In most cases, to hunt legally in the United States, you must have a hunting license from the state where the hunt occurs and comply with the state fish and game department requirements associated with that license. Hunting licenses can generally be purchased at any retail outlet that deals in hunting and fishing equipment, such as sporting goods stores.

If you're hunting on a national wildlife refuge, some also require their own permits and/or user fees. For fishing licenses, visit our fishing page.

State Hunting Licenses

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, CaliforniaColoradoConnecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, MassachusettsMichigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

District and Territory Hunting Licenses

District of Columbia (Washington D.C.)Guam, Northern Mariana IslandsAmerican Samoa, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands