A deep dive into upfront and nonrefundable fees when applying across 15 western states
Item needed | Annual hunting license |
|---|---|
Cost (nonresident) | $160 |
Item needed | Application fee per species |
Cost (nonresident) | $5 |
Item needed | Application fee for muskox and bison |
Cost (nonresident) | $10 |
Item needed | Total cost to apply for all species (six hunt choices each) |
Cost (nonresident) | $490 |
Item needed | Cost (nonresident) |
|---|---|
Annual hunting license | $160 |
Application fee per species | $5 |
Application fee for muskox and bison | $10 |
Total cost to apply for all species (six hunt choices each) | $490 |
Locking tag | Black Bear |
|---|---|
Cost | $450 |
Locking tag | Brown/Grizzly Bear |
Cost | $1,000 |
Locking tag | Alaska/Yukon Moose |
Cost | $800 |
Locking tag | Bison |
Cost | $900 |
Locking tag | Muskox |
Cost | $2,200 |
Locking tag | Caribou |
Cost | $650 |
Locking tag | Dall Sheep |
Cost | $850 |
Locking tag | Sitka Blacktail |
Cost | $300 |
Locking tag | Roosevelt Elk |
Cost | $600 |
Locking tag | Cost |
|---|---|
Black Bear | $450 |
Brown/Grizzly Bear | $1,000 |
Alaska/Yukon Moose | $800 |
Bison | $900 |
Muskox | $2,200 |
Caribou | $650 |
Dall Sheep | $850 |
Sitka Blacktail | $300 |
Roosevelt Elk | $600 |
Item needed | Annual hunting/fishing combo |
|---|---|
Cost | $160 |
Item needed | Application fee-bonus point per species |
Cost | $15 |
Item needed | Total cost to apply for every big game species |
Cost | $295* |
Item needed | Cost |
|---|---|
Annual hunting/fishing combo | $160 |
Application fee-bonus point per species | $15 |
Total cost to apply for every big game species | $295* |
Tag | Mule deer or Coues deer permit |
|---|---|
Cost | $300 |
Tag | Elk permit |
Cost | $650 |
Tag | Antelope permit |
Cost | $550 |
Tag | Rocky Mountain or desert sheep |
Cost | $1,800 |
Tag | Bison—bull/any permit |
Cost | $5,400 |
Tag | Bison—cow/yearling permit |
Cost | $3,250 |
Tag | Bison—yearling permit |
Cost | $1,750 |
Tag | Black bear permit |
Cost | $150 |
Tag | Javelina |
Cost | $100 |
Tag | Cost |
|---|---|
Mule deer or Coues deer permit | $300 |
Elk permit | $650 |
Antelope permit | $550 |
Rocky Mountain or desert sheep | $1,800 |
Bison—bull/any permit | $5,400 |
Bison—cow/yearling permit | $3,250 |
Bison—yearling permit | $1,750 |
Black bear permit | $150 |
Javelina | $100 |
Item needed | Nonresident hunting license |
|---|---|
Cost | $204.69 |
Item needed | First/second deer drawing application |
Cost | $343.25 |
Item needed | Application fee (antelope, elk, bighorn sheep) |
Cost | $8.13 |
Item needed | Total cost to apply for every big game species |
Cost | $572.33 |
Item needed | Total cost after deer application refund |
Cost | $267.70 |
Item needed | Cost |
|---|---|
Nonresident hunting license | $204.69 |
First/second deer drawing application | $343.25 |
Application fee (antelope, elk, bighorn sheep) | $8.13 |
Total cost to apply for every big game species | $572.33 |
Total cost after deer application refund | $267.70 |
Tag | Elk tag |
|---|---|
Cost | $1,700.35 |
Tag | Antelope tag |
Cost | $571.60 |
Tag | Bighorn sheep tag |
Cost | $1,977.05 |
Tag | Cost |
|---|---|
Elk tag | $1,700.35 |
Antelope tag | $571.60 |
Bighorn sheep tag | $1,977.05 |
Item needed | Wildlife habitat stamp |
|---|---|
Cost | $11.50 |
Item needed | Annual Small game license |
Cost | $93.78 |
Item needed | Wildlife education fee |
Cost | $1.50 |
Item needed | Search and rescue fee |
Cost | $0.25 |
Item needed | Drawing application fee (per species) |
Cost | $10 |
Item needed | Preference point fee for bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat (optional) |
Cost | $100 |
Item needed | Total cost to apply for every big game species with preference points |
Cost | $477.03 |
Item needed | Cost |
|---|---|
Wildlife habitat stamp | $11.50 |
Annual Small game license | $93.78 |
Wildlife education fee | $1.50 |
Search and rescue fee | $0.25 |
Drawing application fee (per species) | $10 |
Preference point fee for bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat (optional) | $100 |
Total cost to apply for every big game species with preference points | $477.03 |
Tag | Deer license |
|---|---|
Cost | $454.39 |
Tag | Antlered elk license |
Cost | $759.24 |
Tag | Antelope license |
Cost | $454.39 |
Tag | Bighorn sheep (Rocky Mountain bighorn or Desert bighorn) |
Cost | $2,542.29 |
Tag | Rocky Mountain goat license |
Cost | $2,542.29 |
Tag | Moose license |
Cost | $2,542.29 |
Tag | Black bear license |
Cost | $110.59 |
Tag | Cost |
|---|---|
Deer license | $454.39 |
Antlered elk license | $759.24 |
Antelope license | $454.39 |
Bighorn sheep (Rocky Mountain bighorn or Desert bighorn) | $2,542.29 |
Rocky Mountain goat license | $2,542.29 |
Moose license | $2,542.29 |
Black bear license | $110.59 |
Item | Nonresident one year annual hunting license |
|---|---|
Cost | $185.00 |
Item | Access/depredation management fee |
Cost | $10.00 |
Item | Convenience fee (deer, elk, or antelope) |
Cost | $9.97 |
Item | Controlled hunt application fee (deer, elk, antelope, or black bear) |
Cost | $18.00 |
Item | Total cost to apply for deer, elk, or antelope controlled hunt |
Cost | $223.39 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Nonresident one year annual hunting license | $185.00 |
Access/depredation management fee | $10.00 |
Convenience fee (deer, elk, or antelope) | $9.97 |
Controlled hunt application fee (deer, elk, antelope, or black bear) | $18.00 |
Total cost to apply for deer, elk, or antelope controlled hunt | $223.39 |
Tag | Deer license |
|---|---|
Cost | $351.75 |
Tag | Elk license |
Cost | $651.75 |
Tag | Antelope license |
Cost | $342.75 |
Tag | Black bear license |
Cost | $231.75 |
Tag | Cost |
|---|---|
Deer license | $351.75 |
Elk license | $651.75 |
Antelope license | $342.75 |
Black bear license | $231.75 |
Item | Nonresident one year annual hunting license |
|---|---|
Cost | $185.00 |
Item | Access/depredation management fee |
Cost | $10.00 |
Item | Controlled hunt application fee (bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat) |
Cost | $45.75 |
Item | License fee for bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat |
Cost | $2,626.75 |
Item | Convenience fee (bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat) |
Cost | $83.78 |
Item | Total cost to apply for bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat |
Cost | $2,951.28 |
Item | Total cost to apply for bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat after refund |
Cost | $324.53 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Nonresident one year annual hunting license | $185.00 |
Access/depredation management fee | $10.00 |
Controlled hunt application fee (bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat) | $45.75 |
License fee for bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat | $2,626.75 |
Convenience fee (bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat) | $83.78 |
Total cost to apply for bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat | $2,951.28 |
Total cost to apply for bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat after refund | $324.53 |
Item needed | Nonresident hunting license |
|---|---|
Cost | $127.50 |
Item needed | Nonresident whitetail deer permit |
Cost | $442.50 |
Item needed | Mule deer stamp fee |
Cost | $152.50 |
Item needed | Total cost to apply for whitetail deer only |
Cost | $570.00 |
Item needed | Total cost to apply for mule deer |
Cost | $722.50 |
Item needed | Total cost to apply after refund |
Cost | $127.50 |
Item needed | Cost |
|---|---|
Nonresident hunting license | $127.50 |
Nonresident whitetail deer permit | $442.50 |
Mule deer stamp fee | $152.50 |
Total cost to apply for whitetail deer only | $570.00 |
Total cost to apply for mule deer | $722.50 |
Total cost to apply after refund | $127.50 |
Item | General elk combo |
|---|---|
Cost | $1,048 |
Item | General deer combo |
Cost | $724 |
Item | General big game combo (deer and elk) |
Cost | $1,242 |
Item | Preference point (optional) |
Cost | $100 |
Item | Outfitter preference point (optional) |
Cost | $100* |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
General elk combo | $1,048 |
General deer combo | $724 |
General big game combo (deer and elk) | $1,242 |
Preference point (optional) | $100 |
Outfitter preference point (optional) | $100* |
Item | Conservation license w/o $.025 Search and Rescue Donation |
|---|---|
Cost | $9.75 |
Item | Deer permit |
Cost | $0 |
Item | Elk permit |
Cost | $4 |
Item | Bonus point (per species) |
Cost | $20 |
Item | General big game combo |
Cost | $1,208 |
Item | Preference point (optional) |
Cost | $100 |
Item | Base Hunting License |
Cost | $15 |
Item | Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass |
Cost | $7.50 |
Item | Application Fee |
Cost | $15 |
Item | Service Fee |
Cost | $38.67 |
Item | Total cost to apply for deer and elk permit (including big game general) |
Cost | $1,437.92 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Conservation license w/o $.025 Search and Rescue Donation | $9.75 |
Deer permit | $0 |
Elk permit | $4 |
Bonus point (per species) | $20 |
General big game combo | $1,208 |
Preference point (optional) | $100 |
Base Hunting License | $15 |
Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass | $7.50 |
Application Fee | $15 |
Service Fee | $38.67 |
Total cost to apply for deer and elk permit (including big game general) | $1,437.92 |
Item | Total cost after refund to apply for deer and elk permit with bonus points ($20 each), and preference point ($100) if you did draw combo but not permit and elect 80% refund |
|---|---|
Cost | $281.60 |
Item | Total cost after refund to apply for deer and elk combo and permit with bonus points ($20 each) and preference point ($100) if you did not draw combo or permits |
Cost | $225.92 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Total cost after refund to apply for deer and elk permit with bonus points ($20 each), and preference point ($100) if you did draw combo but not permit and elect 80% refund | $281.60 |
Total cost after refund to apply for deer and elk combo and permit with bonus points ($20 each) and preference point ($100) if you did not draw combo or permits | $225.92 |
Item | Base hunting license |
|---|---|
Cost | $15 |
Item | Conservation license |
Cost | $10 |
Item | Moose application fee |
Cost | $50 |
Item | Bighorn sheep application fee |
Cost | $50 |
Item | Mountain goat application fee |
Cost | $50 |
Item | Bison application fee |
Cost | $50 |
Item | Bonus point (per species, optional) |
Cost | $20 |
Item | Service fee |
Cost | $7.90* |
Item | Cost to apply for all species (if you already have base hunting, and conservation) |
Cost | $267.90 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Base hunting license | $15 |
Conservation license | $10 |
Moose application fee | $50 |
Bighorn sheep application fee | $50 |
Mountain goat application fee | $50 |
Bison application fee | $50 |
Bonus point (per species, optional) | $20 |
Service fee | $7.90* |
Cost to apply for all species (if you already have base hunting, and conservation) | $267.90 |
Item | Bighorn sheep |
|---|---|
Cost | $1,250 |
Item | Rocky Mountain goat |
Cost | $1,250 |
Item | Shiras moose |
Cost | $1,250 |
Item | Bison |
Cost | $1,250 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Bighorn sheep | $1,250 |
Rocky Mountain goat | $1,250 |
Shiras moose | $1,250 |
Bison | $1,250 |
Item | Deer |
|---|---|
Cost | $25 |
Item | Elk |
Cost | $25 |
Item | Antelope |
Cost | $25 |
Item | Moose |
Cost | $75 |
Item | Bighorn Sheep |
Cost | $75 |
Item | Rocky Mountain goat |
Cost | $75 |
Item | Nonresident Preference Point |
Cost | $100 |
Item | Service fee (if buying all species points) |
Cost | $10* |
Item | Total cost to buy points |
Cost | $410 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Deer | $25 |
Elk | $25 |
Antelope | $25 |
Moose | $75 |
Bighorn Sheep | $75 |
Rocky Mountain goat | $75 |
Nonresident Preference Point | $100 |
Service fee (if buying all species points) | $10* |
Total cost to buy points | $410 |
Item | Adult combination license |
|---|---|
Cost | $155 |
Item | Elk application fee |
Cost | $10 |
Item | Elk management fee |
Cost | $5 |
Item | Deer application fee |
Cost | $10 |
Item | Antelope application fee |
Cost | $10 |
Item | Desert bighorn sheep application fee |
Cost | $10 |
Item | California bighorn sheep application fee |
Cost | $10 |
Item | Mountain goat application fee |
Cost | $10 |
Item | Black bear application fee |
Cost | $10 |
Item | Bonus point only (optional and exempt from elk management and predator fees) |
Cost | $10 |
Item | Processing fee per product |
Cost | $1 |
Item | Predator control fee (per application) |
Cost | $3 |
Item | Total cost to apply for every species |
Cost | $255 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Adult combination license | $155 |
Elk application fee | $10 |
Elk management fee | $5 |
Deer application fee | $10 |
Antelope application fee | $10 |
Desert bighorn sheep application fee | $10 |
California bighorn sheep application fee | $10 |
Mountain goat application fee | $10 |
Black bear application fee | $10 |
Bonus point only (optional and exempt from elk management and predator fees) | $10 |
Processing fee per product | $1 |
Predator control fee (per application) | $3 |
Total cost to apply for every species | $255 |
Tag | Mule deer tag |
|---|---|
Cost | $240 |
Tag | Elk tag |
Cost | $1,200 |
Tag | Antelope tag |
Cost | $300 |
Tag | Desert bighorn sheep tag |
Cost | $1,200 |
Tag | California bighorn sheep tag |
Cost | $1,200 |
Tag | Mountain goat tag |
Cost | $1,200 |
Tag | Black bear tag |
Cost | $300 |
Tag | Cost |
|---|---|
Mule deer tag | $240 |
Elk tag | $1,200 |
Antelope tag | $300 |
Desert bighorn sheep tag | $1,200 |
California bighorn sheep tag | $1,200 |
Mountain goat tag | $1,200 |
Black bear tag | $300 |
Item | Nonresident game hunting license |
|---|---|
Cost | $65 |
Item | Deer (standard) |
Cost | $283 |
Item | Deer (quality or high demand) |
Cost | $368 |
Item | Elk (standard) |
Cost | $548 |
Item | Elk (quality or high demand) |
Cost | $773 |
Item | Antelope |
Cost | $283 |
Item | Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep or Desert bighorn sheep |
Cost | $3,173 |
Item | Oryx |
Cost | $1,623 |
Item | Ibex |
Cost | $1,623 |
Item | Barbary sheep |
Cost | $373 |
Item | Black bear |
Cost | $13 |
Item | Total upfront cost to apply for every species (standard deer and elk) |
Cost | $7,984 |
Item | Total upfront cost to apply for every species (quality or high demand deer and elk) |
Cost | $8,294 |
Item | Total cost to apply for every species after refund |
Cost | $169 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Nonresident game hunting license | $65 |
Deer (standard) | $283 |
Deer (quality or high demand) | $368 |
Elk (standard) | $548 |
Elk (quality or high demand) | $773 |
Antelope | $283 |
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep or Desert bighorn sheep | $3,173 |
Oryx | $1,623 |
Ibex | $1,623 |
Barbary sheep | $373 |
Black bear | $13 |
Total upfront cost to apply for every species (standard deer and elk) | $7,984 |
Total upfront cost to apply for every species (quality or high demand deer and elk) | $8,294 |
Total cost to apply for every species after refund | $169 |
Item | General Game and Habitat License (required) |
|---|---|
Cost | $55 |
Item | Fishing, Hunting, Furbearer Certificate (required) |
Cost | $2 |
Item | Deer |
Cost | $255* |
Item | Bighorn sheep |
Cost | $600** |
Item | Total upfront cost to apply for deer |
Cost | $312 |
Item | Total cost to apply for deer after refund |
Cost | $62 |
Item | Total upfront cost to apply for deer and sheep |
Cost | $912 |
Item | Total cost to apply for deer and sheep after refund |
Cost | $162 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
General Game and Habitat License (required) | $55 |
Fishing, Hunting, Furbearer Certificate (required) | $2 |
Deer | $255* |
Bighorn sheep | $600** |
Total upfront cost to apply for deer | $312 |
Total cost to apply for deer after refund | $62 |
Total upfront cost to apply for deer and sheep | $912 |
Total cost to apply for deer and sheep after refund | $162 |
Item | Nonresident hunting license |
|---|---|
Cost | $172 |
Item | Deer (Columbian blacktail, Columbian whitetail, mule deer) |
Cost | $8 |
Item | Elk |
Cost | $8 |
Item | Antelope |
Cost | $8 |
Item | California bighorn sheep or Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep |
Cost | $8 |
Item | Mountain goat |
Cost | $8 |
Item | Black bear |
Cost | $8 |
Item | Total cost to apply for every species |
Cost | $220 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Nonresident hunting license | $172 |
Deer (Columbian blacktail, Columbian whitetail, mule deer) | $8 |
Elk | $8 |
Antelope | $8 |
California bighorn sheep or Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep | $8 |
Mountain goat | $8 |
Black bear | $8 |
Total cost to apply for every species | $220 |
Item | Deer |
|---|---|
Cost | $443.50 |
Item | Elk |
Cost | $588.00 |
Item | Antelope |
Cost | $395.50 |
Item | Bighorn sheep |
Cost | $1,513.50 |
Item | Mountain goat |
Cost | $1,513.50 |
Item | Bear |
Cost | $16.50 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Deer | $443.50 |
Elk | $588.00 |
Antelope | $395.50 |
Bighorn sheep | $1,513.50 |
Mountain goat | $1,513.50 |
Bear | $16.50 |
Item | Habitat stamp |
|---|---|
Cost | $25 |
Item | Preference point fees (per species) |
Cost | $10 |
Item | Total cost to apply for every species |
Cost | $105 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Habitat stamp | $25 |
Preference point fees (per species) | $10 |
Total cost to apply for every species | $105 |
Item | Deer |
|---|---|
Cost | $286 |
Item | Deer (West River special buck) |
Cost | $560 |
Item | Antelope |
Cost | $286 |
Item | Bison - Trophy |
Cost | $6,506 |
Item | Bison - Nontrophy |
Cost | $3,256 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Deer | $286 |
Deer (West River special buck) | $560 |
Antelope | $286 |
Bison - Trophy | $6,506 |
Bison - Nontrophy | $3,256 |
Item | Nonresident one-year hunting license |
|---|---|
Cost | $120 |
Item | General deer |
Cost | $15 |
Item | Dedicated deer |
Cost | $15 |
Item | Limited entry deer |
Cost | $15 |
Item | Limited entry elk |
Cost | $15 |
Item | Limited entry antelope |
Cost | $15 |
Item | Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep |
Cost | $15 |
Item | Desert bighorn sheep |
Cost | $15 |
Item | Mountain goat |
Cost | $15 |
Item | Moose |
Cost | $15 |
Item | Bison |
Cost | $15 |
Item | Bear |
Cost | $15 |
Item | Total cost to apply for all species |
Cost | $285 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Nonresident one-year hunting license | $120 |
General deer | $15 |
Dedicated deer | $15 |
Limited entry deer | $15 |
Limited entry elk | $15 |
Limited entry antelope | $15 |
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep | $15 |
Desert bighorn sheep | $15 |
Mountain goat | $15 |
Moose | $15 |
Bison | $15 |
Bear | $15 |
Total cost to apply for all species | $285 |
Item | General deer |
|---|---|
Cost | $418 |
Item | Deer (Dedicated hunter) |
Cost | $1,067 |
Item | Limited entry deer |
Cost | $670 |
Item | Premium limited entry deer |
Cost | $798 |
Item | Multi-season limited entry deer |
Cost | $1,130 |
Item | Multi-season premium limited entry deer |
Cost | $1,330 |
Item | Deer management buck |
Cost | $670 |
Item | Limited entry elk |
Cost | $1,050 |
Item | Multi-season limited entry elk |
Cost | $1,855 |
Item | Limited entry antelope |
Cost | $371 |
Item | Rocky Mountain or desert bighorn sheep |
Cost | $2,244 |
Item | Mountain goat |
Cost | $2,244 |
Item | Moose |
Cost | $2,244 |
Item | Bison |
Cost | $2,420 |
Item | Bison Antelope Island |
Cost | $2,877 |
Item | Bear (limited-entry or harvest-objective permit) |
Cost | $398 |
Item | Bear (Multi-season limited entry) |
Cost | $566 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
General deer | $418 |
Deer (Dedicated hunter) | $1,067 |
Limited entry deer | $670 |
Premium limited entry deer | $798 |
Multi-season limited entry deer | $1,130 |
Multi-season premium limited entry deer | $1,330 |
Deer management buck | $670 |
Limited entry elk | $1,050 |
Multi-season limited entry elk | $1,855 |
Limited entry antelope | $371 |
Rocky Mountain or desert bighorn sheep | $2,244 |
Mountain goat | $2,244 |
Moose | $2,244 |
Bison | $2,420 |
Bison Antelope Island | $2,877 |
Bear (limited-entry or harvest-objective permit) | $398 |
Bear (Multi-season limited entry) | $566 |
Item | Deer license (a prerequisite for applying) |
|---|---|
Cost | $434.80 |
Item | Elk license (a prerequisite for applying) |
Cost | $497.50 |
Item | Special hunt permit application fee per species |
Cost | $110.50 |
Item | Total cost to apply for both deer and elk |
Cost | $1,153.30 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Deer license (a prerequisite for applying) | $434.80 |
Elk license (a prerequisite for applying) | $497.50 |
Special hunt permit application fee per species | $110.50 |
Total cost to apply for both deer and elk | $1,153.30 |
Item | Special hunt permit application fee per species |
|---|---|
Cost | $110.50 |
Item | Total cost to apply for sheep, moose, goat |
Cost | $331.50 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Special hunt permit application fee per species | $110.50 |
Total cost to apply for sheep, moose, goat | $331.50 |
Item | Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep |
|---|---|
Cost | $1,652 |
Item | Mountain goat |
Cost | $1,652 |
Item | Moose |
Cost | $1,652 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep | $1,652 |
Mountain goat | $1,652 |
Moose | $1,652 |
Item | Deer license |
|---|---|
Cost | $389 |
Item | Elk license |
Cost | $707 |
Item | Antelope license |
Cost | $341 |
Item | Bighorn sheep license |
Cost | $3,017 |
Item | Mountain goat license |
Cost | $2,767 |
Item | Moose license |
Cost | $2,767 |
Item | Bison license (either sex) |
Cost | $6,017 |
Item | 2.5% processing fee (nonrefundable) |
Cost | $400.13 |
Item | Total upfront cost to apply for every species |
Cost | $16,405.13 |
Item | Total cost after refunds to apply for every species |
Cost | $505.13 |
Item | Total cost after refunds to apply and purchase points during point only period |
Cost | $929.13 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Deer license | $389 |
Elk license | $707 |
Antelope license | $341 |
Bighorn sheep license | $3,017 |
Mountain goat license | $2,767 |
Moose license | $2,767 |
Bison license (either sex) | $6,017 |
2.5% processing fee (nonrefundable) | $400.13 |
Total upfront cost to apply for every species | $16,405.13 |
Total cost after refunds to apply for every species | $505.13 |
Total cost after refunds to apply and purchase points during point only period | $929.13 |
Item | Deer license |
|---|---|
Cost | $1,215 |
Item | Elk license |
Cost | $1,965 |
Item | Antelope license |
Cost | $1,215 |
Item | 2.5% processing fee (nonrefundable) |
Cost | $109.88 |
Item | Total upfront cost to apply for every species |
Cost | $4,504.88 |
Item | Total cost after refunds to apply for every species in draw |
Cost | $154.88 |
Item | Total cost after refunds to apply and purchase points during point only period |
Cost | $578.88 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Deer license | $1,215 |
Elk license | $1,965 |
Antelope license | $1,215 |
2.5% processing fee (nonrefundable) | $109.88 |
Total upfront cost to apply for every species | $4,504.88 |
Total cost after refunds to apply for every species in draw | $154.88 |
Total cost after refunds to apply and purchase points during point only period | $578.88 |
Item | Deer license |
|---|---|
Cost | $1,215 |
Item | Elk license |
Cost | $1,965 |
Item | Antelope license |
Cost | $1,215 |
Item | Bighorn sheep license |
Cost | $3,017 |
Item | Mountain goat license |
Cost | $2,767 |
Item | Moose license |
Cost | $2,767 |
Item | Bison license (either sex) |
Cost | $6,017 |
Item | 2.5% processing fee (nonrefundable) |
Cost | $474.08 |
Item | Total upfront cost to apply for every species |
Cost | $19,437.08 |
Item | Total cost after refunds to apply for every species in draw |
Cost | $579.08 |
Item | Total cost after refunds to apply and purchase points during point only period |
Cost | $1,003.08 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Deer license | $1,215 |
Elk license | $1,965 |
Antelope license | $1,215 |
Bighorn sheep license | $3,017 |
Mountain goat license | $2,767 |
Moose license | $2,767 |
Bison license (either sex) | $6,017 |
2.5% processing fee (nonrefundable) | $474.08 |
Total upfront cost to apply for every species | $19,437.08 |
Total cost after refunds to apply for every species in draw | $579.08 |
Total cost after refunds to apply and purchase points during point only period | $1,003.08 |
Item | Deer |
|---|---|
Cost | $41 |
Item | Elk |
Cost | $52 |
Item | Antelope |
Cost | $31 |
Item | Bighorn sheep |
Cost | $150 |
Item | Moose |
Cost | $150 |
Item | Total cost to buy points for every species |
Cost | $424 |
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Deer | $41 |
Elk | $52 |
Antelope | $31 |
Bighorn sheep | $150 |
Moose | $150 |
Total cost to buy points for every species | $424 |
State | Alaska |
|---|---|
Species | Sitka Blacktail deer, Roosevelt elk, Dall sheep, mountain goat, Alaska/Yukon moose, bison, muskox, brown bear, black bear, wolf |
Upfront cost | $490.00 |
Nonrefundable fees | $490.00 |
State | Arizona |
Species | Deer, elk, antelope, desert bighorn sheep, bison |
Upfront cost | $295.00 |
Nonrefundable fees | $295.00 |
State | California |
Species | Deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep |
Upfront cost | $572.33 |
Nonrefundable fees | $267.70 |
State | Colorado |
Species | Deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat |
Upfront cost | $475.28 |
Nonrefundable fees | $477.03 |
State | Idaho |
Species | Moose, bighorn sheep, or mountain goat |
Upfront cost | $2,951.28 |
Nonrefundable fees | $324.53 |
State | Idaho |
Species | Deer, elk, or antelope |
Upfront cost | $223.39* |
Nonrefundable fees | $223.39* |
State | Kansas |
Species | Deer (mule deer option) |
Upfront cost | $722.50 |
Nonrefundable fees | $127.50 |
State | Montana |
Species | Deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, bison |
Upfront cost | $1,705.82 |
Nonrefundable fees | $493.82 |
State | Nevada |
Species | Deer, elk, antelope, California & desert bighorn sheep, bear |
Upfront cost | $255.00 |
Nonrefundable fees | $255.00 |
State | New Mexico |
Species | Deer, elk, antelope, desert bighorn sheep, ibex, oryx, barbary sheep |
Upfront cost | $8,294.00 |
Nonrefundable fees | $169.00 |
State | North Dakota |
Species | Deer, sheep |
Upfront cost | $912.00 |
Nonrefundable fees | $162.00 |
State | Oregon |
Species | Deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, bear |
Upfront cost | $220.00 |
Nonrefundable fees | $220.00 |
State | South Dakota |
Species | Deer, antelope, bison |
Upfront cost | $105.00 |
Nonrefundable fees | $105.00 |
State | Utah |
Species | Deer, elk, antelope, mountain goat, Rocky bighorn sheep, Desert bighorn sheep, bison |
Upfront cost | $285.00 |
Nonrefundable fees | $285.00 |
State | Washington |
Species | Deer, elk, sheep, moose, mountain goat |
Upfront cost | $1,484.80 |
Nonrefundable fees | $1,484.80 |
State | Wyoming |
Species | Deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, bison |
Upfront cost | $19,437.08 |
Nonrefundable fees | $1,003.08 |
State | Total |
Species | |
Upfront cost | $38,205.09 |
Nonrefundable fees | $6,159.46 |
State | Species | Upfront cost | Nonrefundable fees |
|---|---|---|---|
Alaska | Sitka Blacktail deer, Roosevelt elk, Dall sheep, mountain goat, Alaska/Yukon moose, bison, muskox, brown bear, black bear, wolf | $490.00 | $490.00 |
Arizona | Deer, elk, antelope, desert bighorn sheep, bison | $295.00 | $295.00 |
California | Deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep | $572.33 | $267.70 |
Colorado | Deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat | $475.28 | $477.03 |
Idaho | Moose, bighorn sheep, or mountain goat | $2,951.28 | $324.53 |
Idaho | Deer, elk, or antelope | $223.39* | $223.39* |
Kansas | Deer (mule deer option) | $722.50 | $127.50 |
Montana | Deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, bison | $1,705.82 | $493.82 |
Nevada | Deer, elk, antelope, California & desert bighorn sheep, bear | $255.00 | $255.00 |
New Mexico | Deer, elk, antelope, desert bighorn sheep, ibex, oryx, barbary sheep | $8,294.00 | $169.00 |
North Dakota | Deer, sheep | $912.00 | $162.00 |
Oregon | Deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, bear | $220.00 | $220.00 |
South Dakota | Deer, antelope, bison | $105.00 | $105.00 |
Utah | Deer, elk, antelope, mountain goat, Rocky bighorn sheep, Desert bighorn sheep, bison | $285.00 | $285.00 |
Washington | Deer, elk, sheep, moose, mountain goat | $1,484.80 | $1,484.80 |
Wyoming | Deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, bison | $19,437.08 | $1,003.08 |
Total | $38,205.09 | $6,159.46 |
Applying for big game hunting tags across the West can be expensive. There’s no doubt that proper financial planning needs to happen when considering what states or species to apply for each year.
This article is your guide to quickly analyzing the costs associated with applying to a state as a nonresident. I will cover prerequisites to apply, upfront costs, costs after drawing, how much of a refund you'll get back if you don't draw, and total nonrefundable fees. You'll see I broke this out for applying for all species in a state, but I also set up the tables so you'll be able to see what it will cost for a few species really easily.
Each state is different when it comes to application costs. Some states will require you to put out large upfront costs to apply, while others may require large fees after you draw the tag. Knowing these fees is paramount to understanding what you need to budget each year. All of this will lead to less frustration, and as I always say, having a proper plan in place ahead of time will mean you can focus more on research and really hone in on where you want to hunt.
All costs in this article are current as of January 28, 2024.
Below are direct links to all of our hunting application research tools that can be accessed with a GOHUNT membership.
Before I dive into the cost to apply in each Western state and all the details when applying, let’s take a quick look at the state-by-state costs to apply and how much money you'll get back. Remember that all the fees below are based on a nonresident perspective. If you’re a resident of a western state, you’ll have less cost.
There are several ways to apply, and keep in mind that sometimes fees can be different based on what you apply for, and sometimes there are slightly hidden service and credit card fees associated with each state’s application.
For more information on the draw process, check out our state profile link below:
Alaska also does not use a point system and utilizes a true lottery for its drawings. After initially drawing a permit, hunters will also need to purchase the applicable locking tags for each species they will be hunting.
Keep in mind that there are also over-the-counter opportunities in Alaska as well.
For more information on the draw process, check out our state profile link below:
Arizona offers application opportunities for deer (mule deer, Coues deer), Rocky Mountain elk, antelope, bighorn sheep (Desert and Rocky), bison, and black bear. Arizona has long been regarded as a trophy state for years and while the draw odds can be steep for the premium tags, successful applicants can be in for the hunt of a lifetime. If you’ve ever considered applying for Arizona, now is the time to start!
* Total includes two bison application periods and two javelina application periods.
If you only want to purchase points, it will cost $15 per species, and you need to purchase a hunting license.
One advantage to applying in Arizona is that they do not require a large upfront money commitment; however, hunters need to be aware that large fees will be issued after successfully drawing a permit, and you do need to purchase a hunting license to apply for points/attempt to draw a tag.
When deciding your application strategy, it is important to note that you can apply for as many species as you’d like, with the exception of deer and bighorn sheep, where hunters must choose between mule deer or Coues deer and Rocky Mountain or Desert bighorn sheep. Hunters may not apply for both subspecies.
Arizona offers a safeguard for applicants who draw a permit and may want to return it in order to have their points restored. This program is called PointGuard. The fee is $10 per species and can be purchased at the same time you apply.
If you purchased PointGuard for a permit you drew and decided to return it, it must be done at least one day prior to opening day. You’ll also need to complete the surrender application form.
If you use PointGuard, you will have your bonus points restored, plus one for that year. You will forfeit the permit and application fees. Also, be aware that PointGuard can only be used one time per species, meaning you cannot draw a permit and return it year after year (while retaining your points) until you are ready to hunt.
For applicants who apply for multiple species in Arizona and plan to continue to apply, Arizona offers PointGuard Plus. For $25, an applicant will have the opportunity to surrender a tag and have their bonus points reinstated for all eligible big game species for three consecutive draw cycles from the date of purchase. Applicants must purchase this protection at the time they apply.
For more information on the draw process, check out our state profile link below:
California offers application opportunities for deer (mule deer and Columbian Blacktail deer), elk (Rocky Mountain, Tule, Roosevelt), antelope, and Desert bighorn sheep.
If an applicant is unsuccessful, they may request a refund for the difference between the resident and nonresident deer tag application, which is $304.63.
For more information on the draw process, check out our state profile link below:
Colorado offers drawing opportunities for deer (mule deer and whitetail deer), Rocky Mountain elk, antelope, bighorn sheep (Rocky and Desert), mountain goat, Shiras moose, and black bear. It’s a somewhat complicated system where the main drawing system is split into two categories: preference points and weighted bonus points.
Deer, elk, antelope, and bear permits are distributed through a preference point system where the highest point holders are awarded tags first.
Moose, mountain goat, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep permits are distributed through weighted bonus points where everyone has an opportunity to draw a tag, with your odds increasing with the number of points you hold. There are no point systems for desert bighorn sheep; only one bighorn sheep species can be applied each year.
After successfully drawing a tag, applicants will also be charged for the appropriate tags.
For more information on the draw process, check out our state profile link below:
Idaho offers application opportunities for deer (mule deer and whitetail deer), Rocky Mountain elk, antelope, bighorn sheep (Rocky and California), mountain goat, Shiras moose, and black bear.
Idaho is somewhat unique to other western states in that it is one of the few states that does not use any type of bonus or preference point system. Instead, all controlled hunt tags are distributed through a random lottery.
Beyond that, Idaho also forces applicants to choose one species per year to apply for when it comes to controlled hunts. In other words, If you want to apply for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, you cannot also apply for mule deer. These rules may cause some initial confusion and frustration, but it’s important to keep in mind that this system levels the playing field for everyone and can lead to better draw odds across all species.
Idaho does not require tag fees to be paid upfront for deer, elk, antelope, or bear; however, applicants applying for bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat must pay the entire upfront cost when applying. This is a big upfront cost when it comes to Idaho. The cost for the bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat applications will be refunded if unsuccessful, less the cost of the annual hunting license, application fee, and processing fees.
Any phone-in orders will be subject to a nonrefundable charge of 3% of the transaction plus $5.50, while online purchases will accrue a charge of 3% of the transaction total plus $3.50. These rough fees are calculated in the table below.
Successful deer, elk, antelope, or bear applicants will also be subject to additional costs for the species license.
The above fees are assuming you don't already have a nonresident hunting license.
For more information on the draw process, check out our state profile link below:
In Kansas, residents have opportunities to apply for deer, antelope, and elk, while nonresidents are solely limited to deer (whitetail and mule deer). A somewhat different drawing system is found here, where hunters must first draw a whitetail deer permit through a preference point weighted system. If the applicant wishes to hunt mule deer, then they must also apply for a mule deer stamp at the same time, which is distributed through a random lottery. The draw odds are steep here, but Kansas is a solid option for a mule deer state.
All fees listed below will have an internet convenience fee added at the time of applying online for a permit or preference point.
Applicants who wish only to build a point for the season can also purchase individual preference points for $27.50.
For more information on the draw process, check out our state profile link below:
Montana offers drawing opportunities for deer (mule deer and whitetail deer), Rocky Mountain elk, antelope, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mountain goat, Shiras moose, and bison.
Montana uses an interesting draw system for deer and elk. Nonresident applicants must first draw the general deer, elk, or big game combination license and then apply for controlled hunt permits. Note: An applicant may apply for only one Combination license. This entire process must be done at the same time; however, permit application fees are low and will not make any major impact on cost. Deer, elk, or big game combination nonresident licenses are distributed through a preference point system, while all other tags, including deer and elk permits, are drawn through a weighted bonus point system.
Purchasing a preference point can greatly increase your odds of drawing a nonresident combination license and can be purchased either at the time of application or between July 1 and December 31. Bonus points can be purchased either at the time of application or between July 1 and September 30.
You cannot apply for a permit or combination license and purchase a separate point in the same year. Only one point per species can be accumulated per year. In 2022, FWP established a new rule that allows applicants hunting with an outfitter to purchase up to two preference points when applying. These points can be purchased for $100 each. Licenses issued using this point perk are only valid for hunting with an outfitter.
All combination licenses below include a season fishing license and an upland bird license. A Conservation license ($10 or $9.75), Base Hunting License ($15), and a $7.50 Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass (AISPP) must be purchased separately.
* Must be used with an outfitter.
After successfully drawing a nonresident general deer, elk, or big game combo license, applicants will then be put into the drawing for deer and elk permits if they desire to apply for them. Montana grants nonresidents up to 10% of a district’s tag quota; however, the 10% is not guaranteed. In some years, the nonresident applicant pool will fill the entire 10% cap, and in other years, it can be significantly less. Hunters applying for an archery-only permit must also purchase a bow and arrow stamp. The cost for the bow and arrow stamp is $10.
Montana lists the deer permit fee at $5 and the elk permit fee at $9. But below is what actually shows up when you apply for both the deer and elk permit with a big game combination application.
When it comes to refunds, if you draw a combo tag and don’t draw a permit tag or don’t draw one of the nonresident combination tags, there are a lot of different options. If successful in drawing a Big Game or Elk Combination license, but unsuccessful in drawing a special elk permit, you can elect to receive an 80% refund of the license fee. Note: the $5 application fee, $10 Conservation license, $15 Base hunting license, and $7.50 AISPP are non-refundable.
Unlike deer and elk, applicants will not need to jump through a bunch of hoops when applying for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, or bison. Moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat use a traditional bonus point system, and bison tags are distributed through a random lottery.
* Rough service fee
Hunters who successfully draw any of the big four trophy species will also be subject to an additional fee of $1,250 per species for the physical hunting license.
* Rough service fee
For more information on the draw process, check out our state profile link below:
Nevada features nonresident drawing options for mule deer, bighorn sheep (Desert and California), Rocky Mountain elk, Rocky Mountain goat, antelope, and black bear. Nevada uses a weighted bonus point system that generally showcases better draw odds than a preference point system but does not directly reward longtime applicants. When you finally draw a tag, you’ll notice that, for the most part, trophy qualities are very high in the Silver State, but the downside is that getting a tag can be difficult for a nonresident as the draw odds can be steep. Still, with the random lottery system, every applicant at every point level has a chance.
To summarize, for every species, you’ll have a $10 application fee, $1 processing fee, and $3 predator control fee. For elk, you’ll also have to add in a $5 elk management fee.
If applicants successfully draw a permit, then they will then be charged for the corresponding big game license:
For more information on the draw process, check out our state profile link below:
New Mexico offers drawing opportunities for deer (mule deer, whitetail deer, and Coues deer), Rocky Mountain elk, antelope, bighorn sheep (Rocky and Desert), oryx, ibex, Barbary sheep, and black bear. Like Idaho, New Mexico does not use any form of bonus points or preference points and distributes tags on a pure lottery system.
Applying in New Mexico can be very expensive as applications include the total costs for the license to be paid upfront (except black bear, you pay the application fee upfront), and a $13 application fee is included in that price. After refunds, if you don’t draw, hunters pay $13 per species per year, plus the hunting license.
For more information on the draw process, check out our state profile link below:
North Dakota offers draw opportunities for deer (mule deer and whitetail deer), and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
* A nonrefundable application fee of $5 is included in the total price. ** A nonrefundable application fee of $100 is included in the total price.
For more information on the draw process, check out our state profile link below:
Oregon offers drawing opportunities for deer (mule deer, Columbian blacktail deer, Columbian whitetail deer, and whitetail deer), elk (Rocky Mountain elk and Roosevelt elk), antelope, bighorn sheep (Rocky and California), mountain goat, and black bear.
Oregon uses a preference point system for deer, elk, antelope, and black bear, while bighorn sheep and mountain goat permits are distributed through a random lottery.
After successfully drawing a tag, applicants will also need to purchase their nonresident tag for the corresponding species:
For more information on the draw process, check out our state profile link below:
South Dakota offers drawing opportunities for deer (mule deer and whitetail deer) and antelope. Keep in mind that there are a lot of different hunts/regions in a sense for each species in South Dakota, so if you want to build points for every option, it can get a little expensive each year.
For more information on the draw process, check out our state profile link below:
Utah offers drawing opportunities for mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, antelope, bighorn sheep (Rocky and Desert), mountain goat, Shiras moose, and bison.
Draw odds are steep for most species in Utah; however, nearly every unit has the potential to produce a trophy-quality animal for nearly every species. When you draw a Utah limited entry tag, applicants will find themselves with the tag of a lifetime. You can only draw one limited entry tag per year.
Nonresidents may apply and build bonus points for all available species.
Additionally, if an applicant is successful in any of the limited entry draws, they will be charged for the remainder of the species specific hunting license:
For more information on the draw process, check out our state profile link below:
Washington offers drawing opportunities for deer (mule deer, Columbian blacktail deer, and whitetail deer), elk (Rocky Mountain elk and Roosevelt elk, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mountain goat, Shiras moose, and black bear.
Overall, Washington is incredibly expensive to apply for deer and elk because hunters must first possess a nonresident deer or elk tag before applying for any special permit hunts. Additionally, Washington does not issue refunds for any of those purchased licenses.
A deer and elk combination license can be purchased for $740, which carries a lower fee as opposed to buying the licenses separately (deer $438.80 and elk $497.50 for a total cost when buying separately of $936.30). So, if you purchased the combination deer and elk license, you’d save $196.30.
The slight bright side is moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat don’t require the money upfront for the cost of the permit at the time you apply. But you will have to pay a steep application fee per species.
Washington is expensive for nonresidents, which is why it doesn’t fit on most hunter's list of states worth applying for.
If an applicant is successful in drawing a bighorn sheep, mountain goat, or moose tag, then they must submit the remaining fees associated with the tag.
For more information on the draw process, check out our state profile link below:
Wyoming offers drawing opportunities for deer (mule deer and whitetail deer), Rocky Mountain elk, antelope, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mountain goat, Shiras moose, and bison.
Wyoming has made some big fee changes for 2024 and also changes to nonresident elk regions. Learn more about the elk and fee changes in our 2024 Wyoming elk Application Strategy article here.
There is no point system for mountain goat or bison permits in Wyoming, and the draw for these species is a purely random lottery draw.
A big consideration hunters need to make is whether to participate in the regular draw or special draw for deer, elk, and antelope. The tag allocations for these three species are divided into two, where 60% of the tags will be reserved for the regular draw, and 40% will be reserved for the special draw.
The special draw typically sees better draw odds but has a much higher application cost. For example, in 2024, the special draw elk license costs $1,258 more than the regular draw. Is that worth it for better odds? Some might think so. Learn more about the regular vs. special draw here.
Wyoming also requires applicants to pay for their license upfront, but they will refund all but the cost of the application fee per species and the processing fees. If you don’t draw, remember that you must purchase your points during the points-only period if you want to build points.
If you’re successful in the draw, you’ll also need to buy a $21.50 conservation stamp. Also, you may need to purchase the nonresident archery permit, which is $72.00. So, you potentially have more fees with your application if you draw.
With all that mentioned, below is a look at several different ways to apply in Wyoming as a nonresident.
* A nonrefundable application fee of $15 is already included in each species in the table above.
As mentioned above, if applicants are willing to spend the extra money, they can also participate in the special draw for deer, elk, and antelope. Going with the special draw could mean you’d draw the permit sooner than if you went with the regular draw in most cases.
* A nonrefundable application fee of $15 is already included in each species in the table above.
* A nonrefundable application fee of $15 is already included in each species in the table above. Note: There is no special draw for moose, bison, sheep, and mountain goat.
If you're looking to build points only for the current application period, you can skip out on the large upfront fees and purchase points separately anytime from July 1 through Oct. 31. Note: again, if you apply in the draw and do not draw, you must purchase your points in the points only period.
Jumping into the points and application game can be very daunting and intimidating. You must consider what you can financially afford to apply for, as fees can add up quickly, and applying for every state and species is a big hurdle. You'll notice a few states that, for just several hundred dollars, can buy you several chances in several states to help build out your multi-state strategy.
Don’t be afraid to explore some of the possibilities through the draws, do your research with a GOHUNT membership, and see for yourself how attainable the hunt of a lifetime can be. Adventures in a new state or hunting a new species for the first time are never regrettable endeavors.
* The costs of Idaho deer, elk, or antelope are not included in the totals due to only being able to apply for one controlled hunt. So, if you applied for sheep, moose, or mountain goat, you can not apply for the controlled deer, elk, or antelope draw.
The above graphic is another way to showcase what the percentage of costs are coming from on a state-by-state basis.
Remember that the total cost can vary greatly based on what species you apply for and any credit card or other processing fees.
I did my best to total up everything, and so the total costs in this article are a great rough estimate of what it could cost a person.
The total cost of building points/applying (nonrefundable fees) for all species in these states is approximately $6,159.46 annually. Keep in mind that some of these states are very hard for a nonresident to justify applying for everything (or even applying at all, depending on your goals).
Upfront cost: This will be the cost you must submit to the state during the application period to apply for a species. Note: This fee can include hunting license, permit/tag fees, service fees, credit card fees, etc., where applicable.
Nonrefundable fees: This will be the final cost you will need to pay after all refunds if you do not draw the permits/tags.
