Texas Hunting License

How Do I Get My State Hunting License?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

1. Complete the Texas hunter education certification requirements.
2. Choose the correct license type.
3. Buy the license through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website or a Texas-approved agent.

Types of Texas Hunting Licenses

Texas Resident

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.

All Texas residents must have a resident hunting license. No license is required for nuisance fur-bearing animals, feral hogs, and coyotes. Additional endorsements may be required. Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for more details.

Non-Resident

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.

Youth Hunting License

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. Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for more details.

Senior Hunting License

Texas residents age 65 or older are eligible for the reduced-fee Senior Resident Hunting License and Senior “Super Combo” License Package. Additional endorsements may be required.

Disability License

Texas does not offer a hunting license specifically for people with disabilities except for disabled veterans. Hunters with a disability may be able to use certain hunting methods. Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for more details.

Military and Veteran License

Active-duty military members who are stationed anywhere may purchase a resident hunting license. In addition, active-duty military members who are Texas residents are eligible for the free Texas Resident Active Duty Military “Super Combo” License and the free Texas Resident Active Duty Military Hunting Package while on leave.

Veterans (Texas residents and non-residents) who have a service-connected disability may be eligible for the free Disabled Veteran “Super Combo” License. Disabilities consist of the loss of the use of a limb or a disability with the rating of 50% or more. Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for more details.

Migratory Waterfowl Requirements

All hunters age 16 or older must purchase the Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. All hunters age 17 or older must purchase the Texas Migratory Game Bird Endorsement. In addition, hunters are required to have proof of their participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).

License Expiration

Hunting licenses are good from Aug. 15 through Aug. 31 of the next year. Texas residents are able to purchase a lifetime hunting license.

Where to Buy a Texas Hunting License

• Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.
• Call 1-800-TX-LIC-4-U (1-800-895-4248).
• Visit a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department office or an approved license agent.