I am planning to hunt and fish this year and would like to know how old do my kids have to be before they need licences

Children can fish without a license until they are 14. Hunting is more complex.  If they haven’t had hunter education yet, they can get a hunting passport (detailed information is on our website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/licenses/?getPage=332.). Idaho’s Hunting Passport is a component of Fish and Game’s mentored hunting program. The Hunting Passport allows any first-time hunter, resident or nonresident, age 8 and older to try hunting for one year with an adult mentor without first having to complete an Idaho hunter education course. Hunting Passport Highlights: Hunting Passports are only available to first time hunters. Those that have previously held a hunting license in any state are not eligible. Hunter Education certification is not needed to obtain a Hunting Passport. If an individual has completed a Hunter Education course but has not yet purchased a license, they are eligible for a Hunting Passport. The minimum age to hold a Hunting Passport is eight years of age; there is no maximum age. The Hunting Passport is a calendar year item just like a hunting license and expires on December 31 of the year in which it was obtained. Only one Passport can be purchased in a lifetime. To continue hunting after the Passport expires, completion of a hunter education course and license purchase is required. Hunting Passports are available at license vendors and Fish and Game regional offices. Cost is $1.75. Must be 12 years of age to hunt big game; 10 years of age to hunt turkey and sandhill crane; 8 years of age to hunt other game birds, upland game animals, furbearers, predatory or unprotected species. If they have taken hunter’s education classes, they must get a license to from age 10.  They cannot hunt big game until they turn 12.