What Texas hunting licenses cost

A Texas resident hunting license costs $25 for a one-year license, or $10 for a five-day license if you want to hunt for a short period. Non-residents pay $76 for a one-year license or $48 for a five-day license. These are the base license fees set by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The price you actually pay depends on what you hunt and whether you need additional stamps or endorsements on top of the base license.

If you hunt more than one type of game — say, both deer and waterfowl — you will need separate stamps for each. A deer stamp costs $25 for residents and $76 for non-residents. A waterfowl stamp costs $15 for residents and $15 for non-residents. A turkey stamp costs $25 for residents and $76 for non-residents. These stack on top of your base hunting license, so your total cost rises with each type of game you plan to hunt.

You can buy a license online through the TPWD website, by phone at 1-800-895-4248, or in person at any Texas Parks and Wildlife office or authorized retailer like sporting goods stores and some Walmart locations. Online purchase is fastest — you receive your license when ready and can print it or show it on your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • A resident hunting license costs $25 for one year or $10 for five days; non-residents pay $76 or $48 for the same periods.
  • Hunting specific game — deer, waterfowl, or turkey — requires an additional stamp that costs $15 to $76 depending on the type and your residency status.
  • You can buy licenses online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website and receive them when ready, or buy in person at sporting goods stores and TPWD offices.
  • Texas residents aged 17 and under, and Texas residents aged 65 and older, do not need a hunting license but may need stamps if they hunt certain game.

Who needs a hunting license in Texas

Anyone hunting in Texas must have a valid hunting license, with a few exceptions. Texas residents aged 17 and under do not need a license to hunt, but they must follow all other hunting laws and seasons. Texas residents aged 65 and older also do not need a license. However, if you are in either of these groups and you hunt deer, waterfowl, or turkey, you still need the appropriate stamp for that game.

Non-residents always need a hunting license, regardless of age. Military members stationed in Texas can buy a resident license if they have proof of active duty orders. If you are a non-resident but own land in Texas, you still pay non-resident rates unless you have established residency through other means.

Hunting stamps and what they cover

A hunting stamp is a separate endorsement you add to your license when you plan to hunt a specific type of game. Texas requires stamps for deer, waterfowl, and turkey. Each stamp is valid for one hunting season and covers only the game listed on it.

The deer stamp ($25 resident, $76 non-resident) is required if you hunt white-tailed deer, mule deer, or any other deer species. The waterfowl stamp ($15 resident and non-resident) is required if you hunt ducks, geese, or other waterfowl. The turkey stamp ($25 resident, $76 non-resident) is required if you hunt wild turkey. You do not need a stamp to hunt small game like rabbits, squirrels, or dove — those are covered under your base hunting license.

If you hunt multiple types of game in the same season, you need all the relevant stamps. For example, if you hunt both deer and turkey, you need a deer stamp and a turkey stamp in addition to your base license.

Resident versus non-resident rates

Texas charges different prices for residents and non-residents. To may have access to as a Texas resident for hunting license purposes, you must have lived in Texas for at least 60 consecutive days when ready before buying your license. If you moved to Texas fewer than 60 days ago, you must buy a non-resident license until that period passes.

Non-resident licenses are significantly more expensive — roughly three times the cost of resident licenses for most game. A non-resident one-year hunting license is $76, compared to $25 for a resident. Non-resident stamps for deer and turkey are also $76 each, while resident stamps are $25. The waterfowl stamp is $15 for both residents and non-residents.

If you own property in Texas but do not meet the 60-day residency requirement, you still pay non-resident rates. Owning land does not establish residency for hunting license purposes.

Five-day licenses and short-term hunting

If you plan to hunt for only a few days, Texas offers a five-day license instead of a full-year license. Residents pay $10 for a five-day license, and non-residents pay $48. A five-day license is valid for any five consecutive calendar days you choose within the hunting season — you do not have to use them all at once.

You still need stamps if you hunt deer, waterfowl, or turkey on a five-day license. The stamp costs are the same as for a full-year license. So if you are a resident hunting deer for five days, you pay $10 for the license plus $25 for the deer stamp, totaling $35.

Five-day licenses are useful for visitors or people who hunt infrequently. However, if you hunt more than twice a year, a full-year license usually costs less per hunting trip.

Where to buy and how to carry your license

You can purchase a Texas hunting license through three main channels: the TPWD website at tpwd.texas.gov, by phone at 1-800-895-4248, or in person at a TPWD office or authorized retailer. Authorized retailers include most sporting goods stores, Walmart locations with sporting goods departments, and some outdoor supply shops. Call ahead to confirm a retailer has licenses in stock.

When you buy online, you receive your license when ready as a PDF that you can print or display on your phone. When you buy by phone, the license is mailed to you, which takes several business days. In-person purchases are when ready. Texas law requires you to carry your license while hunting — either the printed version or a digital copy on your phone. A game warden can ask to see it at any time.

Your license includes your name, license number, and the types of game you are licensed to hunt. Keep it with you in the field. If you lose it, you can request a replacement through the TPWD website or by phone.

Hunting seasons and license validity

A Texas hunting license is valid for one calendar year from the date of purchase, or for five consecutive days if you bought a five-day license. The license itself does not expire on a set date — it expires one year from when you bought it. However, hunting seasons for specific game are set by the TPWD and vary throughout the year.

For example, the general deer season in most of Texas runs from early November through early January, but your license remains valid year-round. You can hunt during any open season as long as your license has not expired. Check the TPWD website for current season dates before you go out, because seasons change annually and vary by region.

If your license expires while a season is still open, you must renew it before hunting. You cannot hunt on an expired license, even if the season has not closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Texas law requires a valid hunting license for anyone hunting, regardless of whether you own the land. The only exceptions are Texas residents aged 17 and under, and residents aged 65 and older, who do not need a license but still need stamps for deer, waterfowl, or turkey.

Can I buy a hunting license the day I want to hunt?

Yes, if you buy online or in person. Online purchases through the TPWD website are when ready, and in-person purchases at retailers or TPWD offices are when ready. Phone purchases take several business days for mailing. Plan ahead if you are buying by phone.

What happens if I hunt without a license?

Hunting without a valid license is a violation of Texas Parks and Wildlife Code. Penalties include fines, loss of hunting privileges, and possible criminal charges depending on the circumstances. A game warden can check your license at any time while you are hunting.

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

No. One hunting license covers all small game and upland birds. You need additional stamps only for deer, waterfowl, and turkey. One license plus the relevant stamps covers all the game you hunt in that category.

Is there a discount for seniors or disabled hunters?

Texas residents aged 65 and older do not need a hunting license, though they need stamps if they hunt deer, waterfowl, or turkey. Disabled hunters should contact the TPWD at 1-800-895-4248 to ask about any accommodations or reduced-cost options available.