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

Taking your children hunting allows you to not only spend time together as a family, but also teach your kids about the environment, good sportsmanship, and wildlife conservation and management. The state of Idaho allows children to hunt and to obtain hunting licenses, but requires them to follow the same procedures as adults.

If you want to take your children hunting in Idaho, you must ensure they complete the proper training and meet eligibility requirements. If they do, they can accompany you on hunting trips and develop their own skills as trackers and hunters.

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The following three criteria must be met to obtain an Idaho hunting license for your children:

1. They must meet minimum age requirements
A junior hunting license is available for children between the ages of 9 and 17. Children age 8 and older can participate in the Hunting Passport program, through which they can hunt for one year under the supervision of and adult member without first taking the hunter education course.

Children must be at least 8 to hunt predatory or unprotected species, furbearers, upland game animals, and some types of game birds. They must be at least 10 years old to hunt big game, turkey, and sandhill crane. The hunting passport program is only open to hunters who have never been issued a hunting license.

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2. They must first complete hunter education training
Like adults, children must pass a hunter education course before applying for an Idaho hunting permit. They can take the course in person or online, with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game recommending the instructor-led course for children between the ages of 9 and 14.

The course costs $8 and includes both classroom instruction and infield training. Children learn everything from hunter ethics to outdoor safety and survival.

3. You must provide residency information
A hunting license for an Idaho resident costs less than for a nonresident. If your children qualify as residents, you’ll pay $7.25 for a basic junior hunting license. If you and your family are not residents, you’ll pay $31.75 and must purchase a junior mentored license.

If you want to purchase a resident hunting license for your children, you’ll establish their residency status by submitting identification on their behalf.

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

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