Hunting in Idaho: 3 Things to Know Before Applying for a Hunting Permit for Adults

The state of Idaho requires anyone 14 or older to obtain a license before hunting. In addition, you might need to purchase an additional permit, called a tag, to hunt big game or to participate in controlled hunts.

You must meet several eligibility requirements before qualifying for a hunting license in Idaho. The following points are important to know before you plan your next Idaho hunting trip:

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1. Licensing fees vary
If you’re an Idaho resident you’ll pay $12.75, and if you’re a nonresident you’ll pay $154.75. To qualify as a resident you must have lived in the state for at least six months before the date of your application, according to Idaho Fish & Game. You can prove residency with a valid Idaho driver’s license or with an identification card issued by the state’s Department of Transportation.

You can also submit two documents that list your name and address. Accepted types of these documents include: six months of rent or mortgage receipts or residential utility bills, a voter registration card dated at least six months prior, or a notarized statement from your employer on company letterhead.

You also qualify for resident status if you’re a member of the military stationed in Idaho for at least six months prior to your application. You can’t use a hunting license from a previous year as proof of residency.

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2. You must complete a hunter education course
Idaho requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1975, to take a hunter education class unless they already have a hunting license from Idaho or another state. Courses include classroom instruction and field training, and cover topics such as ethics, conservation, and safety, the Fish and Game website said.

You can choose a formal course led by an instructor, an Internet-based class, or a self-study workbook program. All three require one day of field training.

3. You’ll need more than a hunting license to participate in controlled hunts
Many hunters prefer controlled hunts, which only allow a certain number of participants, because the odds of bagging an animal are much better than in the open season. However, your hunting license alone won’t qualify you for these opportunities.

If you want to participate in the spring bear hunt, for example, you must complete a separate worksheet just for that hunt and submit it to any fish and game office. Residents pay $6.25 for each species they want to hunt, and nonresidents pay $14.75 for each species.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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