ByCan a Felon Get a Hunting License?
When hunting season rolls around, one question fish and game authorities often get is, "?" The answer is "yes.”
Many non-hunters think of rifles and shotguns when they think of hunting game, and most of us know that it's generally illegal for felons to own firearms. But there are some types of guns felons can use, depending on the state in which the felon wants to get a hunting license and whether the felon has had certain rights restored. Then, of course, there are hunting weapons that have no restrictions for felons at all!
Let's take a look at the rules as they pertain to hunters, as well as an easy way for you to get your hunting license online: With DoNotPay.
Who Issues Hunting Licenses?
Each state has its own fish and wildlife department, responsible for managing wildlife populations and determining hunting seasons, fees, and laws. States are typically divided by region, with a fish and wildlife office for each. (These regions aren't to be confused with hunting units, subdivisions of regions where specific hunting seasons may apply according to game populations.)
Where can you find out about each state's hunting laws for felons?
State fish and game departments publish booklets each year with updated rules for that year's hunting, fishing, and trapping seasons. So if you’re wondering, “can a felon get a hunting license?”, you can usually find these booklets for free at:
- Sporting goods stores
- Ranger stations
- Fish and wildlife offices
Local shops and even gas stations might carry them in areas where hunting is popular. Ask a cashier if you don't see them in a rack near the register or newspaper stand.
You can also lookup your state's fish and game departments on this website.
Where Can Felons Purchase a Hunting License?
In most places, felons can get a hunting license anywhere they're available to the general public. Many states offer online purchasing for hunting licenses, or you can buy your license in person anyplace you can find fishing regulation booklets for that state. You can also purchase hunting licenses online through DoNotPay.
What are the Different Types of Hunting Licenses?
In most states, hunting licenses aren't a one-and-done process; there's usually a combination of the fees.
| Conservation fees | Additional fees that help with specific species and habitats in state or federal jurisdictions |
| General hunting license | Usually includes small game such as rabbits and squirrels and may include nuisance animals such as coyotes, ground squirrels, wild pigs. |
| Species permits and stamps | Each species has a season, and while these periods may overlap, you'll likely have to purchase permits for each game species you wish to pursue. These might include:
|
| Specific weapon seasons | Most states set aside special "sub seasons" in which game can only be hunted with specific weapons for additional fees. These might include:
|
Now, here's the big question:
Which Hunting Weapons are Felons Allowed to Use?
Unless they've had their rights restored, felons are prohibited from owning firearms according to Federal law. Here is a fact sheet for Federal firearm laws.
Guns classified as antiques according to Federal law are exempt from this rule if they can't be converted to rifles or handguns that can fire cartridges, as the latter are considered firearms while antique guns are not. However, different states have their own laws pertaining to felons and their ability to possess these special guns.
Felons can use other methods of hunting, including archery, crossbows, and trapping.
How Felons Can Get a Hunting License and Understand State Laws
If you are planning to hunt with antique guns as a felon, and you haven't had your rights restored, you must be diligent in finding out whether the state in which you plan to hunt allows felons to do so. We recommend doing all three of the following steps, just to be certain you will be hunting as a felon within the bounds of state law:
- Call or write to the fish and wildlife headquarters in that state.
- Call or write to the state's Attorney General's office.
- Go to the state's regulations website; these can be VERY confusing to navigate and may not cover laws related to hunters with felonies.
While you're checking for state antique firearm laws, you should also find out if:
- You are required to take a hunter's safety course to obtain a certificate
- You are required to take an archery safety course (in addition to hunter safety) and obtain a certificate
- You are required to take a trapper's safety course (in addition to hunter safety) and obtain a certificate
- How much does it cost to purchase your license and required permits and stamps
Many states waive these certificate requirements for hunters who were adults when the state's hunter education laws took effect. Otherwise, these requirements apply to all hunters, regardless of their criminal history.
Once you know what type of weapon you wish to use, you can either go online at the state fish and wildlife office website, walk into a shop that sells fishing and hunting licenses, or use DoNotPay to help you purchase a license in just a few easy steps.
How to Get Your Hunting License in Any State with DoNotPay
If you want to get a hunting license without hunting down all the information you need from each state, DoNotPay makes it easy! Just follow these three steps:
- Search "hunting license" on DoNotPay and select the state you would like a hunting license for.
- Indicate whether you are a resident or non-resident, and choose the type of license you want. For example, an annual or one-time pass, big game or small game license, bear tag, etc.
- Provide your contact information, a copy of your government-issued ID, and pay the fee required by the state.
And that's it! DoNotPay will get the hunting license on your behalf, which will be valid immediately. Just download the file and print it as a temporary license, while a physical copy gets processed and sent to you by mail.
What Else Can DoNotPay Do?
DoNotPay can do more than help you get your hunting license if you are a felon! We offer hundreds of services to help you navigate the red tape and make life simpler. Here are just three of our popular services!
- Skip the line at the DMV by making appointments online
- Find money that's owed you...that you don't even know exists
- Apply for a trademark
Why You Should Use DoNotPay to Get Your Hunting License Today
Getting a hunting license shouldn't be as hard as it is, but understanding all the regulations and finding out which licenses, permits, and stamps you need can be an extremely confusing and frustrating process. So if you’re wondering “can a felon get a hunting license?”, DoNotPay can boil it all down to three fast and easy steps, and get you your license without you having to study regulations, contact state and federal offices, check with your parole officer, find local license vendors, and risk breaking laws.
, and find out how we can help streamline your to-do list tomorrow!