GETTING LICENSED
of the hunt is definitely right for you. Although your mind is made up, you’re still not quite ready to head out and try your hand at bringing home game. The next step you’ll need to tackle to turn your idea of becoming a hunter into reality involves licensing. It is imperative to have the proper credentials to wander in the woods, wetlands and mountainous areas of America and most other countries.
Exact procedures for licensing can vary from state to state and country to country. There are a few basic rules of thumb you will want to follow, however, no matter where you intend to set up for your first big hunt.
To make sure you get your documentation all in order before you arrive at your desired hunting location, be sure to follow these tips:
- Visit the local fish and wildlife commission Web site
Most states offer a bevy of licensing information on their own Web sites. Here you will be able to check into hunting locations, licensing requirements, locations to obtain your permits and what you might need to bring with you. Keep in mind that licenses and permits can become rather specialized based on the animals in question. Some states, for example, run quota hunts for specific game. This type of permit is purchased in addition to a standard hunting license. Some management areas may also require the purchase of an additional stamp to allow legal entry for hunting. If you plan on hunting outside of the United States, visit the proper agency’s Web site for the country you intend to visit to find out what is required, what the costs are and so on. - Be very mindful of the requirements
The exact requirements for obtaining a hunting license and permits to hunt specific game can vary greatly. Read up on these so you know exactly what you’ll need to do to make certain your hunt is legal. Some areas, for example, may require the completion of a hunters’ safety course before they will grant licensing to anyone, even out-of-town visitors. - Make sure you know your seasons
Most states and countries that allow legal hunting do set seasons on their game animals. Even with a hunting license, hunting outside of season is illegal in these areas. Fish and wildlife offices around America tend to post the dates for seasonal hunts by the type of game involved. Check out location-specific information to make sure you have your ducks in a row before you head out on a long trip to hunt deer in a different state. There’s nothing worse than arriving and finding out your desired animal is out of season. - Understand where you need to go to get a license
Take the time to check out the different locations where you can obtain a hunting license. Some states rely heavily on hunting-related merchants to sell licenses for them. Others might require you visit a government office to fill out forms, pay fees and obtain the proper credentials. Many do provide the ability to fill out forms and pay online, as well.
Keep in mind when you are looking into licensing requirements, it’s also a good idea to brush up on the laws governing hunting in the area where you intend to hunt. Laws regarding hunting outside of set areas, outside of legal hours and even failing to wear the proper gear are on the books in many locations. The fines and penalties involved with breeches of the law can run very high. In Georgia, for example, the fine for hunting before or after legal hours is $134. Hunting deer at night can result in a $659 fine. Hunting without a proper license in an area where the act is considered poaching can result in felony charges and even jail time.
While it might sound nice to save a few bucks by circumventing the system, it’s just not worth it. The cost of a license can vary, but in most cases it actually runs less than the fines by a long shot – even for out-of-state hunters. Using Georgia as the example again, it costs about $9 for a one-year big game hunting license for residents. Non residents pay $90 for a 3-day permit. They can also obtain an annual license for $195. Hunting and fishing license combinations are even cheaper – especially when compared to the fines for going without. Other states have similar pricing structures.
Now that you know how to line up a license to make your hunt legal, your next step involves lining up the gear you’ll need for a hunt. While you won’t necessarily need to purchase everything right away, having the right clothing and safety gear at the very least is important.
Hello my name is Kristopher M. Samson. I live in 1152 Stonepot Road Jersey City, NJ 07302. I am very like hunting .If you also like hunting, it's great ! I am so happy to know you because I also love to hunting . Hunting gives me a strong feeling and relieve work pressure. I have gone hunting for 2 years and I also have some experience . I made this blog to share my hobby to people like me and record the exciting experiences that I went through. If you care about hunting , you can read my new post best hunting boots in the world
