Cost of a Hunting License in Texas (2025)

Hunting has deep roots in Texas culture, drawing millions of residents and visitors each year who value the state’s diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and strong outdoor traditions. However, before anyone can legally hunt in Texas, a valid hunting license is required. Understanding the cost of a hunting license in Texas is essential for hunters—whether you are a resident planning to pursue whitetail deer or a nonresident traveling for waterfowl.

This guide provides a clear, fact-based breakdown of license fees, who needs them, exemptions, and additional costs. By the end, you will know exactly how much a Texas hunting license costs in 2025, what options are available, and how those fees support wildlife conservation across the state.


Cost of a Hunting License in Texas

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) regulates hunting licenses in the state. License costs vary based on residency status, age, type of hunting activity, and whether specialty endorsements are required.

Here’s a quick overview of the main license categories:

  • Resident hunting licenses – For Texas residents.
  • Nonresident hunting licenses – For those living outside Texas.
  • Special licenses – Reduced-cost or free options for seniors, youth, and certain groups.
  • Endorsements and stamps – Required add-ons for specific activities like migratory bird or archery hunting.

Standard Hunting License Costs (2025)

License Type Eligibility Cost Notes
Resident Hunting License Texas residents age 17–64 $25 Standard license, required for most hunting.
Resident Youth Hunting License Residents under 17 $7 Covers all hunting privileges except endorsements.
Resident Senior Hunting License Residents age 65 and older $7 Discounted for seniors.
Nonresident General Hunting Nonresidents, all ages $315 Required for big game and most hunting.
Nonresident Special Hunting Nonresidents pursuing small game only $132 Excludes big game.
Nonresident Youth Hunting License Nonresidents under 17 $7 Same cost as resident youth license.
Resident Lifetime Hunting License Residents of all ages $1,000 One-time purchase, valid for life.
Combination Licenses (Hunting + Fishing) Residents only $50–$68 Includes both privileges at a discounted rate.

Resident Hunting License Costs

If you are a Texas resident, the standard annual hunting license costs $25. This license covers most hunting privileges but does not include required endorsements for certain activities.

Youth Licenses

Texas strongly encourages youth participation in hunting. Resident and nonresident youth licenses are only $7, making them highly affordable. These licenses cover most hunting opportunities and introduce younger hunters to the sport responsibly.

Senior Licenses

Residents 65 years and older qualify for a reduced-cost license at $7. This helps older hunters remain active without the full financial burden of the standard license.

Lifetime Licenses

For those who plan to hunt for decades, the Resident Lifetime Hunting License is available for a one-time fee of $1,000. Once purchased, no renewals are required.


Nonresident Hunting License Costs

For visitors traveling to Texas, hunting license fees are higher. The Nonresident General Hunting License costs $315 and is required for hunting big game like deer, pronghorn, and turkey.

Nonresidents seeking only small game can purchase the Nonresident Special Hunting License for $132. This option is more affordable but does not cover big game hunting.

Nonresident youth hunters benefit from the same reduced price as residents—$7—making Texas one of the more welcoming states for young visiting hunters.


Required Endorsements and Stamps

In addition to a basic hunting license, hunters may need endorsements depending on the species and methods they pursue. These add-ons are designed to regulate specialized hunting activities.

Common Endorsements (2025 Costs)

  • Archery Endorsement – $7
  • Upland Game Bird Endorsement (quail, pheasant, turkey) – $7
  • Migratory Game Bird Endorsement – $7
  • Federal Duck Stamp (required for waterfowl hunting) – $25
  • Trapper’s License – $19

Without the proper endorsement, hunting those species or with certain methods is not permitted.


Free and Discounted Licenses

Texas also offers several free or reduced licenses for eligible groups:

  • Disabled Veterans Super Combo License – Free for qualifying veterans with a 50%+ disability rating.
  • Resident Active Duty Military Hunting License – Free for Texas residents serving active duty.
  • Resident Active Duty Military “Super Combo” – Free, covering both hunting and fishing.

These programs recognize service and sacrifice while ensuring access to outdoor recreation.


Hunting License Packages

Texas also sells license packages that combine hunting, fishing, and endorsements for convenience.

Popular Packages

  • Resident Super Combo Package – $68
    • Includes all basic hunting and fishing licenses plus state endorsements.
  • Senior Super Combo Package – Free (for residents 65+)
  • Disabled Veteran Super Combo – Free
  • Nonresident Licenses – No packages available; must be purchased separately.

Exemptions: Who Does Not Need a License

Not everyone needs a hunting license in Texas. According to TPWD, exemptions include:

  • Children under 17 may hunt certain species under the supervision of a licensed hunter (though many still choose to buy the $7 youth license).
  • Landowners hunting feral hogs on their property (without intent to sell meat) may do so without a license.
  • Hunters on their own property may be exempt for certain activities, though most hunting still requires licensing.

Why Hunting License Costs Matter

The fees collected from hunting licenses are not just a formality. They play a critical role in wildlife management and conservation across Texas. TPWD uses this revenue to:

  • Fund wildlife research and management.
  • Support habitat restoration projects.
  • Provide public hunting lands and programs.
  • Enforce hunting regulations to ensure sustainability.

In 2024 alone, hunting license sales generated millions of dollars that went directly into conservation. Hunters’ contributions ensure that game populations remain healthy for future generations.


Breakdown of Key Costs at a Glance

Category Resident Cost Nonresident Cost Notes
Standard License $25 $315 Required for most hunters.
Youth License $7 $7 Applies to under 17.
Senior License $7 N/A For 65+.
Lifetime License $1,000 N/A One-time purchase.
Small Game License Included $132 Nonresident option only.
Archery Endorsement $7 $7 Required for bowhunting.
Migratory Bird Stamp $7 + $25 federal $7 + $25 federal Required for waterfowl.
Super Combo Package $68 N/A Includes all endorsements.

Purchasing a Hunting License in Texas

Licenses can be purchased through several official channels:

  • Online at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.
  • By phone through TPWD’s licensing system.
  • In person at licensed retailers, such as sporting goods stores and TPWD offices.

Hunters must carry proof of license while hunting, either in physical form or digital copy on their phone.

We’ve already covered the essentials—what licenses cost, who qualifies for special discounts, endorsements, and the conservation role hunting license fees play. To build a complete picture, let’s now go deeper into related aspects such as hunting seasons, penalties for noncompliance, historical cost trends, and common questions hunters ask before buying a license in Texas.


Texas Hunting Seasons and License Relevance

The hunting season calendar affects which license and endorsements you need. While license fees remain constant throughout the year, the time of year you hunt determines what species you may legally pursue.

General Overview of Hunting Seasons

  • Deer Season
    • Archery-only: Late September to early November.
    • General season: November through January.
  • Turkey Season
    • Spring season varies by county.
    • Fall season generally overlaps with deer hunting.
  • Waterfowl Season
    • Split into multiple segments, typically November–January.
    • Requires federal duck stamp and migratory game bird endorsement.
  • Upland Birds (Quail, Pheasant, Chachalaca)
    • Generally late fall to late winter.
  • Feral Hogs
    • No closed season; year-round hunting allowed, often without license requirements on private land.

Knowing the timing of your hunt ensures you buy the correct endorsements along with your standard hunting license.


Penalties for Hunting Without a License in Texas

The cost of a hunting license pales in comparison to the potential fines and penalties for hunting without one. TPWD enforces regulations strictly to maintain sustainable wildlife populations.

Legal Consequences

  • Class C misdemeanor for hunting without a license: fines of $25 to $500.
  • Higher fines and penalties for repeat offenses, poaching, or hunting protected species without proper endorsements.
  • Confiscation of equipment (firearms, bows, vehicles) in severe cases.
  • Suspension of hunting privileges in Texas and potentially other states under the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.

Put simply, buying a license is not only the ethical choice but also the most cost-effective.


Historical Trends in Texas Hunting License Costs

Understanding past costs provides perspective on today’s fees.

  • In the 1970s, a standard resident hunting license was less than $10.
  • By the 1990s, prices had risen to around $20 for residents.
  • The current $25 fee for residents has remained steady for several years, with no major increases since the 2000s.
  • Nonresident license fees, especially for big game, have increased more significantly to reflect demand and conservation needs.

Despite inflation, Texas hunting licenses remain competitively priced compared to other states with similar wildlife diversity.


Comparison: Texas vs. Other States

To put the Texas hunting license cost in perspective, let’s compare with neighboring states (2025 data):

State Resident License Nonresident General License Notes
Texas $25 $315 Youth $7, lifetime $1,000
Oklahoma $32 $176 Nonresident deer license extra.
Louisiana $20 $200 Combo packages common.
New Mexico $15 $365 Additional species tags required.
Arkansas $25 $350 Lower youth discounts.

Texas falls in the middle range—cheaper for residents than some neighbors, but higher for nonresidents pursuing big game.


FAQs About Texas Hunting License Costs

Here are answers to the most common questions hunters ask about licenses in Texas.

1. Do children under 17 need a hunting license?

Yes, but the youth license is only $7 for both residents and nonresidents.

2. Do I need a hunting license to hunt feral hogs?

Not always. If you’re hunting feral hogs causing damage on your own land, a license is not required. But in most other situations, a valid hunting license is still necessary.

3. Can I hunt on my own property without a license?

Not for most species. A license is still required unless exempt by TPWD rules (e.g., feral hogs).

4. Is a fishing license included with a hunting license?

Only if you purchase a combo package like the Super Combo ($68), which includes both.

5. How do I prove residency for a resident license?

Acceptable documents include a Texas driver’s license, state-issued ID, or active military papers showing Texas as home of record.

6. Can I buy my license online and use a digital copy?

Yes. TPWD allows hunters to carry either a printed license or a digital version stored on their phone.

7. Are there extra fees for tags (like deer or turkey)?

Yes. While the base license covers most hunting, species-specific tags are included with certain licenses. For example, a resident hunting license comes with five white-tailed deer tags.


Economic and Conservation Impact of License Sales

Hunting licenses in Texas are not just about regulation—they generate essential funding.

Contribution to Conservation

  • Revenue supports habitat management for deer, turkeys, waterfowl, and nongame species.
  • Funds pay for wildlife research projects, such as disease monitoring (e.g., chronic wasting disease in deer).
  • License sales help maintain public hunting lands across Texas.

Economic Impact

Beyond conservation, hunting contributes to Texas’ economy:

  • Hunters spend money on gear, lodging, food, and travel.
  • Nonresident hunters provide a significant boost during peak seasons.
  • Rural communities especially benefit from hunting-related tourism.

Tips for Saving Money on Hunting Licenses

While hunting is an investment, there are ways to minimize costs:

  • Buy packages like the Super Combo if you also fish.
  • Youth licenses are an incredible bargain at $7.
  • Consider lifetime licenses if you plan to hunt for decades.
  • Senior hunters should take advantage of reduced $7 fees.
  • Disabled veterans and active duty military should check for free options.

Final Thoughts on the Cost of a Hunting License in Texas

The cost of a hunting license in Texas in 2025 ranges from $7 for youth or seniors to $315 for nonresidents, with specialized options like lifetime licenses and combo packages. While the price may vary depending on age, residency, and species pursued, the investment supports conservation, ensures legal hunting, and sustains Texas’ outdoor traditions.

For Texans, a standard license remains affordable at $25, while generous discounts and exemptions make hunting accessible to all ages and backgrounds. Nonresidents pay more, but they also gain access to some of the most prized hunting opportunities in North America.

In the end, a hunting license is more than a fee—it’s a contribution to wildlife stewardship, ensuring future generations can enjoy the same opportunities that hunters have today.