Licenses, tags, and permits | Idaho Fish and Game

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

License Purchase Options

Changes coming for nonresidents

On December 1, 2020, prices for nonresident licenses, tags, and permits will increase 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.

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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Special Items

News

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
Allow 10 days for delivery when ordering tags online or by phone

Thursday, September 10, 2020 - 11:50 AM MDT

Ordering online or by phone is a convenient way to buy your hunting/fishing licenses and permits, but sportsmen and women are reminded to allow enough time for their products to be mailed before their outings. Fish and Game recommends allowing 10 days for hunting tags to arrive.

Licenses, tags, and permits Big Game Hunting Elk hunting Deer Hunting Fishing
Fish and Game reports ink on some licenses is fading; here's what to do

Wednesday, September 9, 2020 - 3:55 PM MDT

Fish and Game officials are reporting some hunters and anglers are finding faded licenses and/or tags, but in much smaller numbers than in the past. Officials said people can prevent fading by not storing licenses and tags in a plastic sleeve.

Licenses, tags, and permits
Second controlled hunt draw results now online

Thursday, August 20, 2020 - 3:13 PM MDT

Results of the second controlled hunt drawing have been posted. Lookup results

Controlled Hunt Information Controlled Hunt Results Information Big Game Hunting Elk hunting Deer Hunting Hunting Pronghorn Hunting Licenses, tags, and permits Elk (Cervus canadensis) Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) Black Bear (Ursus americanus)
Buy it or lose it: Hunters must buy 2020 big game controlled hunt tags by Aug. 1

Tuesday, July 21, 2020 - 10:08 AM MDT

If you are a hunter who was successful in the 2020 controlled hunt drawing, don't forget to purchase your controlled hunt tag by Aug. 1.

Controlled Hunt Information Controlled Hunt Results Information Licenses, tags, and permits Elk hunting Deer Hunting Big Game Hunting Wild Turkey Hunting Elk (Cervus canadensis) Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) Black Bear (Ursus americanus) Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)
New Disabled American Veteran discounts for muzzleloader and archery permits take effect July 1

Tuesday, June 30, 2020 - 3:21 PM MDT

A new law that takes effect July 1 reduces the archery and muzzleloader permit fees specifically for Disabled American Veterans. Only holders of Disabled American Veteran licenses are eligible for the discounted permits.

Hunting Licenses, tags, and permits Licenses, Tags and Permits – Nonresident Licenses, Tags and Permits – Residents

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.

Videos

How to buy an Idaho fishing and hunting license huntfishidaho.net

Frequently Asked Questions