Antlerless Season License Question

I took a buddy hunting this weekend that had only been deer hunting one time previously, and that was several years ago when he was in high school. He attempted to get an antlerless only license but was told by the attendant at the shop he had to purchase the firearm antlered tag first, and then could get the bonus antleress tag.

Would the same hold true during the late antlerless season? If his first trip out would've been in December, would he have to purchase the worthless firearm license in order to get the bonus antlerless license?

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions!