A Comprehensive Guide to Purchasing a Hunting License

Last Updated on January 19, 2024

Need some help understanding how to get a hunting license or what the requirements are? This guide is exactly what you need. It discusses the necessity of having a license for different game, breaks down the types of licenses, and briefly covers the license requirements and permits in top hunting states. Also, check out our guide to hunting seasons for 23-24. Enjoy!

Table of Contents

Do You Need a Hunting License?
Types of Hunting Licenses
How to Get a Hunting License
Getting Hunting Licenses in the Best Hunting States

Do You Need a Hunting License?

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s first talk about the purpose and necessity of a license in general.

The purpose of a hunting license is to manage wildlife populations and help fund conservation efforts (your fees go directly towards the protection and enhancement of wildlife habitats.) Above this, a hunting license proves that you understand hunting regulations, contributing to ethical and responsible practices.

Do you need a hunting license? In the vast majority of cases, the answer is yes, you do need a hunting license. Whether you’re hunting on your own property or public land, chasing big game or small, the rules generally require you to have a license and report your harvest to the local game warden’s office. This is because wild game, even if found on your property, is considered a public resource, not a private one.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Many states differentiate between sport hunting and pest control. If you’re dealing with pests that are causing damage to your property or livelihood, you might be allowed to take action without a license. For instance, if you run a small farm and a fox is preying on your chickens, you’re typically permitted to shoot the fox as a form of pest control. However, it’s important to note that, in these situations, you’re usually not allowed to skin or eat the animal because doing so would shift the activity from “pest control” to “hunting.”

As for hunting smaller animals like rabbits or squirrels, some states may not require a license. However, this varies widely by state and species, so it’s crucial to check local regulations before heading out into the field.

Additionally, certain invasive species may be hunted without a license. In states like Florida, Georgia, and Texas, wild boars are considered an invasive species and a significant nuisance. As a result, you can hunt them year-round without a hunting permit in these states.

Types of Hunting Licenses

Depending on who you are and where you’re from, you might need a different type of license. Here are the main categories:

• Resident hunting licenses, for people living in the state where they want to hunt.
• Non-resident/Out-of-state hunting licenses, for those planning to hunt in a state where they don’t reside. Typically, it costs more than a resident license and may provide fewer hunting opportunities.
• Youth hunting licenses, specifically for younger hunters.
• Senior hunting licenses, for older individuals who still enjoy the hunt.
• Disabled hunting licenses, designed for hunters with disabilities.

The general requirements to obtain these licenses usually include proof of residency (for resident licenses), age verification, and sometimes completion of a hunter education course. But remember, each state has its own set of rules and regulations, so always check the specific requirements for the state you plan to hunt in.

How to Get a Hunting License

Purchasing a hunting license is actually a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.

Common Requirements

Before you can purchase a license, there are several pre-requisites you must fulfill:

1. Hunter Education Certification: In many states, you must first pass a Hunter Education Course. This course equips you with the knowledge and skills you need for safe and responsible hunting. Once you pass the course, you’ll receive a Hunter Education Certification, which is usually mandatory to get a hunting license.
2. Age Requirement: The minimum age to get a hunting license varies by state. In most states, you can get a license if you’re 12 or older, while in others the minimum age is 10.
3. Valid Identification: Most states offer cheaper licenses for specific groups, such as in-state residents, seniors, or veterans. You’ll need to show identification that proves you meet these requirements if you qualify for a certain license.
4. Firearm Considerations: If you plan to hunt with a firearm, ensure you’re legally allowed to do so. Felons, for instance, can obtain a license but cannot own or use a firearm, so their methods of take will be restricted to non-explosive weapons like bows and arrows.
5. Other Restrictions: As part of your hunting license application, you’ll need to provide your social security number. Be aware that your application may be denied based on non-compliance with child support payments or failure to pay personal income taxes, as these are flagged through your social security number.

Where to Purchase

Hunting licenses can generally be purchased in two ways:

1. Online: Many states offer online portals where you can buy your license. This method is convenient and quick.
2. Physical Locations: You can also purchase your license at any retail outlet dealing with hunting and fishing equipment, such as sporting goods stores. Some states also allow you to buy licenses at their wildlife agency offices.

Information Needed During Application

When applying for a hunting license, you’ll typically need to provide the following information:

• Proof of residency (for resident licenses)
• Age verification (usually a driver’s license or birth certificate)
• Hunter Education Certification number

Payment and Fees

The cost of a license varies depending on the license type and the state. For instance, resident licenses are typically cheaper than out-of-state licenses. Once you’ve chosen your license, you can pay for it using various methods, including credit/debit cards for online purchases or cash and checks for in-person purchases.

Getting Hunting Licenses in the Best Hunting States

Alabama Hunting License

Boasting an abundance of deer across most counties, Alabama offers enthusiasts an unrivaled deer hunting experience. Particularly, the Black Belt region stands out with its diverse habitat, making it the ultimate destination for other types of hunting.

Popular Game Species: Deer, Wild Turkey, Quail, Dove
General License Resident Fee: $32.55 (all game) / $21.55 (small game)
General License Nonresident Fee: $54.30 – $377.25
Hunter Education Required: Yes
Permits:

• Residents aged 16-65 must apply for an all-game or small-game license in their county.
• Residents under 16 or over 65 don’t need a license.
• License requirements don’t apply to residents hunting on their property.
• Active military personnel on leave in Alabama don’t need a hunting license.
• Non-residents over 16 must apply for a license with the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Alaska Hunting License

Alaska is renowned for its top-tier big-game hunting. The state’s vast wilderness and diverse wildlife make it a must-visit for every passionate hunter.

Popular Game Species: Bear, Caribou, Moose, Muskox
General License Resident Fee: $45
General License Nonresident Fee: $160
Hunter Education Required: Yes
Permits:

• Residents 18+ must obtain a hunting license.
• Hunting licenses and state waterfowl stamps aren’t required for residents under 18.
• Residents under 10 need supervision from a licensed hunter; their bag limit counts towards the supervisor’s.
• Residents aged 10-17 can have their own bag limit without needing a supervised hunter.
• Seniors (60+) and disabled veterans can get a license for free.
• Active military residents can get an annual hunting license for free.
• Non-residents 10+ must get a license to hunt in Alaska.
• Non-residents under 10 must get a hunting license and need supervision, with their bag limit counting towards the supervisor’s.

Arizona Hunting License

Arizona boasts some of the country’s best pronghorn and tremendous mule deer populations. Additionally, the state is home to three species of quail: Gambel’s, scaled, and Mearns.

Popular Game Species: Pronghorn, Deer, Dove, Turkey, Elk
General License Resident Fee: $37
General License Nonresident Fee: NA ($160 for combination hunt and fish)
Hunter Education Required: Yes
Permits:

• Residents 10+ must get a license to hunt in Arizona. Those under 10 need supervision by a licensed hunter.
• Active military personnel or their spouses stationed in Arizona can get a resident hunting license.
• Non-residents 10+ need a license to hunt in Arizona. Those under 10 need a supervised licensed hunter.

Arkansas Hunting License

Arkansas offers exceptional rabbit hunting experience and the chance to encounter black bears. Furthermore, its world-class waterfowl hunts attract enthusiasts globally.

Popular Game Species: Waterfowl, Deer, Bear, Dove, Rabbit
General License Resident Fee: $25
General License Nonresident Fee: $80.00 – $410.00
Hunter Education Required: Yes
Permits:

• Residents 16+ need a hunting license for small, big-game, furbearer, and all game in Arkansas.
• Non-residents need an annual, 14-day, or 3-day license to hunt in Arkansas.
• Non-residents 65+ from states not requiring non-resident licenses don’t need an Arkansas hunting license.

Florida Hunting License

Florida, being one of the most biologically rich states in the U.S., offers hunters the opportunity to encounter unique species in their natural habitat. The state is best known for its thrilling alligator hunting, while its snipe hunting offers a perfect blend of upland hunting and waterfowling.

Popular Game Species: Alligator, Deer, Osceola Turkey, Hog
General License Resident Fee: $17 – $100
General License Nonresident Fee: $46.50 – $151.50
Hunter Education Required: Yes
Permits:

• Florida residents must apply for a license.
• Non-residents need a license to hunt in Florida.
• Exemptions from hunting license and permit (including Florida waterfowl, migratory bird, deer, turkey, management area, and archery, crossbow, and muzzleloading gun season) requirements are:
• Locals hunting on their own or family homestead.
• Florida residents 65+ with proof of age/residency, and a free 65+ Hunting and Fishing card.
• Florida residents with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License.
• Servicemen from Florida not based in the state but home on short leave.
• Under 16s (excused from federal duck stamps).

Georgia Hunting License

Georgia is known for its diverse array of game species and thriving wildlife populations. With around 1.2 million whitetail deer, it’s no surprise that these are the state’s most hunted species. Furthermore, Georgia also boasts one of the longest spring turkey seasons.

Popular Game Species: Deer, Waterfowl, Turkey, Alligator
General License Resident Fee: $15
General License Nonresident Fee: $20 – $100
Hunter Education Required: Yes
Permits:

• Georgia residents must get a license.
• Resident military veterans can get a free annual license once.
• Non-residents also need a Georgia hunting license.
• Extra permits are needed for big game, alligator, or migratory bird hunting.

Kansas Hunting License

Eastern Kansas offers an exhilarating experience of quail hunting, while the western plains are known for trophy bucks. The state boasts a remarkable mix of whitetails and mule deer. Moreover, Kansas is rich with one of the Midwest’s most plentiful pheasant populations.

Popular Game Species: Deer, Pheasant, Waterfowl, Turkey, Quail
General License Resident Fee: $27.50
General License Nonresident Fee: $97.50
Hunter Education Required: Yes
Permits:

• Kansas residents aged 16-74 need a license.
• Residents and family can hunt on their land license-free.
• National Guard members or disabled veterans may get a free license.
• Non-residents must also obtain a Kansas hunting license.

Kentucky Hunting License

Kentucky excels as a hunting state with the largest eastern elk herd by the Mississippi and nearly a million deer, consistently generating trophy bucks. With increasing bear hunting opportunities, diverse smaller game like squirrels, quail, and grouse, plus abundant migratory birds such as ducks and geese, Kentucky offers an unmatched experience.

Popular Game Species: Deer, Elk, Bear, Turkey, Duck
General License Resident Fee: $27.00
General License Nonresident Fee: $150.00
Hunter Education Required: Yes
Permits:

• Kentucky residents 12+ need a license.
• Active duty military on leave are license-exempt.
• Resident veterans may get a discounted license.
• Non-residents 12+ must also obtain a Kentucky hunting license.

Michigan Hunting License

Michigan is recognized for its great deer hunting opportunities, with certain areas being particularly abundant in deer population. Moreover, the state’s diverse mix of wetland and dry landscapes supports a variety of bird species, from geese and mergansers to turkeys.

Popular Game Species: Deer, Waterfowl, Turkey
General License Resident Fee: $11
General License Nonresident Fee: $151
Hunter Education Required: Yes
Permits:

• Michigan residents need a license to hunt legally.
• Full-time military and disabled veterans can get a free license.
• Non-residents must also obtain a hunting license in Michigan.
• An annual base license is needed for small game, with extra licenses for other game.

North Carolina Hunting License

Renowned for its diverse wildlife, North Carolina excels in deer hunting and offers superb opportunities for black bear, turkey, and waterfowl hunting as well as small game hunting (raccoons and rabbits).

Popular Game Species: Deer, Bear, Turkey, Swine, Waterfowl
General License Resident Fee: $25 – $39
General License Nonresident Fee: $60 – $100
Hunter Education Required: Yes
Permits:

• NC residents and non-residents 16+ need a hunting license.
• Active military in NC can get a resident license.

Ohio Hunting License

Ohio boasts a diverse range of game species. Its varied landscapes house big game such as white-tailed deer and turkey, small game like squirrel and rabbit, and waterfowl including ducks and geese. Ohio also hosts numerous furbearers such as otters and foxes.

Popular Game Species: Deer, Waterfowl, Turkey
General License Resident Fee: $19.00
General License Nonresident Fee: $40.56 – $180.96
Hunter Education Required: Yes
Permits:

• Ohio residents must get a license to hunt legally.
• Non-residents need an Ohio hunting license to hunt.
• Active military in Ohio can get a resident license. Those on leave or furlough are exempt from license and trapping requirements.

Oklahoma Hunting License

Oklahoma stands out due to its vast lands fostering robust deer populations as well as diverse turkey species, including Rio Grandes, Easterns, Hybrids, and Merriam’s. Plus, the grass prairies in Oklahoma’s panhandle teem with Pronghorn.

Popular Game Species: Deer, Elk, Antelope, Bear, Pronghorn, Turkey, Waterfowl
General License Resident Fee: $32.00
General License Nonresident Fee: $75 – $176 (antelope, bear, deer, or elk – $300 – $506)
Hunter Education Required: Yes
Permits:

• Oklahoma residents between 16 and 64 must obtain a license.
• Non-residents need an Oklahoma hunting license to hunt.

Texas Hunting License

Texas is home to a large turkey population with three subspecies: Rio Grande, Eastern, and Merriam’s. The state offers two dove seasons and is home to four species of doves. Hunters can also pursue exotics like axis deer and blackbuck antelope.

Popular Game Species: Deer, Turkey, Dove, Exotic Angulates
General License Resident Fee: $25.00
General License Nonresident Fee: $48 – $315 (banded bird – $27)
Hunter Education Required: Yes
Permits:

• Texas residents must obtain a hunting license.
• Non-residents need a license to hunt in Texas.
• Active military members may get a resident license.

Virginia Hunting License

Virginia is a prime hunting destination due to its abundant game, including large animals like black bears, deer, elks, and turkeys, as well as a healthy population of small game. 

Popular Game Species: Deer, Bear, Turkey
General License Resident Fee: $23 – $86
General License Nonresident Fee: $21 – $111
Hunter Education Required: Yes
Permits:

• Virginia residents must get a license.
• Active military and their family may qualify for a resident hunting license.
• Non-residents need a Virginia license.

FAQs

How do I get a hunting license?

Purchasing a hunting license typically involves meeting certain eligibility requirements, completing a hunter education course, and then applying either online or in person at a designated location. The exact process may vary by state.

How much does a hunting license cost?

The cost of a hunting license can vary greatly depending on the type of game you plan to hunt, your residency status (resident vs. non-resident), and the duration of the license (annual vs. short-term). It’s best to check the official government wildlife website for your specific state to get accurate pricing details.

What is the minimum age to get a hunting license?

The minimum age to obtain a hunting license also varies by state. In some states, children as young as 10 can obtain a license provided they are accompanied by a licensed adult. However, most states require hunters to be at least 12 to 16 years old.