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Texas

Texas Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Texas hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Sep 1, 2025 – Aug 31, 2026 season.

Last updated: March 2026
Resident License $25 General hunting
Non-Resident License $315 General hunting
Hunter Education Required Born after 1971-09-02
Online Purchase Yes Sep 1, 2025 – Aug 31, 2026
LICENSE FEES

Texas Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Sep 1, 2025 – Aug 31, 2026.

Resident Licenses

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Resident General Hunting $25
Resident Combo (Hunt + Fish) $32
Super Combo (All-Inclusive) $68
Senior Resident (65+) $7
Youth (Under 17) $7
Lifetime Resident Combo $1800

Non-Resident Licenses

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Non-Resident General Hunting $315
Non-Resident Special Hunting (Small Game) $48
Non-Resident 5-Day Special Hunting $48
Non-Resident Youth (Under 17) $7

Tags & Permits

License Type Resident Non-Resident
White-tailed Deer (Antlered) Free Free
Mule Deer Free Free
Turkey Free Free
Pronghorn $3 $3
Feral Hog Free Free

Endorsements & Stamps

Archery Endorsement $7
Migratory Game Bird Endorsement $7 Required for dove, duck, geese
Upland Game Bird Endorsement $7 Required for pheasant, quail
Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl hunters 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30
HIP Certification Free Free, required for migratory birds
PURCHASE

How to Buy a Texas Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

1

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit the TPWD Online License Sales website. Create an account or sign in with your TPWD ID. Select 'Hunting Licenses' and choose your license type. Complete hunter education verification (if applicable). Pay with credit/debit card and print your license

2

Buy In Person

Walmart stores statewide, Bass Pro Shops / Cabela's, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Local sporting goods stores, TPWD regional offices

3

Buy By Phone

Call 800-895-4248. $5 administrative fee

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Texas hunting license is online through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Texas

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after September 2, 1971
Online course: Available — Cost: Free
Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required
Minimum age: 9 years old
Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education
Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt
EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Texas?

Category Benefit Details
Youth (Under 9) Exempt Children under 9 do not need a license but must be accompanied by a licensed adult
Youth (9-16) $7 Must be supervised by licensed adult 18+
Senior (65+) $7 Resident Discounted combo license for Texas residents age 65+
Disabled Veteran Free 50%+ service-connected disability rating, Texas resident
Active Military Resident Rates Active duty stationed in Texas can purchase at resident rates
Landowner Exempt on own property Resident landowners can hunt on their own property without a license
SEASONS

Texas Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

Species Season Dates Weapon
White-tailed Deer Archery Sep 27 – Nov 1 Bow only
White-tailed Deer General Nov 1 – Jan 5 Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow
White-tailed Deer Late Jan 6 – Feb 2 Antlerless only, any legal weapon
Mule Deer General Nov 22 – Dec 8 Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow
Turkey Fall Nov 1 – Jan 5 Shotgun, bow
Turkey Spring Mar 14 – May 10 Shotgun, bow
Dove Early (South Zone) Sep 14 – Oct 30 Shotgun
Dove Late (South Zone) Dec 20 – Jan 23 Shotgun
Feral Hog Year-Round Jan 1 – Dec 31 Any legal weapon
Duck/Waterfowl Regular (South Zone) Nov 8 – Jan 26 Shotgun
BAG LIMITS

Texas Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

Species Daily Limit Season Limit Notes
White-tailed Deer 1 5 (no more than 2 bucks) Antler restrictions vary by county
Mule Deer 1 2 (1 buck) Trans-Pecos region only
Turkey (Fall) 4 4 Either sex
Turkey (Spring) 1 4 Gobblers only (bearded)
Dove 15 No season limit Mourning, white-winged, white-tipped
Feral Hog No limit No limit No bag limit, year-round
Duck 6 No season limit Species-specific limits apply
COMPARE

How Texas Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

State Resident License Non-Resident License
Texas $25 $315
Oklahoma $36 $209 Louisiana $20 $200 Arkansas $25 $410 New Mexico $25 $90
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Texas?

Resident general hunting costs $25. The Super Combo ($68) includes all hunting + fishing endorsements (archery, saltwater, freshwater, and more) — best value. Non-residents pay $315 for general hunting.

What is the Super Combo license?

The Super Combo ($68 res / $315 NR) bundles hunting, fishing, and all endorsements. Without it, adding individual endorsements (archery $7, freshwater $35, saltwater $35) costs much more. It's the most popular Texas license.

How much is a non-resident deer tag in Texas?

No separate deer tag needed — deer hunting is included with the $315 NR general hunting license. This is a major advantage vs other states. Bag limits: 5 deer season, no more than 3 bucks. Texas has the largest deer herd in the US.

Do I need a license to hunt feral hogs in Texas?

A valid hunting license is needed on land you don't own. However, there is no bag limit, no closed season, and no special tag required. Landowners and their agents can hunt hogs on their own property without a license year-round.

What is the MLD tag system?

Managed Lands Deer (MLD) permits are issued to landowners enrolled in wildlife management plans. MLD properties get more flexible season dates and harvest options. Tags are issued directly to landowners who distribute them to hunters.

How long is Texas deer season?

Texas has one of the longest deer seasons: archery runs late September through November, general gun Nov 1 – Jan 19, and late antlerless/spike Jan 20 – Feb 2. South Texas zones have longer seasons than North Texas.

What is the minimum age to hunt in Texas?

No minimum age — hunters under 9 don't need a license but must be supervised. Youth 9-16 need a $7 Youth Hunting license. The Super Combo Youth costs $32. Texas also offers a Lifetime Hunting License for $1,800.

Can I buy a Texas hunting license online?

Yes, at tpwd.texas.gov. Licenses are also available at Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, Academy Sports, and other retailers. The Super Combo is the most popular option for residents and non-residents.

Ready to Get Your Texas Hunting License?

Visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department website to purchase your license online today.