An Idaho hunting license is required for hunters ages 10 and older to legally take wildlife in the state. Residents pay $15.75 for the base hunting license, while non-residents pay $185.00. Hunters born on or after January 1, 1975 must complete an IDFG-approved hunter education course before purchasing a license, unless they can show proof of a previously held license in Idaho or another state, though the course itself isn't required to purchase a license.
Licenses are sold at idfg.idaho.gov, at IDFG regional offices, and at licensed vendors statewide. An Idaho hunting license runs on the calendar year, expiring every December 31 regardless of purchase date.
This guide walks you through how to get your Idaho hunting license and Hunter Education Certificate, step by step.
What Is a Hunting License in Idaho?
An Idaho hunting license is the legal document that allows you to take wildlife in the state. It's issued by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) and works on a two-part system:
You buy a base hunting license first.
Then add species-specific tags for deer, elk, and other big game on top of it.
Idaho also offers a Sportsman's Package for residents, which bundles the base license with tags for eight species at a flat rate.
The license itself is separate from your Hunter Education Certificate. The certificate proves you completed an IDFG-approved safety course, and once you earn it, it's valid for life. The license, on the other hand, expires every December 31 and must be purchased again for the next calendar year.
Who Needs a Hunting License in Idaho?
Idaho law requires a hunting license for anyone age 10 or older who hunts wildlife in the state, whether resident or non-resident. Kids under 10 can accompany a licensed adult in the field, but they can't carry a firearm or harvest game themselves.
Hunter education works on a separate track from the license itself. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1975 must complete an IDFG-approved hunter education course before buying a license, unless they can show proof of a previously held hunting license in Idaho or any other state. The minimum age to earn certification is 9.
Because that exemption is based on prior licensing history rather than just birth year, the practical breakdown looks like this:
Under 10: cannot hold a license or hunt independently, though accompanying a licensed adult is allowed.
Age 10 through 17: must hold a junior license and be accompanied by a licensed adult while hunting.
Born on or after January 1, 1975, no prior license history: must complete hunter education before a license will be issued.
Any age, with a previously held license in Idaho or another state: exempt from the hunter education requirement.
Whichever category applies to you, keep proof of your license and, if required, your certification on hand while hunting.
How to Get Your Idaho Hunting License (Step-by-Step)
Getting licensed in Idaho is more flexible than in many states, since the hunter education course can be completed entirely online with no in-person component required. Here's the full process from start to finish.
Purchase your license at idfg.idaho.gov, at a regional IDFG office, or at a licensed vendor.
Select your license type: resident ($15.75), non-resident ($185.00), or the resident Sportsman's Package ($144.60) if you want tags for multiple species bundled in.
Add species-specific tags as needed, and apply for any controlled hunt draws for limited-entry units.
Carry your digital or printed license, plus your Hunter Education Certificate, any time you hunt.
Once you've completed these steps, you're fully licensed and ready for the field. The sections below cover the hunter education course and license purchase in more detail.
Step 1: Complete an IDFG-Approved Hunter Education Course
Idaho's hunter education requirement can be satisfied entirely online, with no Field Day required, which sets it apart from several neighboring states.
Fully online course: The Hunter-Ed Idaho course costs $30, plus an $8 IDFG administrative fee. Most students finish in a few hours and can print their certificate immediately after passing, no field day needed.
Instructor-led classroom course: A fully in-person option for $9.75 that includes 12 to 13 hours of instruction plus a hands-on field day, ideal for new hunters without a mentor.
Bowhunter education: A separate course is required to buy an archery permit if you're a first-time bowhunter, regardless of your hunter education status for firearms.
The online course expires after 90 days if not completed, so it's worth finishing in one push rather than spreading it out over months.
Step 2: Purchase Your License
Once you have your Hunter Education Certificate, if it applies to you, you can buy your license through the IDFG website, at a regional office, or at a licensed vendor statewide.
You'll need a government-issued photo ID, proof of hunter education if required, and payment.
Step 3: Add Tags and Go Hunting
An Idaho base hunting license doesn't cover big game on its own. Deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat all require separate tags, and many of the most sought-after hunts run through IDFG's controlled hunt draw system rather than over-the-counter sales.
Once your license and any tags are in hand, you're ready to hunt. Before you head out, review general hunting safety practices to make sure you're field-ready.
Idaho Hunting License Requirements by Age
Let's look at the requirements for hunting licenses in Idaho by age.
Idaho Hunting License Requirements (by Age)
Age
Requirement
Supervision/Hunter Education
Under 10
Cannot hold a license. May accompany a licensed adult without carrying a firearm or harvesting game.
n/a
10–17
Junior license required
Must be accompanied by a licensed adult. Hunter education required if born on or after January 1, 1975 with no prior license.
18 and older, born on or after January 1, 1975, no prior license
Standard resident ($15.75) or non-resident ($185.00) license required
Must complete hunter education before a license will be issued
Any age, with a previously held license in Idaho or another state
Standard resident or non-resident license required
Exempt from hunter education
Bowhunters: First-time bowhunters need a separate bowhunter education certificate to buy an archery permit, regardless of age or prior firearms hunter education status.
Idaho keeps its hunter education options simple, since the entire requirement can be completed without ever attending an in-person Field Day. The chart below offers a quick overview of those formats and costs.
Idaho Hunter Safety Course Formats Comparison
Format
Provider
Cost
Time
Exam
Fully Online
Hunter-Ed
$30 course + $8 IDFG fee
A few hours
Online certification exam (no field day required)
Instructor-Led Classroom
IDFG volunteer instructors
$9.75
12–13 hours, includes field day
Written exam and hands-on field day included
Once you earn your certificate through either format, it's good for the rest of your hunting life. The license itself is the only part you'll renew, and that happens every December 31.
What to Bring When Buying Your License
Make sure you have the right documentation handy to purchase your Idaho hunting license. You'll need:
Government-issued photo ID
Hunter Education Certificate, if required for your birth year and license history
Payment (credit or debit card online or by phone, or check or card in person)
Proof of Idaho residency, if applying for resident rates
Idaho Hunting Laws and Penalties
Hunting without a required license in Idaho is typically an infraction under the state's general penal provisions, carrying a fine of $72. More serious violations can escalate to a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine between $25 and $1,000 and up to six months in jail, along with possible revocation of hunting privileges.
Idaho accepts hunter education certificates from any U.S. state or Canadian province, since the state's own program is built to IHEA-USA standards. Other IHEA-USA-compliant states and provinces return the favor and accept an Idaho Hunter Education Certificate.
The hunting license itself, however, is not transferable. Hunters visiting from out of state still need to purchase an Idaho non-resident license.
Out-of-State Visitors
Non-residents can hunt in Idaho with a non-resident license ($185.00), which is required to enter the state's tag draws for deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat. As of 2026, general-season non-resident deer and elk tags moved from first-come, first-served sales to a structured draw system, so visiting hunters should plan around application windows rather than assuming tags will be available over the counter.
Start Your Idaho Hunter Safety Course Today
The Hunter-Ed Idaho course is approved by IDFG and available entirely online, with no field day required. Complete it at your own pace and get your lifetime Idaho Hunter Education Certificate.
Approved by Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) | Last verified August 7, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need a hunting license in Idaho?
A: Yes, starting at age 10. Kids under 10 can accompany a licensed adult in the field but can't carry a firearm or harvest game themselves.
Q: How old do you have to be to get an Idaho hunting license?
A: The minimum age is 10. Hunters age 10 through 17 need a junior license and must be accompanied by a licensed adult.
Q: How much does an Idaho hunting license cost?
A: A resident license costs $15.75. A non-resident license costs $185.00. The resident Sportsman's Package, which bundles tags for eight species, costs $144.60. Prices reflect IDFG's current fee schedule.
Q: Does an Idaho hunting license expire?
A: Yes. Idaho licenses run on the calendar year and expire every December 31, regardless of when you purchased it.
Q: Can I complete Idaho's hunter education course entirely online?
A: Yes. Idaho allows a fully online path with no in-person Field Day required, though an instructor-led classroom option is also available.
Q: Do I need hunter education in Idaho?
A: Yes, if you were born on or after January 1, 1975 and haven't previously held a hunting license in Idaho or another state. Prior license history exempts you regardless of birth year.
Q: What if I'm visiting Idaho to hunt?
A: Non-residents need a non-resident license ($185.00), which is also required to enter the draw for deer, elk, and other big game tags. As of 2026, general-season deer and elk tags for non-residents run through a draw rather than first-come, first-served sales.
Q: What's the penalty for hunting without a license in Idaho?
A: It's typically an infraction with a $72 fine. More serious violations can become a misdemeanor, with fines up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, and possible revocation of hunting privileges.
