Home / Hunting Bond

Hunting and Fishing License Bond

Hunting and fishing are both proud traditions in America. These popular sporting pastimes build a connection and appreciation for nature and wild spaces. They provide opportunities to strengthen family relationships and pass on traditions. Additionally, hunting and fishing can provide many conservation benefits by ensuring intelligent population control.

But to be sure that our wild lands can support hunting and fishing now and in the future, all laws, regulations, and licensing regulations must be respected and followed. These restrictions ensure that no land or population is overhunted and protect the sport for others. That is why many states require hunting and fishing guides, outfitters, and those who issue hunting and fishing licenses to hold a hunting bond.

What is a Hunting and Fishing License Bond?

A hunting and fishing license bond ensures that the bondholder and their employees abide by all the laws and regulations governing hunting and fishing in their state and county. The hunting bond provides a monetary incentive for the bonded to abide by all the measures that seek to manage wild populations of grazing animals, predators, birds, and fish. Further, the bond provides the government and the public with a mechanism for financial redress if a bonded hunting and fishing guide fails to follow the law.

Like any surety bond, a hunting bond is essentially a risk management tool. By recognizing both the singular value and the potential harm that can be done by hunting and fishing, the government requires hunting and fishing guide license bonds to help ensure the laws will be followed.

How Does a Hunting and Fishing Guide License Bond Work?

There are many different types of surety bonds, but they all have a similar basic structure based on three essential parties to the bond:

• The Principal – The hunting bond principle is the bonded hunting and fishing guide who issues hunting or fishing licenses or acts as a guide or outfitter for hunting parties.
• The Obligee – A hunting and fishing guide license bond's obligee is the government agency that requires the principal be bonded.
• The Surety – The insurance company that underwrites the hunting bond is the surety.

If someone believes a bonded hunting guide or outfitter is violating the law, they can make a claim against the hunting bond. At that point, the surety will thoroughly investigate the claim. If they find in favor of the complaint, the surety promptly pays the claim up to the bond's full value. Then, they seek repayment from the bonded principal.

Who Needs a Hunting and Fishing License Bond?

Every state determines its hunting and fishing laws, as well as its requirements for hunting bonds. Some states do not require one at all, while others may require a different bond amount or may bond different people.

At this time, the following states require a hunting bond:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Utah
• Washington
• West Virginia

If you are unsure whether you need to obtain a hunting and fishing guide license bond, contact us! Our surety bonding specialists will verify the requirements in your state and walk you through the process.

How Much Does a Hunting and Fishing Guide License Bond Cost?

The cost of a hunting bond, or the bond needed to issue fishing guide licenses, varies with your state. Some states require a higher bond value, which impacts the bond cost. Typically, the cost is just 1 – 5% of the bond value. The premium is higher for those with challenging credit, but we will work with you to keep the bond cost as low as possible.

How Can I Get a Hunting and Fishing License Bond?

At Viking Bond Service, we make it easy to get a hunting guide license. It is a simple, three-step process to obtain a surety bond:

1. Complete our online bond application.
2. We run a credit check.
3. You'll provide any additional documents, if necessary.

We will get you a competitive quote ASAP.

Get Your Hunting Bond Quote Today!

In hunting and fishing, timing is everything. So don't hesitate to get your hunting bond quote and act on it! Request a quote online or give us a call at 1-888-2-SURETY (1-888-278-7389). Good hunting to you!