How Old Do You Have To Be To Hunt In Each State?

If you’re planning on hunting or bringing your family into this exciting activity, you might wonder, “How old do you have to be to hunt?” Well, you are in the right place!

Every state has different regulations regarding the minimum age for hunting, which can vary quite a bit. Some states are lower, some are higher, and some don’t have any age restrictions. So let’s break it down state by state.

Minimum Hunting Age By States

Alabama

Minimum age: No limit

There is no minimum age to hunt in Alabama. If you are a young hunter, you don’t need a hunting license, but you will need to hunt under the direct supervision of other legitimate hunters.

When you turn 16 years old, you will need to buy a hunting license. If your birth date is August 1, 1977, or later, you are required to finish a hunter education course.

There are two choices: either a traditional class with a paper exam or a convenient online class. In order to enroll in the course, you must be at least 10 years of age.

Alaska

Minimum age: 10 years old

Alaska offers great choices for youthful hunters!

Hunters between the ages of 10 and 17 are eligible to obtain a youth permit allowing them to participate in hunting activities while being supervised by an adult. If you have finished a certified hunter education course, you are allowed to hunt independently.

Non-resident young hunters must be accompanied by a licensed guide or a family member who is at least 19 years old.

Only hunters between the ages of 18 and 59 are required to possess a hunting license.

Arizona

Minimum age: 10 years old

In Arizona, it is required for all individuals to have a hunting license.

If you are younger than 10 years old, you are allowed to hunt smaller animals (excluding large game) only if supervised by an adult aged 18 or above.

Nonetheless, if you want to pursue big game animals, you must be 14 or older and have finished a Hunter Education Course. Children younger than 10 are not allowed to hunt large animals in any way.

Arkansas

Minimum age: 6 years old

In Arkansas, a hunter must be at least 6 years old to hunt.

Children between the ages of 6 and 15 are allowed to hunt any buck with no limitations, as long as they are supervised by an adult who is at least 21 years old. Hunters under 16 do not require certification in hunter education.

If you are already 16 years or older, you must obtain a hunting license.

California

Minimum age: 12 years old

You must be a minimum of 12 years old to participate in big game hunting in California.

If you are younger than 12 years old, you can still hunt small animals such as squirrels and rabbits, and upland game. Regardless of your age, you must have a hunting license to engage in hunting.

Colorado

Minimum age: 12 years old

In Colorado, individuals under 18 years old are required to obtain a license in order to hunt small game. Children between the ages of 12 and 17 are allowed to participate in big game hunting, but they must be 12 years old before the end of the season in order to use their license.

If you are 11 years old, you are eligible to obtain a license as long as you will turn 12 before the season ends.

Note that youth cannot hunt with the license until they turn 12.

Connecticut

Minimum age: 12 years old

In Connecticut, one must be a minimum of 12 years old to obtain a hunting license. Individuals between the ages of 12 and 15 are required to have a Junior Hunting License and must be supervised by a licensed hunter who is 18 years or older.

One licensed hunter can not supervise more than two minors while hunting at the same time.

There is no minimum age requirement for trapping. But persons under age 16 must purchase a Junior Trapping License.

Delaware

Minimum age: 10 years old

Youth aged 10-15 are eligible to take part in a hunt as long as they are with an adult who is 21 or older and has a hunting license. Whether they are residents or non-residents, everyone needs to buy a junior license in order to hunt.

Or, for children under 13, both residents and non-residents, they need a License Exempt Number (LEN) to hunt in the field.

Florida

Minimum age: 12 years old

Young hunters can start to hunt in the age of 12 under supervision in numerous Wildlife Management Areas. Younger hunters don’t need a license and it is only required for people who are 16 years old or above.

When you turn 16 years old and complete a hunter safety course, you can hunt alone without supervision. If you choose to hunt under supervision, then no hunter safety certification is required.

Georgia

Minimum age: 12 years old

Normally, you can hunt in Georgia when you are 12 years old. However, if you have any family member who is under age 12 may still go for hunting unless under direct supervision. No license and hunter education course required.

If you are between 12 and 15 years old, you need to have passed hunter education training but you are not required to have a hunting license.

Illinois

Minimum age: No limit

In Illinois, individuals aged 17 and younger are allowed to take part in the Youth Deer Hunt as long as they are supervised by an adult who is not hunting.

But, you have to be 16 years old to go hunting alone by yourselves.

Indiana

Minimum age: No limit

There is no specific age restriction for hunting in Indiana.

Children under 18 are allowed to hunt on specific youth free hunting days as long as they are accompanied by an adult who is 18 or older.

Children who are younger than 13 are not required to purchase a hunting permit.

The Department of Natural Resources provides hunter education classes in various counties in the state. Only Indiana residents can access these classes.

Children aged 11 and under who are hunting must have a parent or guardian with them at all times. If you are 12 years old or older, you are eligible to enroll in the online courses.

Idaho

Minimum age: 8 years old

Idaho lets you hunt big game at 10 and other game animals, like smaller game birds and upland game at 8 years old.

If you’re hunting, you must have a mentor who is at least 18 and holds a valid Idaho hunting license.

Iowa

Minimum age: 8 years old

In Iowa, residents can start hunting at 12, but there’s no minimum age to apply. If you’re under 16, you don’t need a license, but must be accompanied by a licensed adult 18 years of age or older.

Indiana provides a web-based hunter safety course for individuals who are 12 years old and above to acquire their hunter education card.

Utah

Minimum age: 12 years old for big game and no limit for others

To hunt big game in Utah, you must be at least 12. Youth who are 11 can apply for permits but can’t hunt until they turn 12. During the pursuit of large animals, you must have supervision from parents, legal guardian, or another responsible adult who is 21 or older.

There are no age restrictions for hunting upland game or turkey if you have completed a hunter education course.

Washington

Minimum age: No limit

In Washington, there’s no minimum age to hunt, but anyone born after January 1, 1972, must show proof of completing a hunter education class to purchase a license.

Other States

We’ve summarized the age requirements for hunting in some popular states to help you understand them better. Below is a table listing the age requirements for hunting in additional states. Continue to check them out:

States	Minimum Age	Notes
Kentucky	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Kansas	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Louisiana	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Massachusetts	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Michigan	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Minnesota	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Mississippi	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Missouri	11 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Montana	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Maine	10 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Maryland	No age limit	Supervised hunting allowed
Nevada	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Nebraska	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
New Hampshire	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
New Jersey	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
New Mexico	No age limit	Supervised hunting allowed
New York	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
North Carolina	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
North Dakota	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Ohio	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Oklahoma	11 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Oregon	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Pennsylvania	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Rhode Island	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
South Carolina	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
South Dakota	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Tennessee	10 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Texas	9 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Vermont	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Virginia	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
West Virginia	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Wisconsin	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed
Wyoming	12 years	Supervised hunting allowed

Conclusion

There it is for you! Now you are aware of the minimum age needed for hunting in every state. Understanding the rules is crucial for both younger and experienced hunters to ensure a fun and safe hunting experience.

Don’t forget, hunting is not only about excitement; it’s also about showing respect for nature and follow the rules. If you are sure when the hunting seasons started in each state, check out here: US Hunting Season Schedules For 50 States.