Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, you need a hunting license to hunt in Texas. This license grants you access to the state’s wildlife resources and also ensures that you’re committed to supporting Texas wildlife.
Keep reading to find out how you can get a hunting license in Texas.
Who Is Required To Get a Hunting License in Texas?
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has specific requirements for anyone who intends to hunt in the state. Residents or non-residents of any age who want to hunt any animal, such as a bird, frog, or turtle, in the state must obtain a hunting license.
Types of Texas Hunting Licenses: Which Do You Need?
Texas has two major categories of hunting licenses, depending on your age and residency. Understanding the different types of permits will help you choose the right one that matches your needs. Below are the two major categories of hunting licenses in Texas:
Resident Hunting Licenses
As a permanent resident of Texas, you can hunt any legal bird or animal (terrestrial vertebrates). The fee for getting a resident hunting license is $25. Texas offers numerous hunting licenses to individuals residing in the state, such as:
- Senior Resident Hunting License: This license is only valid for residents 65 years of age and above. It is available for $7 to senior residents in Texas.
- Youth Hunting Licenses: For individuals under 17 years of age, you’re exempted from state hunting endorsement requirements. The fee to purchase this license is $7.
- Trapper’s Licenses: This license is for individuals of any age who want to hunt, shoot, or sell fur-bearing animals, including pelts and carcasses. It can be purchased for $19.
- Hunting Lease Licenses: This license is for landowners or agents who lease hunting rights to other individuals on a property they control. The three hunting lease licenses available include small, medium, and large (getting any of these licenses depends on your land size).
- Lifetime Hunting Licenses and Tags: This license is available to Texas residents and is valid throughout the holder’s lifetime.
- Disability License: This license is specifically designed for veterans with disabilities. Visit the TPWD site for more details.
- Military and Veteran License: Active members are eligible for a free Texas Resident Active Duty Military “Super Combo” license. The hunting license is also available to veterans with service-related disabilities.
In addition, hunters wishing to hunt migratory waterfowl must purchase a Federal Duck Stamp, and you may also need certain endorsements in order to handle or hunt certain animals, such as the Reptile and Amphibian Endorsement.
Non-resident Hunting Licenses
If you don’t reside in Texas, you will need to get a non-resident hunting license. You may also need additional endorsements before you can actively hunt. Unlike permanent residents, non-residents aren’t eligible for lifetime licenses. Here are some non-resident hunting licenses you can buy:
- Non-resident General Hunting License: You can get this license for $315. With this license, you can hunt any legal bird or animal, including deer.
- Non-resident Spring Turkey License: This license allows you to hunt turkeys only during the spring season. As a non-resident, you’re not allowed to purchase this license and the general hunting license simultaneously.
- Non-resident Special Hunting: With this license, you can hunt exotic animals like squirrels, fur-bearing animals, and alligators.
If you want to purchase a hunting license in Texas but are unsure which one to get, you can consult the FAQ section of the TPWD site for more information.
How To Get a Hunting License in Texas
To get a Texas hunting license as a resident, you must provide proof that you’ve lived in Texas for more than six months. Your documents should reflect your name and address in the state.
You can get a hunting license in Texas by:
- Visiting the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website or office
- Visiting an approved agency
- Calling 1-800-TX-LIC-4-U (1-800-895-4248)
When you purchase a hunting license in Texas, it becomes effective from the date of purchase until August 31st. Texas residents are eligible to purchase a lifetime hunting and fishing license, which grants them permanent permission to hunt and fish in the state.
When Do You NOT Need a Hunting License in Texas?
While most hunters in Texas need a valid license, there are specific circumstances where a permit is not required. Below are some of those instances:
- When you have a commercial trapper’s license, you might be exempt from needing a hunting license to hunt certain fur-bearing animals.
- If you’re hunting feral hogs on private property with the landowner’s authorization, you don’t need a hunting license.
- When hunting coyotes that are attacking, about to attack, or have attacked livestock and domestic animals.
What Is Required To Hunt in Texas?
Although Texas hunting license requirements vary from residents to non-residents, you generally need to:
- Buy a hunting license from TPWD or an approved agency.
- Undergo hunter education training (this doesn’t apply to hunters who are under the age of 9 and those in the military).
Support Hunter Education Training With Las Huellas
To hunt in Texas, residents and non-residents must get a Texas hunting license from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. However, a license is only half the requirement – you must also complete a hunter education course before you can legally hunt in Texas.
At Las Huellas, we offer comprehensive hunter-education training for Texas residents. By enrolling in our free annual course, you’ll not only meet the state’s requirements but also support South Texas wildlife conservation.