What a Texas hunting license costs

A Texas hunting license for residents costs $25 for a one-year license. Non-residents pay $76 for the same period. These are the base prices set by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). If you want to hunt specific game — like deer or waterfowl — you will need to buy an additional endorsement on top of your base license. Endorsements range from $7 to $25 depending on what you hunt.

You can buy licenses online through the TPWD website, by phone, or at authorized retailers across Texas. The license is valid for one year from the date you purchase it, not from a calendar date. If you hunt only occasionally or want to try hunting before committing to a full year, TPWD also sells short-term licenses — a 5-day license costs $20 for residents and $48 for non-residents.

Key Takeaways

  • A resident hunting license costs $25 per year; non-residents pay $76.
  • Most hunters need to buy endorsements ($7 to $25 each) to hunt specific animals like deer, turkey, or ducks on top of the base license.
  • You can buy licenses online at the TPWD website, by phone, or at sporting goods stores and bait shops across Texas.
  • A 5-day short-term license costs $20 for residents and $48 for non-residents if you want to hunt before buying a full-year license.

Endorsements you may need to add

The base hunting license lets you hunt small game like rabbits and squirrels, but most hunters buy endorsements to pursue larger or regulated game. A deer endorsement costs $25 and is required to hunt white-tailed or mule deer. A turkey endorsement costs $25 and covers spring and fall turkey seasons. A waterfowl endorsement costs $15 and is required for ducks, geese, and coots.

Less common endorsements include a javelina endorsement ($7), a dove endorsement ($7), and a migratory bird endorsement ($7). If you hunt multiple types of game, you will need multiple endorsements. For example, a resident who wants to hunt deer, turkey, and ducks would pay $25 (base license) + $25 (deer) + $25 (turkey) + $15 (waterfowl) = $90 total.

Where to buy your license

The easiest way to buy a Texas hunting license is online through tpwd.texas.gov. You can purchase and print your license when ready, and it is valid the same day. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid Texas driver's license or ID number to complete the purchase online.

If you prefer not to buy online, you can call the TPWD license sales line at 1-800-895-4248 during business hours. You can also buy licenses in person at authorized retailers, which include most sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations across Texas. Call ahead to confirm the retailer near you has the endorsements you need in stock.

Discounts and exemptions

Texas offers reduced-price licenses for certain groups. Residents aged 65 and older pay $5 for a one-year hunting license instead of $25. Disabled Texas residents with a disability certification from TPWD can hunt for free, though you still need to obtain the free license document. Active-duty military members and veterans with a VA disability rating can also receive discounts or free licenses — contact TPWD directly to confirm your status.

Children under 17 do not need a hunting license if they are hunting under direct supervision of an adult who holds a valid license. However, they still need endorsements if they are hunting regulated game like deer or turkey. Some youth hunting events in Texas are free and do not require a license at all — check the TPWD website for dates and locations near you.

How long your license stays valid

A standard hunting license is valid for one year from the date you purchase it. If you buy a license on March 15, it expires on March 14 of the next year. This is different from a calendar-year license, so you do not have to wait until January 1 to renew. You can renew your license at any time, even before it expires, and the new license will begin on the day your current one ends.

A 5-day license is valid for five consecutive calendar days starting the day you purchase it. If you buy a 5-day license on a Friday, it will expire the following Tuesday at midnight. Short-term licenses are useful for out-of-state visitors or Texans who hunt only a few times per year and do not want to pay for a full-year license.

What you need to bring when you hunt

You must carry your hunting license with you whenever you hunt in Texas. Print your license or have it on your phone — TPWD accepts digital copies. You will also need a valid photo ID (driver's license or passport). Game wardens can ask to see both your license and ID at any time while you are hunting.

In addition to your license, you may need a hunter safety certificate if you were born on or after September 2, 1971. Texas requires anyone born after that date to complete a hunter safety course before hunting. The course is free or low-cost and can be taken online or in person. You do not need the certificate to buy a license, but you cannot legally hunt without it if you fall into that age group.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can use any valid photo ID issued by a government agency, including a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. You will also need your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, contact TPWD directly at 1-800-895-4248 to discuss other options.

Do I need a separate license to hunt on private land versus public land?

No. A single Texas hunting license is valid on both private and public land. However, you must have the landowner's permission to hunt on private property. Some public lands (like national forests) may have additional rules — check with the specific property manager before you go.

What happens if I hunt without a license?

Hunting without a valid license is a criminal offense in Texas. Penalties include fines ranging from $100 to $500 and possible jail time. Game wardens patrol hunting areas and can check your license at any time. It is not worth the risk — a license is inexpensive compared to the legal consequences.

Can I buy a license for someone else as a gift?

Yes. You can purchase a license online or at a retailer using another person's information (name, date of birth, Social Security number). The person receiving the gift will need to print the license or have it sent to them. Some retailers also sell physical license cards that can be given as gifts.

Do I need a new license if I move to Texas from another state?

Yes. If you become a Texas resident, you will need to buy a resident license ($25) instead of a non-resident license ($76). You will need a valid Texas driver's license or ID to prove residency. A Texas hunting license is not proof of residency on its own — you need the ID first.