How to Get a Hunting License in Idaho

Imagine waking up in the mountains, getting the view of the wilderness while breathing Idaho's fresh air. A hunting trip can be a great experience, from the packing for the trip to walking the trails trying to get sight of an elk or a moose. Idaho is one of the best places in the West to hunt. Just don't forget your permit, or the fun can be over before you even get your first sighting.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Decide what game you are going to hunt. Each type of game has a season and it is illegal to hunt anything that is not in season in Idaho. Choices range from elk, black bear, mountain lion, to tamer game like deer.
2. Choose a resident or nonresident license application. To be considered a resident for a hunting license permit, Idaho requires a person to be have lived in the state 6 months or longer.
3. Find a licensing establishment. Hunters have their choice of where and how they get their licenses. The Idaho Fish and Game Web site has applications that you can fill out online. Several mom and pop shops that sell hunting and fishing equipment, along with sporting goods stores, also sell hunting licenses. Hunters can also stop by the IDGF office and fill out the form to get a license.
4. Fill out the hunting license application and pay a fee for each member of the group that is going to be hunting. Minors and junior hunters also have to have licenses, and they do have special applications and fees for this group of hunter.
5. Show a driver's license with an Idaho address for a resident hunting license. If a driver's license is not possible then an Idaho residency card must be shown. The Idaho Fish and Game will accept a rent receipt and a home utility bill.
6. Write a check for the license fee. Just like each type of game has its own season, they also have their own fee.
7. Nonresidents can fill out a nonresident hunting application and get license to hunt also. The fee is more expensive than a resident license. The online application is probably the easiest and most convenient way to get this type of license.

Tips & Warnings

• Avid hunters that are Idaho residents may want to apply and pay for a Resident Lifetime License. This includes fish and hunting licenses in combination with each other or separately. There is a substantial fee, but if a hunter plans to hunt several times a year this license will pay for itself and then some.
• While getting the license get some maps of the areas that are available for you to hunt. Maps are available online also.