How Much Does It Cost to Get a Texas Hunting License?
A basic 2026–2027 Texas hunting license costs $25 for residents, and a general non-resident hunting license is $315. Texas adds a $5 administrative fee for each online or phone transaction. Your final Texas hunting license cost will depend on where you live, plan to hunt, and whether you need endorsements or hunter education.
If you're planning to hunt deer, turkey, or waterfowl in Texas, it helps to know the full fee structure beforehand. Texas offers several license types that can fit your age, residency, and goals.
Here's what to know about the range of options.
What are the General Texas Hunting License Fees for the 2026–2027 Season?
Texas gives hunters several standard license options. The right one for your hunt depends mostly on your residency and age.
Resident Licenses
For most Texas residents, the basic hunting license is $25. Youth hunters under 17 can buy a youth hunting license for $7, and senior residents age 65 and older can also qualify for a $7 senior resident hunting license.
Combination Packages
Texas also offers combination packages that can be a better value if you hunt and fish. The Super Combo Package costs $68 and includes resident hunting and fishing licenses and state endorsements. Senior residents can get a practical, hassle-free Senior Super Combo for $32.
Non-Resident Licenses
For visitors, the Texas hunting license cost changes significantly. The general non-resident hunting license is $315, and it's the standard option for hunters coming to Texas to pursue deer, turkey, and other big-game opportunities.
Because of that price increase, understanding the full cost of a Texas hunting license before you travel can help you avoid surprises and build a more realistic hunting trip budget.
What are the Non-Resident Hunting License Options?
Not every out-of-state hunter needs the full $315 general non-resident license. Texas also offers special non-resident options for shorter or more limited trips.
The non-resident five-day special license costs $48 and is valid for exotic animals and small game, but it does not cover deer or turkey. This one's best if you're visiting Texas for a quick hunt and don't need big-game privileges.
Texas offers a non-resident special hunting license for $132. It is also limited to exotic animals and small game, and it doesn't include deer or turkey. For someone spending more than a few days in Texas but still not pursuing big game, this choice makes sense.
It all depends on what you're hunting. If you're coming for deer or turkey, the general non-resident license is good. If you're planning a shorter trip for other legal species, one of the reduced-cost non-resident options may be better for you.
What Additional Costs and Permits Hunters Should Expect?
Fees and Endorsements
Hunters often need endorsements, federal requirements, hunter education, or transaction fees. Many Texas hunts require a $7 endorsement, including archery, migratory game bird, and upland game bird. Waterfowl hunters also need the $28.50 Federal Duck Stamp.
Hunter Education Costs
Hunter education is another common requirement. Texas requires hunter education for hunters born after September 2, 1971, and courses typically cost about $15.
If you still need certification, that becomes part of your upfront total as well.
Remote Purchasing Fees
Finally, Texas charges a $5 administrative fee for hunting licenses purchased online or by phone. It's not a huge fee by itself, but it still matters when you're calculating your full Texas hunting license cost rather than just the advertised base license price.
What Are Some Example Total Costs for Different Hunters?
A resident deer hunter could start with the $25 resident hunting license, add a $7 endorsement, and pay about $15 for hunter education (if it's required). That puts the estimated base total at roughly $47 before the transaction fee, or about $52 if purchased online or by phone.
Cost for Non-Residents
A non-resident deer hunter starts at a much higher baseline. With the $315 general non-resident hunting license and at least one endorsement, the total quickly rises to at least $322—and that's before any optional travel, lodging, or gear expenses. Add the $5 transaction fee, and the number climbs even higher.
Super Combo Texas Hunting License Cost for Residents
A resident hunter who buys the Super Combo package gets the best overall value. At $68, it covers resident hunting and fishing licenses and includes state endorsements. It simplifies planning and reduces the need to buy items separately.
For Texas hunters who spend most of the year outdoors, the Super Combo Package is a no-brainer.
Who Needs a Texas Hunting License?
In general, anyone hunting wildlife in Texas needs a valid hunting license. Youth hunters, residents, non-residents, and certain landowners may all have different conditions. Still, the safest approach is to assume you need a license unless Texas Parks and Wildlife specifically says otherwise.
Youth hunters under a certain age may qualify for youth licenses, and limited landowner exemptions can apply in some situations. Those special cases matter, but they don't replace the general rule. If you're going into the field, you should know exactly what your legal requirement is and carry your hunting license with you while hunting.
How to Buy a Texas Hunting License
The first step is meeting the hunter education requirement, if Texas requires it for your age group. Once you've met the education requirement using a provider such as Hunter-Ed, you can buy your license through the Texas Parks and Wildlife website or in person at sporting goods stores and other licensed retailers.
For many hunters, buying online is the easiest option because it lets you review license types, endorsements, and fees all in one place. In-person purchasing still works well if you'd rather ask questions or pick up gear at the same time.
Either way, it's smart to buy early rather than waiting until the last minute, especially if you still need to complete hunter education or sort out which endorsements apply to your season.
How to Save Money on Texas Hunting Licenses
The easiest way to save money is to buy only what you actually need.
However, if you hunt as well as fish, the Super Combo package is the way to go. If you're a youth hunter or senior resident, take advantage of the reduced-fee options that Texas provides.
For non-residents, choosing the right license is even more important. If you're not hunting deer or turkey, a short-term or limited non-resident option may save you a substantial amount compared with the full general non-resident license. Planning your endorsements also helps avoid unnecessary purchases and understand the full cost of your trip.
Hunter-Ed Helps You Meet the Hunter Education Requirements for Your Hunting License in Texas
Texas gives hunters a wide range of licensing options, but your total Texas hunting license cost depends on your residency, age, targeted species, and endorsements.
Hunter education is a part of that preparation. Completing your course before the season helps you move through the buying process better prepared with fewer delays and fees. It also gives you a competent safety level, which matters during action-packed hunts in Texas.
It pays to plan: review your residency, match the license to your hunt, and meet all education and endorsement requirements before opening day. An easy and fun interactive course from Hunter-Ed can take care of that step, and you'll head into the season with a better chance for success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have answers to questions about Texas hunting license costs!
Q: How to get a hunter's license in Texas?
A: To get a hunter's license in Texas, complete hunter education if you were born after September 2, 1971. Then, buy a license through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department online, by phone, or at a licensed retailer.
Q: Can I buy a TX hunting license online?
A: Yes. You can buy a TX hunting license online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website or mobile app.
Q: How much is an annual hunting license in Texas?
A: For residents, a basic annual hunting license is typically about $25; non-resident licenses are significantly higher at $315. Hunters may need to pay for additional endorsements for certain species.
Q: How many deer can you shoot with a tag in Texas?
A: The statewide annual bag limit is generally five white-tailed deer (no more than three bucks), but limits can vary by county and season.
Q: Can I hunt on my own land without a license in Texas?
A: No. A valid hunting license is required to hunt legally in Texas, even on your own land.
