What Texas hunting licenses cost

A resident hunting license in Texas costs $25 for a one-year license. If you want to hunt multiple game types — deer, turkey, and waterfowl — you need separate stamps for each, which add $11 to $15 each. A nonresident hunting license runs $75 for one year, plus the same stamp costs. Texas also sells five-day nonresident licenses for $38 and one-day licenses for $20, though these do not include stamps.

Prices are set by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and do not vary by county or region. You pay the same amount whether you hunt in East Texas or the Panhandle. The department updates prices periodically, so confirm the current cost on the TPWD website before you buy.

Some hunters may have access to for discounts. Texas residents aged 65 and older pay $5 for a resident license. Disabled hunters and military members on active duty also receive reduced rates. Children under 17 can hunt without a license if they are supervised by a licensed adult, though they still need stamps if they hunt regulated game.

Key Takeaways

  • A Texas resident hunting license costs $25 per year, and nonresidents pay $75 per year.
  • Hunting specific game — deer, turkey, waterfowl — requires additional stamps that cost $11 to $15 each.
  • You buy licenses and stamps through the TPWD website, by phone at 1-800-895-4248, or at authorized retailers like sporting goods stores and Walmart.
  • Seniors aged 65 and older, disabled hunters, and active-duty military members receive discounts on license fees.
  • Your license is valid for one year from the date of purchase, not the calendar year.

Where to buy a Texas hunting license

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sells licenses directly through its website at tpwd.texas.gov. You can buy online, print your license when ready, and start hunting the same day. The site also lets you renew an existing license or buy stamps for specific game.

You can also call the TPWD at 1-800-895-4248 during business hours. Staff will process your order over the phone and mail the license to you, which takes five to seven business days. If you need to hunt before the mail arrives, ask about temporary licenses.

Authorized retailers throughout Texas sell licenses in person. These include Walmart, Academy Sports, Bass Pro Shops, and local sporting goods stores. Call ahead to confirm they carry the license type you need, since some smaller retailers stock only resident licenses or do not carry all stamp types.

Stamps and special permits you may need

A hunting license alone does not cover all game. If you plan to hunt deer, you need a deer stamp ($11). Turkey hunting requires a turkey stamp ($15). Waterfowl hunting — ducks, geese, and similar birds — requires both a state waterfowl stamp ($15) and a federal duck stamp ($16.50). The federal stamp is sold through the TPWD but goes to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Some hunters need additional permits. If you want to hunt on public land managed by TPWD, you may need a public hunting permit, which is free but must be obtained before you hunt. Hunting on private land does not require a separate permit, but you must have the landowner's permission.

Stamps are valid for one year from purchase, the same as your license. You can buy stamps at the same places you buy your license — online, by phone, or at authorized retailers.

How long your license lasts

A Texas hunting license is valid for one year from the date you purchase it, not from January 1. If you buy a license on March 15, it expires on March 14 of the next year. This means you can buy your license whenever you plan to start hunting, rather than waiting for the calendar year to begin.

Stamps follow the same one-year rule. If you buy a deer stamp in October, it is good through October of the next year. You do not need to match your stamp purchase date to your license purchase date — you can buy them separately.

Discounts for seniors, disabled hunters, and military

Texas residents aged 65 and older pay $5 for a resident hunting license instead of $25. You will need to provide proof of age when you buy — a driver's license or birth certificate works. The discount applies to the license itself but not to stamps, which cost the same for everyone.

Disabled Texas residents can receive a free hunting license if they have a disability that prevents them from working. You will need to provide documentation from the Social Security Administration or the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. Contact TPWD directly at 1-800-895-4248 to start this process, since you cannot buy a free license online.

Active-duty military members stationed in Texas receive a discount on resident licenses. Bring a military ID or leave and earnings statement when you buy in person, or call TPWD to process the order by phone.

What happens if you hunt without a license

Hunting without a valid license in Texas is a crime. A first offense is a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $500 and can result in loss of hunting privileges for one year. A second offense within five years is a Class B misdemeanor, with fines up to $2,000 and loss of privileges for up to three years.

Game wardens check licenses during hunting season, especially on public land and at popular hunting spots. If you are caught without a license, you will also lose any game you have taken. The fine applies whether you were hunting intentionally or straightforward did not realize you needed a license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a hunting license for just one day?

Yes. Nonresidents can buy a one-day license for $20. Texas residents do not have a one-day option — the shortest resident license is one year for $25. If you are a resident and only want to hunt once, you still pay for the full year.

Do I need a license to hunt on my own land?

Yes. Texas law requires a hunting license for anyone hunting any game, regardless of who owns the land. The only exception is that children under 17 can hunt without a license if supervised by a licensed adult on private land.

What if my license expires while I am in the middle of hunting season?

You must renew before you hunt again. You cannot hunt with an expired license, even if you are in the middle of a multi-day trip. Renew online, by phone, or at a retailer before your expiration date.

Can I transfer my license to someone else?

No. A hunting license is not transferable and is valid only for the person whose name appears on it. If someone else wants to hunt, they need their own license.

Do I need a separate license for each type of game?

You need one hunting license, but you need separate stamps for each type of regulated game. One license covers all hunting; the stamps specify which game you are allowed to take.