What Texas hunting licenses cost

A Texas hunting license for residents costs $25 for a one-year license, or $10 for a five-day license. Non-residents pay $76 for a one-year license or $48 for a five-day license. These are the base prices for a standard hunting license that lets you hunt most game in Texas.

The price you actually pay depends on what you hunt and how long you want the license to last. A resident hunting game birds (like dove, duck, or quail) costs the same $25 as hunting deer or hog. But if you want to hunt specific animals — like turkey, alligator, or migratory waterfowl — you need to add a stamp on top of your base license. Each stamp costs between $5 and $25 depending on the animal.

You can buy a license online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website, by phone at 1-800-895-4248, or in person at any hunting license retailer across the state. Online purchase takes a few minutes and you get your license when ready as a PDF you can print or show on your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas residents pay $25 for a one-year hunting license; non-residents pay $76.
  • Hunting specific animals like turkey, duck, or alligator requires adding a stamp that costs $5 to $25 on top of your base license.
  • You can buy a license online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website and receive it when ready as a PDF.
  • A five-day license costs $10 for residents and $48 for non-residents if you only hunt for a short period.

Stamps and special permits you may need

A hunting license alone does not let you hunt everything in Texas. If you want to hunt migratory waterfowl (ducks, geese, rails), you need a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, which costs $15. This is a federal requirement, not a Texas one, but you buy it at the same place as your Texas license.

Turkey hunting requires a Turkey Stamp for $10 if you are a resident. Alligator hunting requires an Alligator Stamp for $25. Dove hunting does not require a separate stamp — it is covered under your base hunting license. The same goes for most upland game birds like quail and pheasant.

If you hunt on public land managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife, you do not need an extra permit beyond your license and stamps. If you hunt on private land, the landowner's permission is what matters legally, not a permit.

Who does not need to buy a license

Texas residents who are 65 or older do not pay for a hunting license. You still need to carry proof of age, but the license itself is free. Texas also offers free licenses to active-duty military members and to people with certain disabilities — you need to bring documentation to a license retailer or call the Parks and Wildlife Department to confirm what counts.

Children under 17 can hunt without a license if they are supervised by a licensed adult. The adult must be within normal voice range and have a valid hunting license. This applies to most game, but some animals (like turkey) have their own rules about youth hunting.

How long your license lasts and renewal

A one-year hunting license runs from September 1 to August 31 of the following year. This means if you buy a license in March, it expires at the end of August — you do not get a full 12 months from your purchase date. A five-day license is valid for five consecutive calendar days starting the day you buy it.

You renew your license the same way you buy it: online, by phone, or at a retailer. There is no waiting period between licenses. If your one-year license expires on August 31 and you want to hunt on September 1, you can buy the new year's license on September 1 itself.

Where to buy and what to bring

You can buy a license online at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website (tpwd.texas.gov). You need a valid Texas driver's license or ID number to complete the purchase. The license prints as a PDF that you read when ready — you can print it or show it on your phone while hunting.

If you prefer to buy in person, hunting license retailers include sporting goods stores, Walmart, Academy Sports, and many bait and tackle shops. Call ahead to confirm they sell licenses, since not every location does. You still need a valid ID to buy in person.

By phone, call 1-800-895-4248 during business hours. You will need your Texas ID number and a credit card. The license will be mailed to you, so allow time for delivery before you hunt.

Resident versus non-resident pricing

You are a Texas resident for hunting license purposes if you have lived in Texas for at least 60 days before buying the license. If you moved to Texas recently, you may not yet may have access to for resident pricing. Non-residents — people who live in another state — pay roughly three times as much for a one-year license ($76 instead of $25).

Military members stationed in Texas can sometimes buy at resident rates even if they have not lived there 60 days. Bring your military ID to a retailer or call the Parks and Wildlife Department to confirm. The rules change depending on your branch and duty status, so it is worth asking.

What your license covers and does not cover

Your hunting license covers hunting on private land with the owner's permission and on public land open to hunting. It does not cover hunting on someone else's private land without permission — that is trespassing, regardless of whether you have a license. It also does not cover hunting in state parks or wildlife refuges unless those specific areas are open to hunting during the season.

Your license is not a may provide that the animal you want to hunt is in season. Texas has specific hunting seasons for each animal — deer season, duck season, dove season, and so on. You can hunt only during the open season for that animal. Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for current season dates before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hunt with an out-of-state license in Texas?

No. You must have a Texas hunting license to hunt in Texas, even if you hold a valid license from another state. The only exception is if you are a non-resident and have a Texas non-resident license. Your home state's license does not work in Texas.

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

Yes. You need a hunting license to hunt on your own land in Texas. The only exception is if you are hunting feral hog or coyote on your own property — those two animals can be hunted year-round without a license on private land you own or have permission to hunt.

What happens if I hunt without a license?

Hunting without a valid license is a criminal offense in Texas. Penalties include fines up to $500 and possible jail time. A game warden can check your license at any time while you are hunting, so carry it with you.

Can I buy a license for someone else?

No. Each person must buy their own license using their own ID. You cannot purchase a license for another adult. Parents can buy youth licenses for children under 17, but the child's name must be on the license.

Is there a discount if I buy multiple stamps at once?

No. Each stamp costs its listed price whether you buy one or several. There are no bundle discounts or multi-stamp deals. You pay $10 for a turkey stamp, $15 for a federal waterfowl stamp, and $25 for an alligator stamp regardless of how many you purchase together.