Where to Buy Your Texas Hunting License

You can buy a Texas hunting license online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a retail location. The online route is fastest — you can complete the purchase in minutes and print your license when ready. The TPWD website is tpwd.texas.gov, and the online licensing system is called eLicensing.

If you prefer to buy in person, visit any location that sells hunting licenses. These include sporting goods stores like Academy Sports and Outdoors, Walmart, and Bass Pro Shops, as well as many local bait and tackle shops and hardware stores. Call ahead to confirm the store carries hunting licenses, since not all locations do.

You can also call the TPWD directly at 1-800-895-4248 to purchase over the phone, or mail an process form to the address listed on the TPWD website. Phone and mail purchases take longer than online or in-person buying.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas hunting licenses are sold online at tpwd.texas.gov, by phone at 1-800-895-4248, in person at sporting goods stores and tackle shops, or by mail through TPWD.
  • You must be at least 17 years old to hunt in Texas without a parent or guardian present, and you need a valid government-issued photo ID to purchase a license.
  • A standard annual hunting license costs around $25 for Texas residents and $300 for non-residents, though short-term licenses and special licenses for specific game cost less.
  • Your license is valid when ready when purchased online or in person, so you can hunt the same day you buy it.
  • Most hunters also need a Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification to hunt waterfowl, which is a separate registration you complete online at the same time as your license.

What You Need Before You Buy

Have a valid government-issued photo ID ready. This can be a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. TPWD uses this to verify your age and residency status, which determines whether you pay the resident or non-resident price.

You also need to know your Social Security number or, if you do not have one, your date of birth. TPWD uses this information to check whether you have any hunting violations on record in Texas or other states. If you have been convicted of a felony involving wildlife, you may be barred from hunting.

If you are under 17, you must have a parent or guardian with you to hunt, and they will need to provide their own ID and information when you purchase your license.

License Types and Costs

A standard annual hunting license covers hunting for most game animals and birds in Texas for one calendar year (January 1 through December 31). For Texas residents, this costs around $25. Non-residents pay around $300 for the same license. Prices are set by TPWD and can change, so check the current price on the eLicensing website before you buy.

If you hunt only during a short season or want to try hunting before committing to a full year, TPWD sells 5-day licenses and one-day licenses at lower prices. A 5-day license costs roughly $10 for residents and $50 for non-residents. A one-day license costs roughly $5 for residents and $20 for non-residents.

Special licenses exist for specific game. A waterfowl stamp (required in addition to your hunting license if you hunt ducks, geese, or other waterfowl) costs around $15. A turkey endorsement (required to hunt wild turkey) costs around $10. These are purchased at the same time as your base hunting license on the eLicensing website.

The Harvest Information Program (HIP) Requirement

If you plan to hunt waterfowl — ducks, geese, or coots — you must also register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP). This is a separate registration from your hunting license, and it is free. HIP collects information about what waterfowl hunters harvest so the federal government can manage waterfowl populations.

You complete HIP registration online at the same time you buy your license, or you can do it separately at tpwd.texas.gov. The registration asks basic questions about your hunting experience and where you plan to hunt. Once you complete it, you receive a HIP number, which you must carry with you while hunting waterfowl.

If you do not register for HIP and you hunt waterfowl, you are breaking the law, even if you have a valid hunting license and waterfowl stamp. Check the HIP requirement before your first waterfowl hunt.

Hunter Education Requirements

Texas does not require a hunter education course to buy a hunting license. However, some hunters choose to take a course to learn about firearm safety, game identification, and hunting regulations. TPWD offers online and in-person hunter education courses through its website.

If you are under 17 and hunting without a parent or guardian, you must have completed a hunter education course. The course is free or low-cost and takes a few hours to complete. You receive a certificate when you finish, which you keep for your records.

Even if you are not required to take the course, it is worth doing if you are new to hunting. The course covers how to handle firearms safely, how to identify game animals, and how to understand hunting seasons and bag limits for different species.

How to Print and Carry Your License

When you buy your license online, you can print it when ready from your computer or phone. Print it on regular paper and keep it with you while you hunt. The license is a single page with your name, license number, and the types of game you are allowed to hunt.

You can also show your license on your phone by opening the email confirmation or the eLicensing website. Game wardens accept digital copies, so you do not have to print a physical copy if you have your phone with you. However, many hunters print a copy as a backup in case their phone dies or loses signal.

If you buy your license in person at a store, you receive a printed license on the spot. If you buy by phone or mail, TPWD mails your license to you, which takes about a week.

Checking Seasons and Bag Limits

Your hunting license tells you what you are allowed to hunt, but it does not tell you when or how much. Texas has different hunting seasons for different animals, and each season has a bag limit — the number of animals you can legally take per day or per season.

Before you hunt, check the current season dates and bag limits on the TPWD website. Seasons change year to year and sometimes change mid-season based on population counts. Hunting outside the season or exceeding the bag limit is illegal, even with a valid license.

TPWD publishes a Hunting Guide each year that lists all seasons, bag limits, and hunting methods for each game animal in Texas. You can read it free from tpwd.texas.gov or pick up a printed copy at any location that sells hunting licenses. Read it before your first hunt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hunt the same day I buy my license?

Yes, if you buy online or in person. Your license is valid when ready. If you buy by phone or mail, you must wait for your license to arrive before you hunt.

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

Yes. Texas law requires a hunting license for all hunters on all land, including private property you own. The only exception is that landowners can hunt on their own land without a license during certain seasons, but this varies by game type — check TPWD rules for your specific situation.

What happens if I hunt without a license?

Hunting without a valid license is a crime in Texas. Penalties include fines up to $500, loss of hunting privileges for up to five years, and possible jail time. Game wardens patrol hunting areas and check licenses.

Can I buy a license for someone else?

No. Each person must buy their own license using their own ID and information. You cannot purchase a license on behalf of another person, even a family member.

What if I lose my license while hunting?

Contact TPWD at 1-800-895-4248 to request a replacement. You can also print a new copy from the eLicensing website if you bought online. There may be a small replacement fee.