Follow these straightforward steps to obtain a Texas hunting license:
- Step 1: Complete the online Hunter Education Certification course
- Step 2: Select your license type
- Step 3: Buy your Texas Parks and Wildlife license through an online purchase or in-person through a licensed agent.
TX Hunter Education Certification
Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course.
We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online, and your hunter education certificate is IHEA-USA & Texas Parks and Wildlife approved and accepted in Texas.
After completing the Hunter Ed course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate.
We submit your course results to the state. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including Texas), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.
Select Your Texas Hunting License
Texas offers a variety of hunting licenses tailored to residents, non-residents, youth, seniors, and landowners.
A hunting license is required of any person (resident or nonresident), of any age, to hunt any animal, bird, frog or turtle in this state, except the following:
- coyotes, if the coyotes are attacking, about to attack, or have recently attacked livestock, domestic animals, or fowl.
- feral hogs on private property with landowner authorization.
- fur-bearing animals, if the hunter possesses a commercial trapper’s license.
- depredating fur-bearing animals, if a landowner (resident or non-resident) or landowner’s agent is taking fur-bearing animals causing depredation on the landowner’s land. No portion of the nuisance fur-bearer may be possessed, sold or retained for any purpose.
Texas residents and non-residents under the age of 17 must have the Youth Hunting License. They do not need state hunting endorsement requirements, except for the Reptile and Amphibian Endorsement. State endorsement exemptions remain valid for the entire license year. The Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification must be added when applicable.
Texas residents age 65 or older are eligible for the reduced-fee Senior Resident Hunting License and Senior “Super Combo” License Package.
Here's a breakdown of the main types:
Resident Licenses
A resident is a person who has lived in Texas for at least six months. Non-residents under the age of 17 and active-duty military members and their dependents are considered residents.
- Resident Hunting License: For Texas residents aged 17 and older.
- Senior Resident Hunting License: For residents aged 65 and older.
- Youth Hunting License: For residents and non-residents under 17.
- Super Combo License: Combines hunting and fishing licenses with five endorsements (archery, freshwater, saltwater with red drum tag, upland game bird, and migratory game bird).
- Lifetime Licenses: Available to residents; valid for the holder's lifetime. Fees vary.
Non-Resident Licenses
All non-residents must have a non-resident hunting license.
Additional licenses and endorsements may be required. Non-residents under the age of 17 may purchase the resident Youth Hunting License. However, they are not eligible for lifetime licenses.
- General Hunting License: Valid for all legal game, including deer.
- Spring Turkey License: Valid only during the spring turkey season.
- Special Hunting License: Valid for exotic animals and certain game birds (excluding deer and turkey).
- 5-Day Special Hunting License: Valid for five consecutive days for exotic animals and certain game birds (excluding deer and turkey).
- Banded Bird Hunting License: Valid only for hunting banded birds on private bird hunting areas.
All hunting licenses are valid from date of purchase until August 31 unless otherwise noted. Licenses go on sale August 15. More information can be found here on the Texas Parks & Wildlife website.
Where to buy your Texas Hunting License
To hunt in Texas, you can buy your license either online through the Texas Parks & Wildlife licensing platform or in person through a licensing agent, all listed here.
Suggested Authorized In-Person Hunting License Agents in Texas:
- Bass Pro Shops – Grapevine, TX Address: 2501 Bass Pro Dr, Grapevine, TX 76051 Phone: (972) 724-2018
- Academy Sports + Outdoors – Houston, TX Address: 9734 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77055 Phone: (713) 722-1500
- Walmart Supercenter – Austin, TX Address: 710 E Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 Phone: (512) 443-6600
- Cabela's – Buda, TX Address: 15570 S IH 35 Frontage Rd, Buda, TX 78610 Phone: (512) 295-1100
- Dick's Sporting Goods – San Antonio, TX Address: 321 Northwest Loop 410 Ste 112, San Antonio, TX 78216 Phone: (210) 202-0002
Where to Find Additional Resources
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Contact Information:
Phone: (512) 389-4800 or (800) 792-1112 Email: [email protected]
Website: tpwd.texas.gov