Licenses, tags, and permits | Idaho Fish and Game

Where, how and what to purchase to hunt, fish and trap.

License Purchase Options

New changes for nonresidents

On December 1, 2020, prices for nonresident licenses, tags, and permits increased for all 2020 and 2021 products. Nonresidents should also be aware of a sale date change for Sawtooth Zone tags, limits on DAV reduced price deer and elk tags, and more.

Nonresident general season deer and elk tag sale

This year all nonresident general season deer and elk tags go on sale at 10 a.m. MST. Licenses, permits, and tags other than deer and elk will be available online at 12:01 a.m. on December 1.

Hunting

To hunt in Idaho you need a hunting license. Depending on the species you want to hunt, you may need a tag or permit.

Idaho has both controlled and general season hunts. General season tags are available on a first-come, first served basis. Hunters need to apply for controlled hunts, which are issued through a random drawing.

Fishing

To fish in Idaho any person 14 years of age or older must have a valid fishing license.

Anglers younger than 14 do not need a license, but there is a small difference between resident and nonresident youth.

A resident child under 14 has their own separate fishing limit.
A nonresident child under 14 must be with someone who has a valid fishing license and their fish are in included in the license holders fishing limit. However, a nonresident child may purchase their own license and have their own limit.

Special fishing permits are need for some activities for both residents and nonresidents:

Fishing for salmon and steelhead
Fishing with two poles.

Prices

Find the cost of a license, tag, or permit. Fees are separated into resident and nonresident categories.

Not sure if you are a resident?
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News

Buy your 2021 hunting and fishing licenses now, and there are some great hunting and fishing opportunities

Monday, December 28, 2020 - 1:53 PM MST

Many good hunting and fishing opportunities remain during winter so you can get the most out of your licenses.

Licenses, tags, and permits Panhandle Region Clearwater Region Southwest Region Magic Valley Region Southeast Region Upper Snake Region Salmon Region
Look no further for the perfect gift for that special hunter or angler on your list- an IDFG gift certificate!

Wednesday, November 25, 2020 - 1:37 PM MST

Gift certificates can be purchased in any dollar amount to cover the cost of any license/tag and can be purchased at a IDFG regional office any time during the year. Remember, nonresidents will pay higher fees in 2021, which will also take effect Dec. 1. A nonresident adult hunting license will be $185, a deer tag will cost $351.75 and an elk tag will cost $651.75.

Licenses, Tags and Permits – Nonresident Licenses, tags, and permits Elk (Cervus canadensis) Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
F&G commission approves changes to nonresident participation in general season deer and elk hunts

Friday, November 20, 2020 - 11:24 AM MST

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission on Nov. 20 approved changes to nonresident participation in general season deer and elk hunts to address concerns from residents about hunter congestion in some areas. Starting 2021, nonresident hunters in most general season elk and deer hunts will be limited to 10 or 15 percent of the total hunters in each elk zone or deer units based on hunter participation estimates averaged over the last five years. The new limits do not apply to capped elk zones.

Fish and Game Commission Big Game Hunting Deer Hunting Elk Nonresident Tag Limits White-tailed Deer Nonresident Tag Limits Regular Deer Nonresident Tag Limits Nonresident Deer and Elk Quotas and Limits Licenses, tags, and permits General Season Hunts Hunting Elk hunting Big Game Seasons and Rules Nonresident Fee Increase and Hunting Changes Elk (Cervus canadensis)
F&G license buyers encouraged to update their accounts before buying licenses/tags

Friday, November 13, 2020 - 3:08 PM MST

With Fish and Game's new license system, some customers' accounts may require assistance to allow them to buy licenses and tags. Customers are encouraged to check online and update their profile information prior to making a purchase.

Licenses, tags, and permits Licenses, Tags and Permits – Nonresident Licenses, Tags and Permits – Residents
New F&G licensing system gives buyers more options and features

Sunday, November 1, 2020 - 10:47 AM MST

Idaho Fish and Game has launched a new licensing system with a new contractor, and hunters, anglers and trappers will see new and more customer friendly services and options when buying licenses, tags and permits.

Licenses, tags, and permits Licenses, Tags and Permits – Nonresident License Vendors License, Tag, and Permit Buying Options
Don't wait until the last minute to buy your license and tags

Wednesday, October 7, 2020 - 1:58 PM MDT

General any-weapon hunts start for deer in most units in the state on Oct. 10, and a variety of elk hunts will also be starting in October. Hunters are encouraged to buy their licenses and tags in advance to avoid a last-minute rush.

Licenses, tags, and permits
Don't commit license fraud when buying your licenses and tags

Thursday, October 1, 2020 - 2:13 PM MDT

One of the most common fish and game violations conservation officers investigate doesn’t occur in the field, but at the license vendor when a person makes a fraudulent license purchase, or purchases of a wrong class license, such as when a nonresident purchases a resident license using some sort of false information.

Panhandle Region Licenses, tags, and permits Licenses, Tags and Permits – Nonresident Big Game Hunting Big Game Seasons and Rules

License vendor screen / Photo by Vicky Osborn

Vicky Osborn for IDFG

Purchase Licenses,
Tags and Permits

At License Vendors
At Regional Offices
With a credit card* -
- Online*
- Or by Phone: 1-800-554-8685

* There is a processing fee for applications made by phone and online.

Disclaimer

IDAPA 13 includes various references to applications for licenses, permits, or tags on Department-approved or Department-prescribed forms. IDFG did not interpret “guidance document” under Executive Order 2020-002 to include these template forms (and related documentation examples), which are available on IDFG’s website.

IDFG also did not interpret “guidance document” to include species-specific wildlife management plans/policy statements. These are available via the “wildlife” and “fishing” menu tabs on IDFG’s website.

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How to Make an Online Purchase

Frequently Asked Questions