📅 2025–2026 Season⏱ 6 min read✅ Verified against Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

Texas Hunting License & Hunter Education Requirements

Everything a first-time hunter needs to get licensed in Texas: whether you need hunter education, which course formats are available, what licenses cost, and where to buy. Current for the 2025–2026 season.

Texas Hunter Education: Do You Need It?

FactorAnswer
Birth year cutoff (residents born before this are exempt)1971
Exemption applies toSept 2, 1971
Online-only course accepted?Yes — adults 18+ (online only available)
Apprentice/mentorship license available?Yes — see details below
Military/veteran exemption?Check our full guide
Official course registrationtpwd.texas.gov ↗

Texas Hunting License Costs (2025–2026)

📌 Cost Summary From $25 resident / $315 nonresident
License TypeResidentNon-Resident
Base Annual Hunting License$25$315
Hunter Education Course$15$15
Federal Duck Stamp (waterfowl only)$25$25

Where to Buy Your Texas Hunting License

  • Online: tpwd.texas.gov — fastest option, license available immediately
  • In person: Walmart sporting goods, Bass Pro, Cabela's, independent sporting goods stores
  • State offices: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department regional offices — best for complex situations (military exemptions, lifetime licenses)

Step-by-Step: Getting Your First Texas Hunting License

  1. Confirm your hunter education status

    Use our Requirement Finder or check the table above. If born before 1971, you may be exempt.

  2. Complete hunter education if required

    Register at tpwd.texas.gov. Course: Yes — adults 18+ (online only available). Cost: $15.

  3. Purchase your license online

    Go to tpwd.texas.gov, create an account, enter your certificate number, and select your license type. Resident base license: $25.

  4. Add required tags for your target species

    Deer, turkey, and elk require separate tags in most cases. Check the Texas hunting regulations digest at tpwd.texas.gov for current tag requirements and season dates.

  5. Download and save your license

    Print a backup or save to your phone. Most Texas game wardens accept digital licenses, but having a printed copy is always safe.

✅ Texas Insider Note Resident deer tag: $25 (included in some combo packages). Nonresident deer: $315 base + $25 tag. Texas offers the widest variety of game in the continental U.S., from white-tailed deer to feral hog (no license needed for hog on private land).

Frequently Asked Questions — Texas

Yes. Texas recognizes IHEA-accredited hunter education certificates from all 50 states. If you completed your course in another state, your certificate number is valid when purchasing a Texas license. You do not need to retake the course.
Yes — Texas licenses are available online at tpwd.texas.gov. You can purchase the same day and begin hunting immediately (assuming it's an open season). Digital licenses are accepted by Texas game wardens.
Texas offers a one-time Apprentice Hunting License for uncertified hunters hunting under direct supervision of a licensed adult 17+. See our full guide: Apprentice & Mentorship License Programs.
Visit tpwd.texas.gov and use the certificate lookup tool, or try the national lookup at hunter-ed.com/records-lookup. If your record isn't found online, contact Texas Parks & Wildlife Department directly. See our full guide: Lost Hunter Ed Certificate Replacement.
Informational Disclaimer: License costs, season dates, and requirements are updated annually by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Always verify current rules at tpwd.texas.gov before purchasing a license.