Idaho hunting license: who needs one, what it costs and what comes first

Anyone hunting in Idaho needs a hunting license, and most are good for one calendar year. Idaho Fish and Game puts most licenses on sale December 1 for the coming year, so now is the time to plan.

Who has to show hunter education
Hunters born on or after January 1, 1975 must show proof of a hunter education course to buy a license. A valid Idaho or other state hunting license also meets the rule. Bowhunters need a hunting license plus proof of an approved bowhunter course, proof of earlier archery-only licensing, or a signed affidavit to buy an archery permit.

What it costs
Idaho eRegulations lists a resident hunting license at $15.75 a year and a resident hunting and fishing combination at $38.75. Hunters in the price-lock program pay $12.75 and $33.50. Nonresidents pay $185.00 for a hunting license and $264.00 for the combination, plus $351.75 for a deer tag and $651.75 for an elk tag. The page was last updated in March 2025 and the nonresident figures are from December 2023, so confirm today’s price with Fish and Game before you buy.

Proving you live here
Resident licenses need proof of residency, and last year’s license does not count. Drivers need an Idaho driver’s license and six months of living in the state before the purchase. Non-drivers can use an Idaho ID card or two documents showing their name and address.

When tags go on sale
Resident deer and elk tags are sold after the controlled hunt drawings in early July. Sage grouse and sandhill crane tags go on sale August 1. Tags and notchable permits are mailed, so they must be in hand before you hunt. See our story on where to buy.