when was the first hunting license sold in the USA?

Answer 1

Sorry but California was not the first nor the oldest state issuing a Hunting Licence.

The State of Utah in 1901 passed the following law in their State legislature.This beat California by 2 years..

"Any bona fide male citizen of the State of Utah over the age of fourteen yers of age and making payment of $1 to any justice of the peace of the county in which he resides, the county commissioner,or a deputy warden, or any other person whom shall be duly authorized shall be entitled from the officer to whom such payment is made, a hunting and fishing license. Said license shall permit such person to pursue,hunt and kill any of the game animals, or those mentioned in this title during the time when it shall be lawful to kill same, in any counties of this state, subject to the limitations as to the number of animals or birds provided, and to catch fish with hook and line according to the provisions of this statute.

All "FEMALE" persons, residents of the state of Utah, may take game animals under the provisions of this title, WITHOUT procuring a license,as provided by this title.


Utah was also the first state to issue a "TAG" that was to be worn on the outside of clothes while hunting.... Whew..

Answer 2

Deer licenses were first required in Michigan in 1895 at a cost of $0.50 for residents and $25 for non-residents. 14,477 resident licenses were sold compared to only 22 non-resident licenses.

Answer 3

Not sure, but it seems California has had them in place for 100 years. It is celebrating that fact:

http://www.biggamehunt.net/sections/California/Californias-Hunting-License-Turns-100-05280708.html

And yes, that seems to be the oldest one:
"The state hunting license was established by the California Legislature in 1907, making it the oldest hunting license in the country. "

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/outdoors/20070422-9999-1s22outdoors.html

Answer 4

Yes she's right 1907 and it was sold to ImABigManWithShitForBrains