Hunting Passport

IDFG just came out with a great way to get more people involved in hunting. According to IDFG the "Hunting Passport" is a special authorization that allows anyone who has never held a hunting license in any state, resident or nonresident, age 8 and older, to hunt wildlife for one year when accompanied by a mentor, participating in the Mentored Hunting Program.

Brenda Beckley, Fish and Game hunter and angler recruitment manager states "This simply allows people to test the waters and see if hunting is something they will enjoy before committing to the coursework and effort required to complete hunter education,"

While there is no upper age limit to participate, new hunters must be 10 years of age to hunt big game, turkey and sandhill crane and 8 to hunt most other game birds and small game that do not require tags.

Passport holders must purchase general season tags, appropriate permits and validations. All hunting rules, seasons and weapon restrictions also apply.

Hunting Passports cost $1.75 and are available at all Fish and Game license vendors. It expires December 31 of the year it was issued, and only one can be purchased in a lifetime, except an 8 year old may obtain a second passport at 9 years old. To continue hunting after the passport expires, the hunter must complete a hunter education course and purchase a license.