Is it required to have a regular hunting license before getting a bowhunters license?

If you were born after January 1, 1975, you must take hunter education or show proof you have held a hunting license that is valid in another state.  You must purchase an Idaho hunting license to hunt in Idaho.  Then, if you want to hunt big game with archery equipment instead of a rifle, you must add an archery validation to your license.  To add the archery validation, you must show proof that you have hunted with archery in Idaho or another state. If you have hunted with archery but no longer have proof of it, you can fill out a bowhunter affidavit, available online or at a vendor.