Hunting License Cost Calculator
Compare hunting and fishing license costs across all 50 states. Find the best value for resident and non-resident hunters.
Calculate Your License Costs
Select a state, choose your residency status, and see a complete breakdown of hunting and fishing license costs including tags, stamps, and fees.
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Cost Breakdown
Select a state and licenses above, then click Calculate to see your total cost breakdown.
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Cheapest for Residents
Lowest base hunting license fees
Cheapest for Non-Residents
Best value for out-of-state hunters
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about hunting license costs
Which state has the cheapest hunting license?
Arkansas and Mississippi offer some of the lowest resident hunting license fees at around $10-15. For non-residents, states like Massachusetts and New York offer relatively affordable licenses under $100.
Why are non-resident hunting licenses so expensive?
Non-resident licenses are priced higher to help manage wildlife populations, fund conservation efforts, and ensure that residents (who pay taxes supporting wildlife management) have priority access. The difference helps offset the impact of out-of-state hunters on local game populations.
Do I need additional tags or permits beyond the base license?
In most states, yes. The base hunting license allows you to hunt, but you typically need species-specific tags (deer, elk, turkey, etc.), stamps (waterfowl, habitat), and sometimes additional permits for certain areas or seasons.
What is a habitat stamp?
Several states require hunters and anglers to purchase a habitat stamp in addition to their license. This fee directly funds wildlife habitat conservation and restoration. Prices typically range from $5-25.
Are combo licenses worth it?
If you plan to both hunt and fish in a state, combo licenses typically save 15-30% compared to buying separate licenses. Some states also include additional stamps or permits in their combo packages.
How do preference points affect cost?
In western states with draw systems, non-residents often pay $25-75 per year for preference or bonus points to increase their chances of drawing limited tags. Over time, this significantly increases the total cost of hunting in these states.
License Costs by State
View detailed pricing for each state
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