How to Get Your Texas Hunting License

A Texas hunting license is required for hunters of any age to legally take wildlife in the state, though a few narrow exemptions exist. Residents pay $25 for an annual license, while a non-resident general hunting license costs $315. Hunters born on or after September 2, 1971 must complete a TPWD-approved hunter education course before they can legally hunt, though the course itself isn't required to purchase a license.

Licenses are sold at tpwd.texas.gov, by phone, and at roughly 1,700 retailers statewide. The Texas hunting license year runs September 1 through August 31, and licenses for the upcoming season typically go on sale each August 15.

This guide walks you through how to get your Texas hunting license and Hunter Education Certificate, step by step.

What Is a Hunting License in Texas?

A Texas hunting license is the legal document that allows you to take wildlife in the state. It's issued by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and comes in several forms, including a standard resident or non-resident annual license, a youth license for hunters under 17, a senior resident license for hunters 65 and older, and combination packages that bundle hunting and fishing privileges.

The license itself is separate from your Hunter Education Certificate. The certificate proves you completed a TPWD-approved safety course, and once you earn it, it's valid for life. The license, on the other hand, expires every August 31 and must be purchased again each season.

Who Needs a Hunting License in Texas?

Texas law requires a hunting license for any person, of any age, who hunts an animal, bird, frog, or turtle in the state, with a short list of exceptions. You don't need a license to take feral hogs or nuisance fur-bearing animals on private property with landowner authorization, or to trap coyotes that are attacking livestock.

Hunter education works on a separate track from the license itself. Anyone born on or after September 2, 1971 must complete a TPWD-approved hunter education course before hunting, regardless of age or residency, unless they're accompanied by a qualifying adult. The minimum age to earn certification is 9.

If you were born on or after September 2, 1971, your requirement depends on your age:

1. Under 9: you must be accompanied by a qualified adult while hunting.
2. Age 9 through 16: you must either complete a hunter education course or be accompanied.
3. Age 17 and older: you must complete a hunter education course, or purchase a one-time Hunter Education Deferral and be accompanied.

An accompanying adult must be at least 17, licensed to hunt in Texas, certified or exempt from hunter education themselves, and close enough to maintain normal voice control with the hunter.

How to Get Your Texas Hunting License (Step-by-Step)

Getting licensed in Texas is more flexible than in many states, since hunters 17 and older can complete the entire hunter education requirement online. Here's the full process from start to finish.

1. Complete a TPWD-approved hunter education course at Hunter-Ed if you were born on or after September 2, 1971.
2. If you're under 17 at registration, complete the required in-person Field Day after finishing the online course.
3. Purchase your license at tpwd.texas.gov, by phone, or at a sporting goods retailer.
4. Select your license type: resident ($25), non-resident general ($315), youth ($7), or a combination package.
5. Add any species-specific endorsements you need, such as the Migratory Game Bird Endorsement for dove or duck.
6. Carry your digital license through the Outdoor Annual app, or your printed license and Hunter Education Certificate, any time you hunt.

Once you've completed these steps, you're fully licensed and ready for the field. The sections below cover the hunter education course and license purchase in more detail.

Step 1: Complete a TPWD-Approved Hunter Education Course

Texas offers more flexibility here than most states. Hunters who are 17 or older when they register can complete certification entirely online, with no in-person requirement at all.

1. Fully online option (17 and older): The Hunter-Ed Texas course costs $39.95, plus a $5.25 TPWD administrative fee. Most students finish in three to four hours, and you can print your proof of completion immediately after passing.
2. Online plus Field Day (ages 9 through 16): Younger students complete the same online course, then attend a required in-person Field Day, typically four or more hours, that includes a skills demonstration and final exam. Field Day carries a separate $15 instructor fee.
3. Fully in-person option: TPWD-certified volunteer instructors also offer a traditional classroom course for all ages, generally around $15, that includes hands-on instruction and covers the requirement without any online component.

Unlike some states, Texas doesn't guarantee a Field Day seat just because you passed the online course, so younger students should register for a Field Day early rather than waiting until close to hunting season.

Step 2: Purchase Your License

Once you have proof of hunter education, if it applies to you, you can buy your license through the TPWD website, by phone at 800-895-4248, or at any of the roughly 1,700 authorized retailers statewide. Online and phone purchases carry a $5 administrative fee.

You'll need a government-issued photo ID, proof of hunter education if required, and payment.

Step 3: Add Endorsements and Go Hunting

A standard Texas hunting license covers most game, including deer and turkey, without a separate tag or draw system. Migratory birds, such as dove and duck, require a Migratory Game Bird Endorsement, and upland birds like quail typically require an Upland Game Bird Endorsement, both around $7.

Once your license and any needed endorsements are in hand, you're ready to hunt. Before you head out, review general hunting safety practices to make sure you're field-ready.

California Hunting License Requirements by Age

Let's take a look at the requirements for hunting licenses in Texas by age.

Endorsements: Migratory Game Bird and Upland Game Bird endorsements each cost around $7 and apply regardless of age once the underlying hunting license is purchased.

Season dates and bag limits vary by species and zone, so check before you plan a hunt.

Hunter Safety Course: Format and Cost

Texas offers different hunter safety course formats depending on your age at registration. The chart below offers a quick overview of those formats and costs.

Your Hunter Education Certificate never expires once issued, regardless of the format you choose. Only the annual hunting license itself needs to be renewed each season.

What to Bring When Buying Your License

Make sure you have the right documentation handy to purchase your Texas hunting license. You'll need:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Hunter Education Certificate or Hunter Education Deferral, if required for your age
• Payment (credit or debit card online or by phone, or check or card in person)
• Proof of residency, if applying for resident rates

Texas Hunting Laws and Penalties

Texas treats hunting without a required license, or hunting without carrying proof of hunter education or a deferral, as a Class C Parks and Wildlife Code misdemeanor. A conviction carries a fine between $25 and $500.

Make sure you review Texas's hunting laws and regulations for the full requirements.

What About Reciprocity?

Texas accepts hunter education certificates from any state, province, or country that meets IHEA-USA standards, since the state's own program is built to the same standard. Other IHEA-USA-compliant states and provinces return the favor and accept a Texas Hunter Education Certificate.

The hunting license itself, however, is not transferable. Hunters visiting from out of state still need to purchase a Texas non-resident license.

Out-of-State Visitors

Non-residents can hunt in Texas with a General Non-Resident Hunting License ($315), which covers deer, turkey, and other big game with no separate tag or draw required. A more limited Non-Resident Special 5-Day Small Game/Exotic license ($48) is also available, though it doesn't cover deer, turkey, alligator, pronghorn, or bighorn sheep.

One quirk worth knowing: non-residents under 17 are treated as residents for licensing purposes, so they pay the $7 youth rate rather than a non-resident fee.

Start Your Texas Hunter Safety Course Today

The Hunter-Ed Texas course is approved by TPWD, and hunters 17 and older can complete it entirely online with no Field Day required. Study at your own pace, pass the course, and get your lifetime Texas Hunter Education Certificate.

Approved by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) | Last verified August 7, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need a hunting license in Texas?

A: Yes. Texas requires a hunting license for any person, of any age, who hunts wildlife in the state, with a few narrow exceptions like feral hogs on private land with landowner permission.

Q: How old do you have to be to get a Texas hunting license?

A: There's no minimum age. Youth under 17 can hold a $7 youth license, and standard resident or non-resident rates apply at 17 and older.

Q: How much does a Texas hunting license cost?

A: A resident annual license costs $25. A non-resident general license costs $315. A youth license costs $7. Prices reflect the current 2026–2027 license year and are set by TPWD.

Q: Does a Texas hunting license expire?

A: Yes. Annual licenses expire every August 31 and must be purchased again for the new season. Your Hunter Education Certificate is different: once issued, it's valid for life.

Q: Can I take the hunter education course fully online in Texas?

A: Yes, if you're 17 or older when you register. Hunters 9 through 16 complete the same online course but must also attend an in-person Field Day.

Q: Do I need hunter education in Texas?

A: Yes, if you were born on or after September 2, 1971. This applies at every age, though hunters under 9 or those with a one-time deferral can hunt while accompanied by a qualified adult instead.

Q: What if I'm visiting Texas to hunt?

A: Non-residents need a General Non-Resident Hunting License ($315) for deer, turkey, and other big game, or a more limited $48 license for small game and exotics. Non-residents under 17 pay the resident youth rate.

Q: What's the penalty for hunting without a license in Texas?

A: Hunting without a required license, or without carrying proof of hunter education or a deferral, is a Class C Parks and Wildlife Code misdemeanor with a fine between $25 and $500.