Hunting License Requirements by State 2026 | WildNotch.com
Find My License

US Hunting License
Requirements - Every State.

Resident and non-resident fees, license types, Hunter Education requirements, tags and stamps, season dates, age exemptions, and official purchase links for every US state. Verified annually against official Fish & Wildlife sources.

Official state sources Verified Jan 2026 Always free
50States Covered
15.9MUS Hunters
$20–$65Typical Resident Fee
$150–$500Non-Resident Fee Range
Resident & non-resident fees
Hunter Education requirements
Tags, stamps & additional permits
Age exemptions & senior discounts
Official purchase portal links
Season dates by species
All 50 States

Hunting License Requirements - Full Index

Select any state below for complete hunting license requirements, fees, Hunter Education, tags, and season information.

Showing of 50 states

Fee Overview

What Does a Hunting License Cost?

Hunting license fees vary significantly by state and license type. Here's what to expect before you search your specific state.

$20–$35
Resident Annual
Most states fall in this range for residents. Wyoming, Montana, and Oklahoma tend to be among the lowest.
$35–$65
Resident Annual (Higher)
States like California, Colorado, and New York sit in this higher resident fee range.
$150–$300
Non-Resident Annual
Most non-resident annual licenses fall here - typically 5–10x the resident price for big game states.
$50–$160
Non-Resident Short-Term
5-day and 10-day non-resident licenses for out-of-state trip hunters. Many states offer short-term options.
Sample Data

Hunting License Fee Comparison - Popular States

A representative sample of hunting license fees across popular hunting destinations. Click any state for full details.

State Resident Annual Non-Resident Annual NR Short-Term Hunter Ed Deer Tag Age Exemption
Colorado$33$392N/ARequiredSeparateUnder 16 w/adult
Montana$22$280N/ARequiredSeparateUnder 12 free
Texas$25$315$160 / 5-dayRequiredSeparateUnder 17 free
Pennsylvania$21$101N/ARequiredIncludedUnder 17 free
Michigan$15$151N/ARequiredSeparateUnder 17 free
Wisconsin$24$160N/ARequiredSeparateUnder 16 w/adult
Wyoming$29$270N/ARequiredSeparate (draw)Under 14 w/adult
Georgia$20$100$65 / 7-dayRequiredIncludedUnder 16 free
Kansas$28$97N/ARequiredSeparateUnder 16 free
Florida$18$152N/ARequiredSeparateUnder 16 free · 65+ reduced

* Fees are approximate and subject to change. All values sourced from official state Fish & Wildlife agencies. Click any state for verified current fees.

Know Before You Buy

Understanding Hunting License Types

Not all hunting licenses are created equal. The type you need depends on where you live, what you're hunting, and how long you'll be there.

Annual Resident Hunting

Standard annual hunting license for state residents. Base license required before purchasing tags.

Resident

Annual Non-Resident Hunting

Annual hunting license for non-resident hunters. Base license required before purchasing game tags.

Non-Resident

Deer Archery Tag

Tag authorizing harvest of deer during the archery season. Requires a base hunting license.

Archery

Deer Firearms Tag

Tag authorizing harvest of deer during the general firearms season.

Firearms

Spring Turkey License

License/tag for spring turkey hunting. Most states offer one gobbler per season.

Turkey

Fall Turkey License

License/tag for fall turkey hunting season. Allows harvest of either sex in most states.

Turkey

Resident Elk License

Resident elk license or tag. May be over-the-counter or by draw depending on unit and state.

Elk

Non-Resident Elk License

Non-resident elk license or tag. Typically a premium price and often controlled by draw.

Elk

Federal Duck Stamp

Required federal stamp for all waterfowl hunters 16 and older. Revenue funds National Wildlife Refuges.

Federal

Youth Hunting License

Discounted hunting license for youth hunters. Age limit varies by state (typically under 16 or 18).

Youth

Senior Resident Hunting

Discounted annual hunting license for resident senior citizens. Age threshold varies by state.

Senior
By Species

Game Animals - Season & Regulation Guides

Select a game animal to find season dates, bag limits, tag requirements, and regulations across all 50 states.

White-tailed Deer
Big Game
By state
Mule Deer
Big Game
By state
Elk (Wapiti)
Big Game
By state
Black Bear
Big Game
By state
Wild Turkey
Game Bird
By state
Duck / Waterfowl
Migratory Bird
By state
Pheasant
Upland Bird
By state
Pronghorn Antelope
Big Game
By state
Moose
Big Game (Draw)
By state
Feral Hog
Invasive Species
By state
Browse All States
Step by Step

How to Get Your Hunting License

The process is the same in almost every state. Here's exactly what you need to do.

Complete Hunter Education (If Required)

Most states require Hunter Education for first-time hunters. Check your state's page for the specific requirement. Courses are available online and in-person - your certificate is valid for life in all 50 states.

Find Your State

Use the search or list above to navigate to your state's hunting license page. You'll find all fees, license types, required tags, and the official purchase link in one place.

Choose License & Tags

Decide between resident or non-resident, and which species tags you need. Most states require a separate tag for deer, elk, and other big game on top of the base license.

Hunt Legally & Enjoy

Carry proof of your license and all required tags. Tag game immediately upon harvest before moving the animal. Keep within bag limits and season dates. Have all documents ready if checked by a game warden.

Know the Law

Important Hunting Rules & Regulations

Core rules that apply in all or most US states. Always check your specific state page for the full picture.

Carry Your License & Tags
You must have your hunting license and all required tags on your person while hunting. Present them immediately to a game warden upon request. Most states now accept digital licenses via the official state app.
Tag Game Immediately
In nearly every state, you must attach the required tag to harvested game before moving the animal from the site of the kill - not at the truck and not at camp. Failure to tag is one of the most commonly cited violations.
Ensure Legal Land Access
Always verify you have legal access to the land you are hunting. Trespassing while hunting can result in civil and criminal liability and loss of hunting privileges in addition to any poaching charges.
Respect Bag Limits & Season Dates
Exceeding bag limits or hunting outside of legal season dates are serious violations in every US state. Bag limits and dates may vary by zone or county - always verify for your specific hunting location.
No Wanton Waste of Game
State law prohibits wasting the edible portions of legally harvested game. You must make a reasonable effort to recover and use the meat of harvested animals. This violation is increasingly enforced across all states.
Obey Legal Shooting Hours
Most states have defined legal shooting hours for each species. Violations of shooting hours are strictly enforced. Check your state's regulations for exact hours - they typically run from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Purchase Methods

Where to Buy Your Hunting License

Every state offers multiple ways to buy. Most now have fast, convenient online options - you can have your license in minutes.

Official State Website

Every state has an official online portal where you can buy, renew, and manage your hunting license. Available 24/7 - often the fastest option. License is emailed or downloadable immediately.

Recommended - fastest

Official State App

Many states have mobile apps for purchasing and displaying licenses. Texas has OutdoorTX, Colorado has iCOLO. Some states also accept digital licenses directly in the state app - no printing needed.

Great for field use

Licensed Retailers

Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods, and thousands of independent ranch supply and sporting goods stores are authorized to sell hunting licenses. Payment by cash or card. Instant issuance.

Widely available

By Phone

Most states operate a toll-free phone line for license purchases. Slower than online but useful if you don't have internet access. Have your Hunter Education certificate, personal details, and a credit card ready.

Allow processing time

Hunting Another State? Here's What Non-Residents Need to Know

Your home state hunting license is only valid in your home state. If you're planning a hunting trip to a different state, you'll need that state's non-resident license and appropriate tags before you set foot in the field.

  • Non-resident fees are typically 5–15x the resident rate for big game states - budget all tags, not just the base license
  • Hunter Education certificates from your home state are accepted in all 50 states - no need to retake it
  • Short-term (5-day, 10-day) licenses are often the better deal for a single-trip hunt
  • Buy the destination state license before you arrive - online purchase takes under 10 minutes
Browse Non-Resident Fees Read the Guide
Data Status

Verified Against Official State Agencies

All 50 state hunting license records are sourced from official state Fish & Wildlife agency websites. Each record carries a last-verified date. Updated annually every January.

Our verification process
Common Questions

Hunting License FAQs

The most common questions hunters ask about US hunting licenses - answered clearly.

Learn More

Hunting License Guides

In-depth articles and how-to guides for hunters navigating US hunting regulations.

Getting Started

How to Get a Hunting License in Every State - 2026 Complete Guide

A step-by-step walkthrough of the license and Hunter Education process in every US state, including online options, official apps, and what to do if you lose your license or certificate.

9 min read Read guide
Non-Resident

Hunting Another State? The Complete Non-Resident Hunting License Guide

Everything out-of-state hunters need to know: fee expectations, short-term options, Hunter Education reciprocity, the real cost including all tags, and the cheapest legal way to hunt on a trip.

7 min read Read guide
Hunter Education

Hunter Education Requirements by State - Is It Required Where You Hunt?

Hunter Education requirements vary by state, age, and whether you've previously held a hunting license. Find out exactly what your state requires so you can hunt legally without delays.

5 min read Read guide
View All Hunting Guides