Texas is one of the most popular hunting destinations in the United States. With more than 95% of the state’s land privately owned and managed, Texas offers an enormous variety of hunting opportunities across diverse terrain. From the vast brush country of South Texas to the rolling Hill Country and the open plains of the Panhandle, millions of acres are available to hunters who hold the right license and permissions.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) manages all hunting regulations, licensing, and wildlife conservation in the state. TPWD oversees seasons for white-tailed deer, mule deer, turkey, quail, dove, feral hogs, javelina, pronghorn, waterfowl, and many other species. Understanding how the Texas licensing system works is essential whether you are a lifelong resident or planning your first out-of-state trip.
Getting licensed in Texas is straightforward once you know the requirements. This guide walks you through hunter education, the different license types, required tags and stamps, how to purchase everything through the Go Outdoors Texas system, and the key deadlines you need to know.
| License/Permit | Residency | Fee | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License (Item 101) | Resident | $25.00 | hunting |
| Senior Resident Hunting License (Item 102) | Resident | $7.00 | hunting |
| Youth Hunting License (Item 169) | Any | $7.00 | hunting |
| Super Combo (Item 111) | Resident | $68.00 | hunting, fishing, archery endorsement, upland game bird endorsement, migratory game bird endorsement, freshwater and saltwater endorsements |
| Senior Super Combo (Item 117) | Resident | $32.00 | hunting, fishing, all state endorsements |
| Combo Hunting & All-Water Fishing Package (Item 505) | Resident | $60.00 | hunting, fishing, freshwater and saltwater endorsements |
| Non-resident General Hunting License (Item 105) | Nonresident | $315.00 | hunting |
| Non-resident Special 5-Day Small Game/Exotic Hunting (Item 157) | Nonresident | $48.00 | small game, exotics, javelina, game birds except turkey |
| Archery Hunting Endorsement (Item 135) | Any | $7.00 | archery deer season |
| Upland Game Bird Endorsement (Item 167) | Any | $7.00 | turkey, quail, pheasant, chachalaca |
| Texas Migratory Game Bird Endorsement (Item 168) | Any | $7.00 | dove, ducks, geese, other migratory birds |
| Federal Duck Stamp (Item 138) | Any | $25.00 | waterfowl |
Hunter Education Requirements
Texas requires hunter education for anyone born on or after September 2, 1971. If you were born before that date, you are exempt from the requirement but may still take the course voluntarily.
Course Options
TPWD offers several ways to complete hunter education:
- Online course with field day: Complete the classroom portion online at your own pace, then attend a mandatory in-person field day to demonstrate skills. This is the most popular option.
- In-person classroom course: A traditional instructor-led course held over one or two days, including hands-on instruction and a skills evaluation.
- Home study with field day: Study the course materials independently and then attend a field day for evaluation.
The minimum age to be certified in hunter education in Texas is 9 years old. Hunters ages 9 through 16 must be accompanied by a licensed hunter who is at least 17 years old.
Deferral Option
Texas offers a one-time deferral for hunters who have not yet completed hunter education. The deferral allows you to purchase a license and hunt for one license year while accompanied by a licensed hunter who is at least 17 years old and who has completed hunter education. You must complete the full course before purchasing a license the following year.
Reciprocity
Texas accepts valid hunter education certifications from all other U.S. states and Canadian provinces. If you completed hunter education in another state, you can use that certification when purchasing a Texas license. Carry proof of completion when you hunt.
Types of Hunting Licenses
TPWD offers a wide range of license options depending on your residency, age, and what you plan to hunt. Texas does not use a tag-per-animal system for deer the way some western states do. Instead, the harvest is tracked through the tagging system built into your license.
| License Type | Who Qualifies | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident General Hunting | Texas residents | Covers most game species; does not include stamps for some species |
| Resident Super Combo | Texas residents | Includes hunting and fishing licenses plus all required stamps |
| Non-Resident General Hunting | Non-residents | Covers most game species; additional stamps may be required |
| Non-Resident 5-Day Special Hunting | Non-residents | Valid for 5 consecutive days; limited species |
| Youth Hunting | Residents and non-residents under 17 | Reduced fees; available as a Super Combo package |
| Senior Hunting | Residents age 65 and older | Reduced fees; Super Combo option available |
| Lifetime Hunting | Texas residents | One-time purchase; available in age-based tiers |
| Military/Veteran | Active duty and veterans with Texas residency | May qualify for reduced fees or free licenses depending on disability status |
Residents can purchase a general hunting license for $25.00 or the popular Super Combo ($68.00), which bundles hunting, fishing, and all required stamps into one package. Non-residents need the Non-resident General Hunting License ($315.00); the Super Combo packages are for Texas residents only, and non-residents hunting small game or exotics for a short trip can use the 5-day special license ($48.00). Seniors 65 and older can get the Senior Super Combo for just $32.00.
The Super Combo is the most popular choice for Texas hunters because it bundles the hunting license, fishing license, and all required state stamps into a single purchase. It eliminates the risk of missing a required endorsement.
Tags, Stamps, and Permits
Deer and Turkey Tags
When you purchase a Texas hunting license, your license includes deer and turkey tags. Immediately after harvesting a deer or turkey, you must fill out and attach the appropriate tag from your license to the animal. The tag must remain attached through transport and processing.
Your license specifies the number of deer and turkey you may harvest. Bag limits vary by county, so verify the rules for the specific county where you hunt.
Stamps and Endorsements
Beyond your base license, Texas requires additional stamps or endorsements for certain types of hunting:
- Upland Game Bird Stamp: Required for hunting turkey, pheasant, quail, and chachalaca.
- Migratory Game Bird Stamp: Required for hunting dove, ducks, geese, sandhill crane, woodcock, rail, gallinule, snipe, and coots.
- Federal Duck Stamp: Required for all waterfowl hunters age 16 and older. Purchase at post offices or online through the USFWS.
- HIP Certification: Harvest Information Program registration is required for all migratory bird hunters. Complete this when purchasing your license.
- Archery Endorsement: Required to hunt during the archery-only season ($7.00); included in the Super Combo.
If you purchase the Super Combo license, all state-required stamps are included. The federal duck stamp is always purchased separately.
Managed Lands Deer (MLD) Permits
The MLD permit program allows landowners enrolled in TPWD wildlife management plans to receive special season dates and harvest recommendations for their property. Hunters on MLD properties use MLD tags instead of the standard tags on their license. These permits are issued to the landowner, not the individual hunter. If you are hunting on a managed property, the landowner or outfitter will provide MLD tags.
Public Hunting Permits
To hunt on TPWD-managed Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and public hunting lands, you need an Annual Public Hunting (APH) permit. Some special hunts on public land require entering a drawn hunt application through the TPWD system.
How to Buy Your License
Online: Go Outdoors Texas
The easiest way to purchase a Texas hunting license is through the Go Outdoors Texas portal at TPWD’s website. The system allows you to buy licenses, stamps, tags, and permits in one transaction.
Steps:
- Visit the Go Outdoors Texas portal on the TPWD website.
- Create an account or log in with your existing customer number.
- Provide your driver’s license or state ID number, date of birth, and Social Security number (required by Texas law for license purchases).
- Select the license type and any additional stamps or permits.
- Complete payment with a credit or debit card.
- Print your license or save a digital copy. Texas allows you to carry a digital license on your phone.
In Person
Hunting licenses are available at more than 1,700 retail locations across Texas, including sporting goods stores, bait shops, grocery stores, and some Walmart locations. You will need a valid photo ID and your hunter education number.
By Phone
You can purchase a license by calling TPWD’s customer service line. Have your personal information and payment method ready.
Outdoor Annual App
TPWD’s Outdoor Annual app provides regulations, season dates, and county-specific information. While you cannot purchase a license through the app itself, it is a valuable companion to have alongside your digital license.
Application Deadlines and Important Dates
Texas does not use a draw or lottery system for most hunting licenses. General licenses and stamps are available for purchase year-round (the license year runs September 1 through August 31). However, there are key dates to remember:
- License year begins: September 1 each year.
- Drawn hunts on public land: TPWD offers special drawn hunts on WMAs and other public lands. Application periods vary by hunt; check the TPWD drawn hunt schedule beginning in late summer.
- Pronghorn permits: Pronghorn hunting in certain Panhandle counties requires a drawn permit. Applications typically open in spring with draws held by midsummer.
- Alligator hunting permits: Issued through a separate application system with limited availability.
Since most Texas hunting occurs on private land without a draw requirement, the main deadline to remember is simply purchasing your license before you head to the field.
Reciprocity and Out-of-State Hunters
Non-residents are welcome to hunt in Texas and can purchase a non-resident general hunting license or the 5-day special hunting license for shorter small game and exotic trips (it is not valid for deer or turkey). Non-resident licenses cost significantly more than resident licenses, which is standard across all states.
To qualify as a Texas resident for licensing purposes, you must have lived in Texas for at least six months immediately before purchasing a license. Active-duty military members stationed in Texas may purchase resident licenses regardless of their home state.
Texas accepts hunter education certifications from all U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Non-resident hunters are not required to use a guide or outfitter, though many choose to since most Texas hunting takes place on private land accessed through leases or outfitter arrangements.
International hunters must have a valid hunter education certificate from their home country or complete Texas hunter education before purchasing a license.
Special Considerations
Landowner Exemptions
Texas residents who hunt on land they own do not need a hunting license, but they must still comply with all season dates, bag limits, and reporting requirements. Non-residents who own land in Texas must purchase a non-resident hunting license.
Disabled Hunter Permits
TPWD offers accommodations for hunters with disabilities, including special permits that allow the use of vehicles, modified equipment, or crossbows during archery-only seasons. Contact TPWD directly for eligibility and application details.
Youth and Mentored Hunting
Hunters under 17 can purchase a youth license at a reduced rate. Children under 9 may hunt when accompanied by a licensed adult but cannot be certified in hunter education. Texas has no minimum age to hunt when supervised by a licensed adult.
Trapping License
If you plan to trap furbearing animals, you need a separate trapping license in addition to or instead of a hunting license.
Planning Your Hunt
Once you have your Texas hunting license, use these resources to plan your season:
- Texas hunting seasons — Dates, bag limits, and season structures for all game species.
- Texas hunting regulations — Rules on legal methods, county-specific restrictions, and reporting requirements.
- Texas land access — Public land options, WMAs, and how to access private land.
- General hunting guides — Gear checklists, field care tips, and planning guides for all skill levels.
Texas offers one of the longest and most diverse hunting calendars in the country. Start the licensing process early, purchase your Super Combo if you plan to hunt multiple species, and always verify county-specific rules before heading to the field.
Last verified: September 5, 2026 — Official sourceFor reference only. This page summarizes agency publications and is not legal advice or an official source; confirm dates, limits and fees with the state wildlife agency before you hunt. Regulations change mid-season. Send a correction if you spot an error. Disclaimer.