Texas Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Everything you need to hunt legally in Texas — current TPWD fee rows, lifetime-license caveats, endorsements, and how to buy through Texas License Connection.
Texas Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident: from $25.00 — Non-Resident: from $315.00
- Managed by: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
- License year: 2026-2027 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: youth, senior, disabled veteran, active military, landowner
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal at https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/licenses/online_sales/
Texas Lifetime, Super Combo, Public Land, And TPWD Checkout Questions
Texas GSC searches split between annual license cost, lifetime-license math, Super Combo coverage, nonresident small-game shortcuts, public-land access, and the official Texas License Connection checkout. Use this page to choose the right TPWD row, then confirm final tags, stamps, HIP, and transaction fees in the official portal.
| Search intent | Fast planning answer | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Texas hunting license cost | Start with $25 resident, $315 nonresident general, $7 youth, or $68 resident Super Combo before adding endorsements or stamps. | Review Texas fee rows |
| Texas lifetime hunting license cost | TPWD lists resident lifetime combination at $1,800, lifetime hunting at $1,000, and hunting-to-combo upgrade at $800. | Compare lifetime-license math |
| How much is a lifetime hunting license in Texas? | Use the current TPWD lifetime page rather than old infant/youth price references; lifetime applications are resident-only and by application. | Open TPWD lifetime details |
| Texas Super Combo license | The $68 resident Super Combo includes hunting, fishing, and five state endorsements, but TPWD says the Federal Duck Stamp is not included. | Compare combo license rules |
| Texas public land or WMA hunting | Public access does not replace the hunting license. Separate APH permit, drawn hunt, WMA, national forest, and private-land rules. | Open Texas public-land guide |
| Nonresident Texas small-game or exotic hunt | The $48 nonresident 5-day small-game/exotic license is limited; it is not valid for deer, wild turkey, alligator, pronghorn, or bighorn sheep. | Estimate a nonresident trip |
| Buy Texas hunting license online | Use TPWD Online Fishing & Hunting License Sales and Texas License Connection; TPWD notes a $5 administrative fee for online or phone orders. | Open TPWD online sales |
Texas Hunting License Fees (2026-2027)
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) hunting licenses are valid from the date of purchase until August 31 unless otherwise noted, and TPWD says licenses go on sale August 15. Start with the correct resident, nonresident, youth, senior, or Super Combo row, then add endorsements, HIP certification, public-land access, or Federal Duck Stamp proof when your species or access route requires it. The official online purchase route is TPWD's Online Fishing & Hunting License Sales page and Texas License Connection; TPWD also notes a $5 administrative fee for online and phone transactions. Digital license options can work for many activities, but hunters who need physical tags, including deer and turkey hunters, should check TPWD's current digital-tag and paper-tag rules before going afield. Texas lifetime hunting and fishing packages are resident-only, sold by application, and the lifetime rows do not exempt waterfowl hunters from the Federal Duck Stamp requirement.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident General Hunting | $25.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Non-Resident General Hunting | — | $315.00 | 1 year | |
| Youth Hunting (Under 17) | $7.00 | $7.00 | 1 year | |
| Senior Resident Hunting (65+) | $7.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Resident Super Combo | $68.00 | — | 1 year | Texas residents only; includes hunting, fishing, and five state endorsements, but not the Federal Duck Stamp |
| Senior Resident Super Combo (65+) | $32.00 | — | 1 year | Texas residents age 65 and older; Federal Duck Stamp is still separate for waterfowl hunters age 16+ |
| Lifetime Resident Combination Hunting & Fishing | $1800.00 | — | lifetime | Texas residents only; by application through TPWD Law Enforcement office or Austin Headquarters |
| Lifetime Resident Hunting | $1000.00 | — | lifetime | Texas residents only; lifetime holders still need HIP and Federal Duck Stamp proof when applicable |
| Lifetime Hunting Upgrade to Combo | $800.00 | — | lifetime | For existing Lifetime Resident Hunting License holders |
| NR 5-Day Small Game/Exotic | — | $48.00 | 5 days | No white-tailed deer, mule deer, alligator, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, or wild turkey |
| Archery Endorsement | $7.00 | $7.00 | 1 year | |
| Migratory Game Bird Endorsement | $7.00 | $7.00 | 1 year | State endorsement; waterfowl hunters age 16+ also need Federal Duck Stamp proof |
Prices from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Last verified: 2026-06-13. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your Texas license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for anyone born on or after September 2, 1971
How to Buy a Texas Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or an authorized retail agent listed by the state agency.
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Texas.
Need help? Call Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at 1-800-792-1112
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
Texas Hunting Seasons (2026-2027)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | October 3 | November 6 | 2026 dates; Statewide |
| White-tailed Deer | General (Firearm) | November 7 | January 3, 2027 | 2026-27 dates; North Zone |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | January 4, 2027 | January 17, 2027 | 2027 dates |
| Turkey | Spring | March 20, 2027 | May 2, 2027 | 2027 dates; North Zone |
| Turkey | Fall | November 7 | January 3, 2027 | 2026-27 dates; North Zone |
| Dove | General | September 1 | November 12 | 2026 dates; North Zone |
| Quail | General | October 31 | February 28, 2027 | 2026-27 dates |
View full Texas season regulations on TPWD
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Compare turkey license costs and season dates across all states →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Youth | Reduced ($7) | Under 17 years of age at time of purchase |
| Senior | Reduced ($7) | Texas resident aged 65 or older |
| Disabled Veteran | Free Super Combo | Texas resident with 60%+ VA disability rating |
| Active Military | Resident rates | Active duty military stationed in Texas |
| Landowner | Not a blanket exemption | Land ownership alone does not replace a Texas hunting license; TPWD lists narrow exceptions such as feral hogs on private property with landowner authorization and specific depredation situations |
Texas Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Texas official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Check blaze orange requirements for your specific season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- No blaze orange requirement but strongly recommended during firearm season.
- TPWD lists a license exception for feral hogs on private property with landowner authorization.
- Antler restrictions vary by county — check the Outdoor Annual.
- All hunters must carry their license while hunting.
Read full Texas regulations on TPWD
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Texas Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guide
Texas Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Texas?
A resident general hunting license costs $25. Non-resident general hunting costs $315. Youth licenses for hunters under 17 are $7 for residents and nonresidents. TPWD also lists the resident Super Combo at $68 and Senior Super Combo at $32.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Texas?
Yes, hunter education is required for anyone born on or after September 2, 1971. Hunters 17+ can complete the course entirely online through the official state hunter education source.
Can non-residents hunt in Texas?
Yes. Nonresidents need the $315 Non-resident General Hunting License for deer and other big-game paths, or the $48 Non-resident Special 5-Day Small Game/Exotic Hunting license for eligible small-game, exotic, and non-game hunts. The 5-day license is not valid for deer, wild turkey, alligator, pronghorn, or bighorn sheep.
What is the deer season in Texas?
Archery runs late September to early November, general firearm from November through early January, and muzzleloader in January.
Are there free hunting licenses in Texas?
TPWD offers special resident packages for qualifying disabled veterans and active-duty military. Do not assume land ownership creates a blanket license exemption; TPWD's hunting-license exceptions are narrow and species/situation specific.
Can I buy a Texas hunting license online?
Yes. Use TPWD's official Online Fishing & Hunting License Sales page and Texas License Connection, by phone at 1-800-895-4248, or at authorized retailers. TPWD notes a $5 administrative fee for online and phone transactions.
How much is a Texas lifetime hunting license?
TPWD lists the Lifetime Resident Combination Hunting & Fishing Package at $1,800, Lifetime Resident Hunting Package at $1,000, and Lifetime Resident Hunting Upgrade to Combo at $800. Lifetime licenses are for Texas residents only and are processed by application.
Do Texas lifetime or Super Combo licenses include the Federal Duck Stamp?
No. TPWD says the Super Combo does not include the Federal Duck Stamp, and lifetime license holders are not exempt from the Federal Duck Stamp requirement. Waterfowl hunters age 16 and older need Federal Duck Stamp proof in addition to the required Texas license, HIP certification, and state migratory game bird endorsement.