes hunting and fishing licenses plus tags for deer, elk, bear, turkey, mountain lion, wolf, and access to salmon and steelhead fishing.
  • Senior Hunting & Fishing License – Available to residents aged 65 and older; includes hunting and fishing privileges.
  • Lifetime Hunting License – Available to qualifying residents; includes hunting privileges for life.

Non-Resident Licenses

All non-residents must have a non-resident hunting license. Additional tags and permits may be needed.

  • Annual Hunting License – Required for non-residents aged 18 and older to hunt small game and upland game birds.
  • 1-Day Hunting License – Valid for one day; not valid for big game or migratory bird hunting.
  • 3-Day Hunting License – Valid for three consecutive days; limited to small game and upland game birds.
  • Combination License – Includes both hunting and fishing privileges for the license year.
  • Nonresident Native Hunting License – Available to non-residents born in Idaho; allows purchase of licenses at resident rates with proof of eligibility.

Youth Licenses & Requirements

  • Junior Hunting License – Available to residents and non-residents aged 10 to 17; includes small game privileges for nonresident youth.
  • Junior Mentored Hunting License – Allows youth hunters to hunt under the supervision of a licensed adult mentor, serving as a learning companion.
  • Hunting Passport – Available to individuals aged 8 and older who have not previously held a hunting license; allows hunting under adult supervision without completing hunter education.
  • Hunter Education Requirement – Required for all hunters born on or after January 1, 1975, unless hunting under the Hunting Passport program, as specified by hunting regulations.

Senior Licenses & Discounts

  • Senior Hunting & Fishing License – Available to residents aged 65 and older; includes all hunting and fishing privileges.
  • Senior Combination License – Provides both hunting and fishing privileges at a reduced fee for senior residents, with no additional fees.

Lifetime Licenses

  • Lifetime Hunting License – Available to qualifying Idaho residents; includes hunting privileges for life and eligibility to purchase tags annually.
  • Lifetime Combination License – Includes both hunting and fishing privileges for life at fixed prices; available only to residents.

Disability & Military Licenses

  • Disabled Combination License – Available to residents with a permanent physical disability; includes hunting and fishing privileges.
  • Disabled Veteran License – Available to resident veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 40%; includes all hunting and fishing privileges.
  • Military Exemption – Active-duty Idaho residents on leave are exempt from license requirements when hunting on private land with landowner permission, but must carry leave papers and proper identification.

Required Endorsements & Tags

  • Deer Tag – Required to hunt deer in addition to a valid hunting license; includes general and controlled hunt tags for participation in controlled hunts.
  • Elk Tag – Required to hunt elk; available by general season or controlled hunt drawing.
  • Spring Turkey Tag – Required to hunt turkeys during the spring season.
  • Fall Turkey Tag – Required to hunt turkeys during the fall season.
  • Bear Tag – Required to hunt black bear; includes general and controlled hunt options.
  • Wolf Tag – Required to hunt wolves; multiple tags may be purchased annually.
  • Archery Permit – Required to hunt with archery equipment during archery-only seasons.
  • Muzzleloader Permit – Required to hunt with a muzzleloader during muzzleloader-only seasons.
  • Migratory Bird Permit – Required to hunt migratory birds; hunters aged 16 and older must also have a Federal Duck Stamp.
  • Trapping License – Required for all trappers regardless of age or residency.

ID Hunting licenses are good from the date of purchase through Dec. 31 of the same year. Idaho residents are able to purchase a lifetime hunting license.


Where to buy your Idaho Hunting License

To hunt in Idaho, you can purchase your license either online through the Idaho Fish and Game licensing platform or in person through an authorized license vendor. A comprehensive list of all in-person approved license vendors is available here.

Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license vendors in the state of Idaho: