Before you can hunt the big trophy game of your dreams, you’ll need to take care of paperwork first. In most cases, to legally hunt in the United States, you’ll need to have a state hunting license from the state you are planning to hunt in. By law, you can’t legally go on a hunt if you’re not complying with your state’s fish and game department requirements associated with the license you have. A hunting license can be attained by purchasing one from any retailer that specializes in sporting goods, or anywhere that sells hunting and fishing equipment.
Although attaining a hunting license isn’t too tricky, each state has unique hunting licensing requirements and hunting regulations. If you’re hunting on a national wildlife refuge, some also require their permits and user fees. Here’s how some states differ from others when it comes to licensing and hunting.
Utah
There are some basic but essential discrepancies between a Utah hunting or fishing license and a hunting permit. For starters, if you plan to fish or hunt game animals in Utah, you must have a license. Start by obtaining a basic hunting license, which allows you to hunt small game; this includes most species of waterfowl and upland game. After you’ve got your basic hunting license, you can apply for separate, more specific hunting permits that you need to hunt certain species. These species include big game, cougars, bears, and other animals. There are also combination licenses, which includes all the benefits of a basic license and allows you to fish.
Wyoming
According to Wyoming law, all hunters born after January 1st, 1966, must complete hunter education certification to be able to hunt in Wyoming legally. The only exception is unless they have acquired a Hunter Mentor Program special authorization and plan to hunt with a mentor. Completion of a state agency-approved hunting course is required to be eligible for a hunting license. Said hunting course must be approved by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, as well as IHEA-USA. The benefit of obtaining a Wyoming Hunter Education Card is that any state, province, or country that requires former hunting education will accept your Wyoming hunter education card.
Idaho
To hunt in Idaho, you’ll need a hunting license, and depending on the species you want to hunt, you’ll need a tag permit. Idaho has both controlled and general season hunts. General season tags are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunters are required to apply for controlled hunts, which are issued through a random drawing. According to Idaho law, all hunters born after December 31st, 1974, must complete hunter education certification unless they can provide proof of previously holding a hunting license in Idaho or another state. Said course must be approved by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and IHEA-USA.
Once you’ve attained your hunting license, contact our hunting guides at R & K Hunting to plan your next hunt at our private lands situated in both Utah and Wyoming.
