Idaho Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Complete guide to Idaho hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through IDFG.
Idaho Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident: from $15.75 — Non-Resident: from $185.00
- Managed by: Idaho Department of Fish and Game
- License year: 2026-2027 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: senior, youth, disabled veteran, active military
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal at https://idfg.idaho.gov/licenses
Idaho Hunting License Fees (2026-2027)
Idaho is a premier hunting state managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG). The Gem State features over 20 million acres of public land with rugged mountain terrain supporting elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, black bear, mountain lion, wolf, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, pronghorn antelope, and wild turkey. Idaho's Sportsman's Package ($144.60) is one of the best values in Western hunting — including licenses plus tags for deer, elk, bear, lion, wolf, turkey, salmon, and steelhead. Non-residents pay $185 for hunting alone, with expensive tags: $351.75 for deer and $651.75 for elk. Idaho's Price Lock program rewards loyal residents with discounted rates. The state has some of the most generous tag availability for residents of any Western state.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Sportsman's Package | $144.60 | — | Calendar year | Hunting + all tags + archery/muzzle validations |
| Resident Adult Hunting | $15.75 | — | Calendar year | |
| NR Adult Hunting License | — | $185.00 | Calendar year | |
| NR Combo Hunt/Fish | — | $264.00 | Calendar year | |
| NR Junior Mentored (10-17) | — | $91.75 | Calendar year | |
| NR DAV Hunting (40%+ disability) | — | $31.75 | Calendar year | |
| NR Deer Tag (Adult) | — | $351.75 | Season | |
| NR Elk Tag (Adult) | — | $651.75 | Season | |
| NR Black Bear Tag | — | $231.75 | Season | |
| NR Mountain Lion Tag | — | $204.50 | Season | |
| NR Wolf Tag | — | $31.75 | Season | |
| NR Moose/Sheep/Goat Tag | — | $2626.75 | Season |
Prices from Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Last verified: 2026-04-01. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your Idaho license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for first-time buyers. Mentored hunting available for youth 10-17.
How to Buy a Idaho Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Idaho Department of Fish and Game or an authorized retail agent listed by the state agency.
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Idaho.
Need help? Call Idaho Department of Fish and Game at 208-334-3700
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
Idaho Hunting Seasons (2026-2027)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | Archery | August 30 | September 30 | |
| Elk | General Rifle | October 10 | November 7 | |
| Mule Deer | General | October 10 | October 31 | |
| White-tailed Deer | General | October 10 | November 25 | |
| Black Bear | Fall | August 30 | November 30 | |
| Mountain Lion | General | August 30 | March 31 | |
| Wolf | General | August 30 | March 31 | |
| Turkey | Spring | April 15 | May 25 | |
| Pronghorn | General | September 20 | October 15 |
View full Idaho season regulations on IDFG
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Elk hunting? See tag prices and draw odds for every elk state →
Compare turkey license costs and season dates across all states →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Reduced | Idaho seniors qualify for reduced-fee licenses |
| Youth | Reduced ($91.75 NR mentored) | Mentored hunting for youth 10-17 |
| Disabled Veteran | Reduced ($31.75 NR DAV) | Veterans with 40%+ disability |
| Active Military | Resident rates | Active duty military stationed in Idaho |
Idaho Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Idaho official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- 400 square inches of blaze orange above the waist required during rifle deer/elk seasons.
- Idaho's Sportsman's Package is the best-value combo in Western hunting.
- Wolf hunting allowed with no bag limit in most units.
- Controlled hunt applications required for many premium units.
Read full Idaho regulations on IDFG
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Idaho Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guide
Idaho Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Idaho?
The Sportsman's Package at $144.60 is the best deal — includes hunting license plus tags for 8 species. Non-residents pay $185 for the hunting license alone, plus tags.
Can non-residents hunt elk in Idaho?
Yes, but it's expensive. Non-resident hunting license ($185) plus elk tag ($651.75). Many units require controlled hunt applications.
What is the Price Lock program?
Idaho's Price Lock rewards loyal residents who've held licenses since 2017 with locked-in discounted rates through 2027.
Can I hunt wolves in Idaho?
Yes, wolf hunting is allowed with a $31.75 tag (NR). No bag limit in most units. Trapping is also permitted with separate permits.
Are there free hunting licenses in Idaho?
Disabled veterans with 40%+ disability pay only $31.75 for the NR hunting/fishing license. Resident youth have reduced fees.
What big game can I hunt in Idaho?
Elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, black bear, mountain lion, wolf, moose (draw), bighorn sheep (draw), mountain goat (draw), and pronghorn antelope.