January 28, 2024 BY: Brady Miller
Upfront fees and how much you'll get back when applying
Upfront fees and how much you'll get back
If you're planning on ever hunting Montana, this is a must read article on how to purchase your bonus points and preference points. Plus a look at what is the difference in bonus vs preference points in this state
Application Tools Application Strategy Articles Dates and Deadlines GOHUNT Maps State Rules and Regulations Species Profiles Point Tracker Hunt PlannerItem needed
Annual hunting license
Cost (nonresident)
Item needed
Application fee per species
Cost (nonresident)
Item needed
Application fee for muskox and bison
Cost (nonresident)
Item needed
Total cost to apply for all species (six hunt choices each)
Cost (nonresident)
Item needed
Cost (nonresident)
Annual hunting license
Application fee per species
Application fee for muskox and bison
Total cost to apply for all species (six hunt choices each)
Locking tag
Cost
Locking tag
Cost
Locking tag
Cost
Locking tag
Cost
Locking tag
Cost
Locking tag
Cost
Locking tag
Cost
Locking tag
Cost
Locking tag
Cost
Locking tag
Cost
Item needed
Annual hunting/fishing combo
Cost
Item needed
Application fee-bonus point per species
Cost
Item needed
Total cost to apply for every big game species
Cost
Item needed
Cost
Annual hunting/fishing combo
Application fee-bonus point per species
Total cost to apply for every big game species
Tag
Mule deer or Coues deer permit
Cost
Tag
Cost
Tag
Cost
Tag
Rocky Mountain or desert sheep
Cost
Tag
Cost
Tag
Cost
Tag
Cost
Tag
Black bear permit
Cost
Tag
Cost
Tag
Cost
Mule deer or Coues deer permit
Rocky Mountain or desert sheep
Black bear permit
Item needed
Nonresident hunting license
Cost
Item needed
First/second deer drawing application
Cost
Item needed
Application fee (antelope, elk, bighorn sheep)
Cost
Item needed
Total cost to apply for every big game species
Cost
Item needed
Total cost after deer application refund
Cost
Item needed
Cost
Nonresident hunting license
First/second deer drawing application
Application fee (antelope, elk, bighorn sheep)
Total cost to apply for every big game species
Total cost after deer application refund
Tag
Cost
Tag
Cost
Tag
Bighorn sheep tag
Cost
Tag
Cost
Bighorn sheep tag
Item needed
Wildlife habitat stamp
Cost
Item needed
Annual Small game license
Cost
Item needed
Wildlife education fee
Cost
Item needed
Search and rescue fee
Cost
Item needed
Drawing application fee (per species)
Cost
Item needed
Preference point fee for bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat (optional)
Cost
Item needed
Total cost to apply for every big game species with preference points
Cost
Item needed
Cost
Wildlife habitat stamp
Annual Small game license
Wildlife education fee
Search and rescue fee
Drawing application fee (per species)
Preference point fee for bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat (optional)
Total cost to apply for every big game species with preference points
Tag
Cost
Tag
Antlered elk license
Cost
Tag
Cost
Tag
Bighorn sheep (Rocky Mountain bighorn or Desert bighorn)
Cost
Tag
Rocky Mountain goat license
Cost
Tag
Cost
Tag
Black bear license
Cost
Tag
Cost
Antlered elk license
Bighorn sheep (Rocky Mountain bighorn or Desert bighorn)
Rocky Mountain goat license
Black bear license
Item
Nonresident one year annual hunting license
Cost
Item
Access/depredation management fee
Cost
Item
Convenience fee (deer, elk, or antelope)
Cost
Item
Controlled hunt application fee (deer, elk, antelope, or black bear)
Cost
Item
Total cost to apply for deer, elk, or antelope controlled hunt
Cost
Item
Cost
Nonresident one year annual hunting license
Access/depredation management fee
Convenience fee (deer, elk, or antelope)
Controlled hunt application fee (deer, elk, antelope, or black bear)
Total cost to apply for deer, elk, or antelope controlled hunt
Tag
Cost
Tag
Cost
Tag
Cost
Tag
Black bear license
Cost
Tag
Cost
Black bear license
Item
Nonresident one year annual hunting license
Cost
Item
Access/depredation management fee
Cost
Item
Controlled hunt application fee (bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat)
Cost
Item
License fee for bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat
Cost
Item
Convenience fee (bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat)
Cost
Item
Total cost to apply for bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat
Cost
Item
Total cost to apply for bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat after refund
Cost
Item
Cost
Nonresident one year annual hunting license
Access/depredation management fee
Controlled hunt application fee (bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat)
License fee for bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat
Convenience fee (bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat)
Total cost to apply for bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat
Total cost to apply for bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat after refund
Item needed
Nonresident hunting license
Cost
Item needed
Nonresident whitetail deer permit
Cost
Item needed
Mule deer stamp fee
Cost
Item needed
Total cost to apply for whitetail deer only
Cost
Item needed
Total cost to apply for mule deer
Cost
Item needed
Total cost to apply after refund
Cost
Item needed
Cost
Nonresident hunting license
Nonresident whitetail deer permit
Mule deer stamp fee
Total cost to apply for whitetail deer only
Total cost to apply for mule deer
Total cost to apply after refund
Item
General elk combo
Cost
Item
General deer combo
Cost
Item
General big game combo (deer and elk)
Cost
Item
Preference point (optional)
Cost
Item
Outfitter preference point (optional)
Cost
Item
Cost
General elk combo
General deer combo
General big game combo (deer and elk)
Preference point (optional)
Outfitter preference point (optional)
Item
Conservation license w/o $.025 Search and Rescue Donation
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Bonus point (per species)
Cost
Item
General big game combo
Cost
Item
Preference point (optional)
Cost
Item
Base Hunting License
Cost
Item
Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Total cost to apply for deer and elk permit (including big game general)
Cost
Item
Cost
Conservation license w/o $.025 Search and Rescue Donation
Bonus point (per species)
General big game combo
Preference point (optional)
Base Hunting License
Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass
Total cost to apply for deer and elk permit (including big game general)
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
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
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
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
Item
Base hunting license
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Moose application fee
Cost
Item
Bighorn sheep application fee
Cost
Item
Mountain goat application fee
Cost
Item
Bison application fee
Cost
Item
Bonus point (per species, optional)
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost to apply for all species (if you already have base hunting, and conservation)
Cost
Item
Cost
Base hunting license
Moose application fee
Bighorn sheep application fee
Mountain goat application fee
Bison application fee
Bonus point (per species, optional)
Cost to apply for all species (if you already have base hunting, and conservation)
Item
Cost
Item
Rocky Mountain goat
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Rocky Mountain goat
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Rocky Mountain goat
Cost
Item
Nonresident Preference Point
Cost
Item
Service fee (if buying all species points)
Cost
Item
Total cost to buy points
Cost
Item
Cost
Rocky Mountain goat
Nonresident Preference Point
Service fee (if buying all species points)
Total cost to buy points
Item
Adult combination license
Cost
Item
Elk application fee
Cost
Item
Elk management fee
Cost
Item
Deer application fee
Cost
Item
Antelope application fee
Cost
Item
Desert bighorn sheep application fee
Cost
Item
California bighorn sheep application fee
Cost
Item
Mountain goat application fee
Cost
Item
Black bear application fee
Cost
Item
Bonus point only (optional and exempt from elk management and predator fees)
Cost
Item
Processing fee per product
Cost
Item
Predator control fee (per application)
Cost
Item
Total cost to apply for every species
Cost
Item
Cost
Adult combination license
Elk application fee
Elk management fee
Deer application fee
Antelope application fee
Desert bighorn sheep application fee
California bighorn sheep application fee
Mountain goat application fee
Black bear application fee
Bonus point only (optional and exempt from elk management and predator fees)
Processing fee per product
Predator control fee (per application)
Total cost to apply for every species
Tag
Cost
Tag
Cost
Tag
Cost
Tag
Desert bighorn sheep tag
Cost
Tag
California bighorn sheep tag
Cost
Tag
Mountain goat tag
Cost
Tag
Cost
Tag
Cost
Desert bighorn sheep tag
California bighorn sheep tag
Mountain goat tag
Item
Nonresident game hunting license
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Deer (quality or high demand)
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Elk (quality or high demand)
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep or Desert bighorn sheep
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Total upfront cost to apply for every species (standard deer and elk)
Cost
Item
Total upfront cost to apply for every species (quality or high demand deer and elk)
Cost
Item
Total cost to apply for every species after refund
Cost
Item
Cost
Nonresident game hunting license
Deer (quality or high demand)
Elk (quality or high demand)
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep or Desert bighorn sheep
Total upfront cost to apply for every species (standard deer and elk)
Total upfront cost to apply for every species (quality or high demand deer and elk)
Total cost to apply for every species after refund
Item
General Game and Habitat License (required)
Cost
Item
Fishing, Hunting, Furbearer Certificate (required)
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Total upfront cost to apply for deer
Cost
Item
Total cost to apply for deer after refund
Cost
Item
Total upfront cost to apply for deer and sheep
Cost
Item
Total cost to apply for deer and sheep after refund
Cost
Item
Cost
General Game and Habitat License (required)
Fishing, Hunting, Furbearer Certificate (required)
Total upfront cost to apply for deer
Total cost to apply for deer after refund
Total upfront cost to apply for deer and sheep
Total cost to apply for deer and sheep after refund
Item
Nonresident hunting license
Cost
Item
Deer (Columbian blacktail, Columbian whitetail, mule deer)
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
California bighorn sheep or Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Total cost to apply for every species
Cost
Item
Cost
Nonresident hunting license
Deer (Columbian blacktail, Columbian whitetail, mule deer)
California bighorn sheep or Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep
Total cost to apply for every species
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Preference point fees (per species)
Cost
Item
Total cost to apply for every species
Cost
Item
Cost
Preference point fees (per species)
Total cost to apply for every species
Item
Cost
Item
Deer (West River special buck)
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Deer (West River special buck)
Item
Nonresident one-year hunting license
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Limited entry deer
Cost
Item
Limited entry elk
Cost
Item
Limited entry antelope
Cost
Item
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep
Cost
Item
Desert bighorn sheep
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Total cost to apply for all species
Cost
Item
Cost
Nonresident one-year hunting license
Limited entry deer
Limited entry elk
Limited entry antelope
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep
Desert bighorn sheep
Total cost to apply for all species
Item
Cost
Item
Deer (Dedicated hunter)
Cost
Item
Limited entry deer
Cost
Item
Premium limited entry deer
Cost
Item
Multi-season limited entry deer
Cost
Item
Multi-season premium limited entry deer
Cost
Item
Deer management buck
Cost
Item
Limited entry elk
Cost
Item
Multi-season limited entry elk
Cost
Item
Limited entry antelope
Cost
Item
Rocky Mountain or desert bighorn sheep
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Bison Antelope Island
Cost
Item
Bear (limited-entry or harvest-objective permit)
Cost
Item
Bear (Multi-season limited entry)
Cost
Item
Cost
Deer (Dedicated hunter)
Limited entry deer
Premium limited entry deer
Multi-season limited entry deer
Multi-season premium limited entry deer
Deer management buck
Limited entry elk
Multi-season limited entry elk
Limited entry antelope
Rocky Mountain or desert bighorn sheep
Bison Antelope Island
Bear (limited-entry or harvest-objective permit)
Bear (Multi-season limited entry)
Item
Deer license (a prerequisite for applying)
Cost
Item
Elk license (a prerequisite for applying)
Cost
Item
Special hunt permit application fee per species
Cost
Item
Total cost to apply for both deer and elk
Cost
Item
Cost
Deer license (a prerequisite for applying)
Elk license (a prerequisite for applying)
Special hunt permit application fee per species
Total cost to apply for both deer and elk
Item
Special hunt permit application fee per species
Cost
Item
Total cost to apply for sheep, moose, goat
Cost
Item
Cost
Special hunt permit application fee per species
Total cost to apply for sheep, moose, goat
Item
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Bighorn sheep license
Cost
Item
Mountain goat license
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Bison license (either sex)
Cost
Item
2.5% processing fee (nonrefundable)
Cost
Item
Total upfront cost to apply for every species
Cost
Item
Total cost after refunds to apply for every species
Cost
Item
Total cost after refunds to apply and purchase points during point only period
Cost
Item
Cost
Bighorn sheep license
Mountain goat license
Bison license (either sex)
2.5% processing fee (nonrefundable)
Total upfront cost to apply for every species
Total cost after refunds to apply for every species
Total cost after refunds to apply and purchase points during point only period
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
2.5% processing fee (nonrefundable)
Cost
Item
Total upfront cost to apply for every species
Cost
Item
Total cost after refunds to apply for every species in draw
Cost
Item
Total cost after refunds to apply and purchase points during point only period
Cost
Item
Cost
2.5% processing fee (nonrefundable)
Total upfront cost to apply for every species
Total cost after refunds to apply for every species in draw
Total cost after refunds to apply and purchase points during point only period
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Bighorn sheep license
Cost
Item
Mountain goat license
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Bison license (either sex)
Cost
Item
2.5% processing fee (nonrefundable)
Cost
Item
Total upfront cost to apply for every species
Cost
Item
Total cost after refunds to apply for every species in draw
Cost
Item
Total cost after refunds to apply and purchase points during point only period
Cost
Item
Cost
Bighorn sheep license
Mountain goat license
Bison license (either sex)
2.5% processing fee (nonrefundable)
Total upfront cost to apply for every species
Total cost after refunds to apply for every species in draw
Total cost after refunds to apply and purchase points during point only period
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Cost
Item
Total cost to buy points for every species
Cost
Item
Cost
Total cost to buy points for every species
State
Species
Sitka Blacktail deer, Roosevelt elk, Dall sheep, mountain goat, Alaska/Yukon moose, bison, muskox, brown bear, black bear, wolf
Upfront cost
Nonrefundable fees
State
Species
Deer, elk, antelope, desert bighorn sheep, bison
Upfront cost
Nonrefundable fees
State
Species
Deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep
Upfront cost
Nonrefundable fees
State
Species
Deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat
Upfront cost
Nonrefundable fees
State
Species
Moose, bighorn sheep, or mountain goat
Upfront cost
Nonrefundable fees
State
Species
Deer, elk, or antelope
Upfront cost
Nonrefundable fees
State
Species
Deer (mule deer option)
Upfront cost
Nonrefundable fees
State
Species
Deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, bison
Upfront cost
Nonrefundable fees
State
Species
Deer, elk, antelope, California & desert bighorn sheep, bear
Upfront cost
Nonrefundable fees
State
Species
Deer, elk, antelope, desert bighorn sheep, ibex, oryx, barbary sheep
Upfront cost
Nonrefundable fees
State
Species
Upfront cost
Nonrefundable fees
State
Species
Deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, bear
Upfront cost
Nonrefundable fees
State
Species
Deer, antelope, bison
Upfront cost
Nonrefundable fees
State
Species
Deer, elk, antelope, mountain goat, Rocky bighorn sheep, Desert bighorn sheep, bison
Upfront cost
Nonrefundable fees
State
Species
Deer, elk, sheep, moose, mountain goat
Upfront cost
Nonrefundable fees
State
Species
Deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, bison
Upfront cost
Nonrefundable fees
State
Total
Species
Upfront cost
$38,205.09
Nonrefundable fees
$6,159.46
State
Species
Upfront cost
Nonrefundable fees
Sitka Blacktail deer, Roosevelt elk, Dall sheep, mountain goat, Alaska/Yukon moose, bison, muskox, brown bear, black bear, wolf
Deer, elk, antelope, desert bighorn sheep, bison
Deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep
Deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat
Moose, bighorn sheep, or mountain goat
Deer, elk, or antelope
Deer (mule deer option)
Deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, bison
Deer, elk, antelope, California & desert bighorn sheep, bear
Deer, elk, antelope, desert bighorn sheep, ibex, oryx, barbary sheep
Deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, bear
Deer, antelope, bison
Deer, elk, antelope, mountain goat, Rocky bighorn sheep, Desert bighorn sheep, bison
Deer, elk, sheep, moose, mountain goat
Deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, bison
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).
