Licenses, tags, and permits

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

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.

Learn 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?
Idaho Residency

Resident Fees

Licenses

Permits

Permit Fees

Nonresident Fees

Licenses

Permits

Special Items

News

Sage grouse and sandhill crane tags go on sale Aug. 1

Thursday, July 22, 2021 - 9:59 AM MDT

Hunters wanting to hunt sage grouse or sandhill cranes can buy tags starting at 10 a.m. MDT on Aug. 1, and both will be available in limited numbers on a first-come, first served basis. NOTE: Because Aug. 1 falls on a Sunday, Fish and Game offices will not be open on that day.

Upland Bird Hunting Upland Game, Furbearer and Turkey Seasons and Rules Migratory Bird Hunting Licenses, tags, and permits Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus)
Buy it or lose it: Hunters must buy 2021 big game controlled hunt tags by Aug. 1

Friday, July 16, 2021 - 11:28 AM MDT

If you are a hunter who was successful in the 2021 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 Mule Deer White-tailed Deer Pronghorn Black Bear Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)
Anglers can buy a ready-to-use fishing license with their smartphones

Monday, May 24, 2021 - 10:38 AM MDT

If you're on the way to your favorite fishing spot but find yourself in a pinch and without a fishing license, the only things you need to purchase a ready-to-use license in Idaho are smartphone and cell service, and you can purchase and download one whether you're a first-time customer or have purchased a license from Idaho Fish and Game before.

Licenses, tags, and permits Fishing Fishing Seasons and Rules
What you need to know to get youth started hunting and fishing

Monday, April 12, 2021 - 10:10 AM MDT

Depending on their age, it can be hard to know exactly what licenses are necessary for young hunters or anglers for each activity. To minimize the confusion, this guide provides answers to frequently asked questions about what licenses, tags, etc. youth need to go fishing and hunting.

Magic Valley Region Licenses, tags, and permits Licenses, Tags and Permits – Residents Hunter Education Programs
Idaho driver’s license or state identification required to purchase adult resident Fish and Game licenses

Tuesday, April 6, 2021 - 12:55 PM MDT

Idaho Fish and Game moved to a new sales and licensing system in November 2020 and with this move came several new changes. One such change is the requirement to produce a valid Idaho driver’s license so it can be scanned when purchasing resident licenses, tags and permits from a vendor. For those who do not drive, an Idaho State Identification card is required.

Magic Valley Region Licenses, tags, and permits Licenses, Tags and Permits – Residents
Director Schriever's letter to Idaho Sportsman Package supporters

Thursday, April 1, 2021 - 8:07 AM MDT

Idaho Fish and Game Director Ed Schriever thanks Idaho Sportsman Package supporters.

Licenses, tags, and permits
Fish and Game reminds hunters and anglers to keep their license profiles current

Friday, March 19, 2021 - 10:50 AM MDT

It is the responsibility of every license holder to keep their profile updated, which can be easily done on your Apple or Android smart phone using the gooutdoorsidaho app or by going to the www.gooutdoorsidaho.com website.

Magic Valley Region Licenses, tags, and permits