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.

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.

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News

Returned big game and sage grouse tags go on sale at 10 a.m. MDT on Thursday, Sept. 16

Tuesday, September 14, 2021 - 1:26 PM MDT

Idaho Fish and Game will sell returned big game tags and sage grouse tags starting at 10 a.m. MDT on Sept. 16. You can see what tags are available on the returned tag webpage.

Nonresident Deer and Elk Quotas and Limits Big Game Hunting Licenses, tags, and permits Licenses, Tags and Permits – Residents
Remember to allow up to 10 days delivery time when ordering tags online or by phone

Friday, September 10, 2021 - 11:48 AM MDT

Hunters and anglers are also reminded they can buy tags in person at any license vendor, and you can find vendors near you on Fish and Game’s interactive map on the website.

Licenses, tags, and permits Big Game Hunting Elk hunting Deer Hunting Fishing
Last call: Buy your 2021 big game controlled hunt tags by Aug. 1 or lose them

Friday, July 30, 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)
Returned big game tags offer more hunting opportunity and are on sale Aug. 5

Tuesday, July 27, 2021 - 10:31 AM MDT

Idaho Fish and Game will sell primarily returned nonresident, general-season big game tags starting at 10 a.m. MDT on Aug. 5. Tags will be available to nonresidents, or residents as second tags.

Nonresident Deer and Elk Quotas and Limits Big Game Hunting Licenses, tags, and permits Licenses, Tags and Permits – Residents
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 be closed on that day.

Upland Bird Hunting Upland Game, Furbearer and Turkey Seasons and Rules Migratory Bird Hunting Licenses, tags, and permits Sage-grouse Hunting Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus)
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

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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