Hunting License by Animal: Compare 9 Species (2026)
Find tag costs, season dates, draw requirements, and the best states to hunt deer, elk, turkey, duck, bear, moose, pheasant, dove, and wild hog.
Choose Your Game Animal
Click any species to see tag costs, season dates, and licensing requirements across all states.
Deer
White-tailed Deer, Mule Deer, Blacktail Deer
Turkey
Wild Turkey, Eastern Turkey, Rio Grande Turkey
Duck
Mallard, Wood Duck, Teal
Dove
Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove
Bear
Black Bear, Brown Bear, Grizzly Bear
Wild Hog
Feral Pig, Wild Boar, Feral Hog
Pheasant
Ring-necked Pheasant
Elk
Rocky Mountain Elk, Roosevelt Elk, Tule Elk
Moose
Shiras Moose, Canada Moose, Alaska-Yukon Moose
Hunting License Cost Comparison by Species
Side-by-side overview of tag costs, availability, and draw requirements for the 2026 season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hunting Licenses by Animal
What types of hunting licenses do I need for different animals?
Most states require a base hunting license plus species-specific tags or permits. For example, deer tags, turkey permits, elk tags, and waterfowl stamps are common add-ons. Some states include certain species (like deer or turkey) with the general hunting license at no extra cost, while others charge separate fees ranging from $10 to $500+ depending on the species and your residency status.
Which animal is the most popular to hunt in the US?
Deer is by far the most popular game animal in the United States, with over 10 million hunters pursuing white-tailed deer and mule deer annually across all 50 states. Turkey hunting is the second most popular, with over 2.5 million hunters. Waterfowl (duck) hunting attracts around 1.5 million hunters each year.
Which hunting licenses are the most expensive?
Elk and moose tags tend to be the most expensive, especially for non-residents. Non-resident elk tags can cost $500–$900+ in states like Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming. Moose tags in Alaska can exceed $800 for non-residents. By comparison, deer and turkey tags are generally much more affordable, with many states including them in the base hunting license.
Do I need a draw or lottery for any hunting licenses?
Yes, many species require a draw (lottery) system, especially in western states. Elk, moose, and bear hunts frequently require draws. Some deer hunts in states like Iowa, Kansas, and Arizona are draw-only. Draw applications typically open 3–9 months before the season, and many states offer preference point systems to improve your odds over time.
Can I hunt multiple species on the same trip?
Yes, many hunters pursue multiple species during a single trip by purchasing tags for each animal. For example, you might hold a deer tag and a turkey tag for the same state. Some states offer combination licenses or bundled packages that include multiple species at a discounted rate. Be sure seasons overlap for the species you want to hunt.
What is the Federal Duck Stamp and do I need one?
The Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) is required for all waterfowl hunters age 16 and older in the United States. It costs $25 annually and is available at post offices, some retailers, and online. In addition to the federal stamp, most states require their own state waterfowl stamp or HIP (Harvest Information Program) registration.