Youth License Requirements

[Andrew]

Need some help from fellow parents of under 16 hunters...I have a nephew that completed the Iowa state hunters ed program.  I can't seem to find what the minimum age is for a hunter in the waterfowl regs nor can I determine what they need to buy.  I believe all hunters are required to buy the fed stamp, but I don't know if he needs a permit as well.  I'm hoping that he doesn't need the permit since Iowa doesn't send/receive your card until age 12 and I think you can only get a permit with a wild ID which requires proof of hunters ed.  Thanks for any help!

[fair-chase]

There is no minimum age requirement in WA. But, he will need to show proof of hunters education in order to purchase his first license. If Iowa will not send you the proof of completion, you will need to have him take another class here before purchasing.

[Bob33]

There is no minimum hunting age in Washington. Anyone born after January 1, 1972 must complete a hunter education course (all states have reciprocity.)

Hunters under age 16 do not need a federal migratory bird stamp.

He needs a hunting license with small game and a state migratory bird permit.

[Oldguy]

He might be able to get the one time deferral for Hunter Education but I would guess that the season would be over prior to the WDFW getting it in his hands. One thing that might be a problem is that he is a non-resident and the youth fees might only apply to Washington State youth. If that's the case, small game  is $183.50. And if you take I-594 seriously and he didn't bring his own firearm with him that adds other problems. Might be better to convince him to head for Mount Baker and go skiing.

[Bob33]

Are you saying that Iowa won't provide him proof that he completed their hunter education program? That makes no sense at all. Have you called them?

In Washington they could issue a duplicate almost instantly.

[Oldguy]

From the Iowa Hunter Safety Program



"A person who is 11 years old or older may enroll in a course, but those who are 11 and successfully complete the course shall be issued a certificate which becomes valid on that person's 12th birthday. Iowa residents under the age of 12 can be issued a deer or turkey license; however, a licensed adult hunter must accompany each youth hunter. If the certificate is lost, a replacement certificate may be obtained from any ELSI vendor during regular business hours for $4.50."

Looks like it is a useless piece of paper until you are 12 or hunting deer or turkey in Iowa.

[Bob33]

From the Iowa Hunter Safety Program



"A person who is 11 years old or older may enroll in a course, but those who are 11 and successfully complete the course shall be issued a certificate which becomes valid on that person's 12th birthday. Iowa residents under the age of 12 can be issued a deer or turkey license; however, a licensed adult hunter must accompany each youth hunter. If the certificate is lost, a replacement certificate may be obtained from any ELSI vendor during regular business hours for $4.50."

That's it. He can get a replacement certificate and then he should be good to go in Washington.