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How Much Does a Hunting License Cost? (2026 State-by-State Guide)
If you’re asking, ‘How much does a hunting license cost?’ the short answer is: it depends on where you live and what you’re chasing. In 2026, the price gap is wider than ever. You might pay as little as $20.97 for a resident license in Pennsylvania, or upwards of $315 just to set foot in the Texas woods as a non-resident. And that’s before you even buy a tag for a deer or elk.
With some states like Utah recently adjusting their non-resident fees and others locking in new rates for the 2025–2026 season, navigating the costs can feel as tricky as the hunt itself. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly small game license or planning a dream out-of-state trip, this guide breaks down the real costs—including the base licenses, mandatory tags, and hidden fees—for every state in the U.S.
Table of Contents
General License Cost
Base License vs. Tags / Permits
- Base License: Grants general hunting privileges.
- Tags/Permits: Required in addition to a base license for big game species. For example, in California, an elk tag alone costs ~$595 for residents and ~$1,826 for non-residents. eRegulations
Resident vs. Non-Resident Pricing
Residency is the biggest cost driver. Residents typically pay far less than non-residents — sometimes 5× to 20× less — because state agencies subsidize access for locals.
Hidden and Additional Costs
In addition to base licenses and tags, hunters may incur:
- Habitat stamps or conservation stamps
- Access permits for certain wildlife areas
- Hunter education fees (mandatory in many states)
These can add up, making the true cost of a hunt higher than what the basic license suggests.
Hunting License Costs by State (2026 Guide)
| State | Resident License | Non-Resident License | Official State Website |
| Alabama | $31.65 | $341.20 | Outdoor Alabama |
| Alaska | $60.00 | $160.00 | ADFG |
| Arizona | $37.00 | $160.00 | AZGFD |
| Arkansas | $25.00 | $410.00 | AGFC |
| California | $62.90 | $219.81 | Wildlife CA |
| Colorado | $37.00 | $103.00 | CPW |
| Connecticut | $19.00 | $91.00 | CT DEEP |
| Delaware | $25.00 | $130.00 | DNREC |
| Florida | $17.00 | $151.50 | MyFWC |
| Georgia | $15.00 | $100.00 | GA Wildlife |
| Hawaii | $20.00 | $105.00 | DLNR Hawaii |
| Idaho | $15.75 | $185.00 | IDFG |
| Illinois | $12.50 | $57.75 | IDNR |
| Indiana | $20.00 | $80.00 | IN DNR |
| Iowa | $22.00 | $131.00 | Iowa DNR |
| Kansas | $27.50 | $127.50 | KDWP |
| Kentucky | $27.00 | $160.00 | KY F&W |
| Louisiana | $20.00 | $200.00 | WLF LA |
| Maine | $26.00 | $115.00 | Maine IFW |
| Maryland | $24.50 | $130.00 | Maryland DNR |
| Massachusetts | $35.00 | $105.00 | MassWildlife |
| Michigan | $15.00 | $200.00 | Michigan DNR |
| Minnesota | $34.00 | $185.00 | MN DNR |
| Mississippi | $25.00 | $300.00 | MDWFP |
| Missouri | $17.00 | $100.00 | MDC |
| Montana | $21.00 | $1,200.00+ | Montana FWP |
| Nebraska | $30.00 | $140.00 | Outdoor NE |
| Nevada | $38.00 | $155.00 | NDOW |
| New Hampshire | $32.00 | $113.00 | NH Fish & Game |
| New Jersey | $27.50 | $135.50 | NJ Fish & Wildlife |
| New Mexico | $15.00 | $65.00 | Wildlife NM |
| New York | $22.00 | $100.00 | DEC NY |
| North Carolina | $25.00 | $100.00 | NC Wildlife |
| North Dakota | $20.00 | $100.00 | NDGF |
| Ohio | $19.00 | $180.96 | Ohio DNR |
| Oklahoma | $32.00 | $176.00 | Wildlifedept |
| Oregon | $34.50 | $172.00 | MyODFW |
| Pennsylvania | $20.97 | $101.97 | PA Game Comm |
| Rhode Island | $21.00 | $55.00 | DEM RI |
| South Carolina | $12.00 | $125.00 | DNR SC |
| South Dakota | $35.00 | $121.00 | GFP SD |
| Tennessee | $33.00 | $305.00 | TN Wildlife |
| Texas | $25.00 | $315.00 | TPWD |
| Utah | $44.00 | $144.00 | Utah DWR |
| Vermont | $28.00 | $102.00 | VT Fish & Wildlife |
| Virginia | $23.00 | $111.00 | DWR Virginia |
| Washington | $45.00 | $180.00 | WDFW |
| West Virginia | $19.00 | $119.00 | WV DNR |
| Wisconsin | $24.00 | $160.00 | DNR WI |
| Wyoming | $15.00 | $74.00 | WGFD |
*Note: Montana and some Western states often sell “Combo” licenses for non-residents that include big game tags, pushing the price into the $1,000+ range.
Money-Saving License Options Every Hunter Should Know
1.Short-Term Licenses
If you’re planning a short trip, many states offer 3-day, 5-day, or 7-day licenses for non-residents at a fraction of the annual cost (e.g., Indiana’s 5-day non-resident hunt ~$50 vs. ~$90 annual).
2. Youth Rates
Most states provide steep discounts for youth hunters (often under 16), with some licenses costing under $10 or even free depending on age and residency.
3. Apprentice & Mentor Licenses
Many states now offer apprentice or mentor licenses that allow new hunters to participate under supervision without a full hunter education course — useful for beginners and reduced cost access.
4. Check for Combo or Conservation Passes
Some jurisdictions bundle hunting with fishing or require habitat/conservation stamps. Comparing combo prices can save money if you plan multiple outdoor activities.
Closing Thought
Hunting license costs serve a dual purpose: regulating legal take and funding conservation. While resident rates tend to be affordable, non-resident fees — especially when combined with big game tags and stamps — can add up quickly. Smart planning, including short-term licenses and youth or apprentice options, helps keep your hunt both legal and budget-friendly.