What Texas hunting licenses cost

A resident hunting license in Texas costs $25 for a one-year license, or $8 for a five-day license if you want to hunt for a short period. Non-residents pay $78 for a one-year license or $28 for a five-day license. These are the base license fees from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the state agency that issues all hunting licenses.

The price you actually pay depends on what you hunt and when. Most hunters need additional stamps or endorsements beyond the base license—a deer stamp costs $7, a waterfowl stamp costs $15, and a turkey stamp costs $7. If you hunt multiple game types, these add up. You buy the base license first, then add the stamps for the animals you plan to hunt.

You can buy licenses online through the TPWD website, by phone at 1-800-895-4248, or in person at any TPWD office or authorized retailer (many sporting goods stores and Walmart locations sell them). Online purchase is fastest—you get your license when ready and can print it at home or show it on your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • A resident one-year hunting license costs $25; non-residents pay $78.
  • Most hunters need to add stamps for specific animals—deer ($7), waterfowl ($15), and turkey ($7) are the most common.
  • You can buy licenses online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website, by phone, or at sporting goods retailers.
  • A five-day license is available for $8 (residents) or $28 (non-residents) if you hunt only occasionally.

When you need each type of stamp

The base hunting license lets you hunt small game like rabbits, squirrels, and doves without buying anything else. If you want to hunt deer, you must buy a deer stamp. If you want to hunt ducks, geese, or other waterfowl, you must buy a waterfowl stamp. If you want to hunt wild turkey, you must buy a turkey stamp. You do not need all of them—buy only the stamps for the animals you actually plan to hunt.

The waterfowl stamp is required by federal law, not just Texas law, so it costs slightly more than the state stamps. The deer and turkey stamps are Texas-specific. If you hunt multiple types of game, you add each stamp to your single base license rather than buying separate licenses.

Resident versus non-resident pricing

Texas considers you a resident if you have lived in the state for at least 60 days before buying your license, or if you own property in Texas and have a Texas driver's license or ID. If you do not meet these requirements, you pay non-resident rates, which are roughly three times higher for a one-year license.

The 60-day rule means someone who just moved to Texas can buy a resident license once they have been here two months. If you are unsure whether you may have access to as a resident, call TPWD at 1-800-895-4248 and they will tell you based on your situation.

Special licenses for youth and disabled hunters

Texas offers reduced-price licenses for hunters under 17. A youth hunting license costs $5 for residents and $28 for non-residents. Youth hunters still need to buy stamps for deer, waterfowl, or turkey if they hunt those animals.

Hunters with disabilities may be able to hunt without a license or at a reduced cost depending on the type and severity of their disability. You must explore for a disability exemption through TPWD; call 1-800-895-4248 to ask about your specific situation and what documentation you need to provide.

How long your license is valid

A one-year resident or non-resident license is valid from September 1 through August 31 of the following year. This aligns with Texas hunting seasons, which run mostly in fall and winter. If you buy a license in March, it remains valid until August 31 of that year, then expires. You do not get a refund for the unused months.

A five-day license is valid for five consecutive calendar days starting the day you buy it. This option is useful if you are visiting Texas for a hunting trip or want to try hunting before committing to a full-year license.

Where to buy and what to bring

Online purchase through the TPWD website (tpwd.texas.gov) is the fastest method. You will need a valid Texas driver's license or ID, and you can pay by credit or debit card. Your license prints when ready and is valid the moment you receive it.

If you buy in person at a TPWD office or authorized retailer, bring your driver's license or ID and cash or card. Retailers include most Walmart locations, Academy Sports, and local sporting goods stores. Call ahead to confirm they have the license and stamps you need in stock.

By phone, call 1-800-895-4248 during business hours. You will need your driver's license number and a credit or debit card. The license is mailed to you, so order at least a week before you plan to hunt.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Texas requires a hunting license for all hunters on all land, including your own property, with very limited exceptions. The main exception is that landowners and their when ready family members can hunt certain game on their own land without a license, but this varies by animal type and season. Call TPWD at 1-800-895-4248 to confirm whether your specific hunting situation qualifies for an exemption.

Can I buy a license if I do not have a Texas driver's license?

You can buy online or by phone using a valid driver's license or ID from any state. In person, bring your out-of-state ID and you can purchase at any TPWD office or authorized retailer. Your residency status (and therefore your price) is based on how long you have lived in Texas, not on where your ID is from.

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 severity. It is much cheaper to buy a license than to face a violation.

Can I get a refund if I do not use my license?

No. Hunting licenses are non-refundable once purchased. If you buy a one-year license and decide not to hunt, you cannot get your money back. This is why the five-day license exists—use it if you are unsure whether you will actually hunt.