Top 20 Cost of a Hunting License in Texas (2025)

Texas is home to some of the richest hunting traditions in the United States, offering vast landscapes, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for both residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors. However, before stepping into the field, hunters must ensure they have the proper licenses. The cost of a hunting license in Texas varies depending on the hunter’s residency status, age, type of game being hunted, and additional endorsements that may be required. These licenses help fund wildlife conservation, management programs, and outdoor recreation across the state.

For first-time hunters, navigating the license options can seem overwhelming, as Texas offers a variety of categories from resident licenses to non-resident options, senior discounts, and special permits for youth. Understanding the cost and benefits of each license is essential to ensure compliance with regulations while maximizing the hunting experience. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the top 20 hunting license options in Texas, complete with descriptions, pricing information, and additional details about services provided. Whether you’re planning to hunt deer, turkey, migratory birds, or small game, this article will help you find the right license tailored to your needs.

Top 20 Cost of a Hunting License in Texas

Below is a comprehensive listing of the top 20 Texas hunting license options, including pricing, eligibility details, and services offered. Each entry provides essential information so hunters can make informed decisions.

1. Resident Hunting License

Description:
The Resident Hunting License is the standard option for Texas residents who wish to hunt a wide range of game species. It covers small and large game but may require additional endorsements for specific activities.

Pricing:

Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744

Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 389-4800
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM

Services Offered:

Authorization to hunt native and exotic game species
Eligibility to purchase add-on endorsements such as migratory bird, upland game bird, or archery tags
Support services for tag replacements and license renewals

2. Resident Youth Hunting License

Description:
This license is for Texas residents under the age of 17. It provides access to hunting opportunities at a reduced cost while encouraging youth participation in outdoor activities.

Pricing:

Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744

Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 389-4800

Services Offered:

Valid for all legal hunting species
Affordable entry point for young hunters
Educational materials and resources for safe hunting practices

3. Resident Senior Hunting License

Description:
Available to Texas residents aged 65 and older, this license offers reduced pricing while maintaining full access to hunting privileges.

Pricing:

Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744

Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 389-4800

Services Offered:

All standard hunting benefits at a discounted rate
Option to purchase endorsements at lower costs
Special consideration for mobility or access assistance in certain wildlife areas

4. Resident Super Combo License

Description:
The Super Combo License is the ultimate package for Texas residents who want to enjoy both hunting and fishing without needing to purchase multiple separate permits.

Pricing:

Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Headquarters, Austin, TX

Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 389-4800

Services Offered:

Includes resident hunting license, fishing license, and all state-required endorsements (archery, migratory game bird, upland game bird, and freshwater/saltwater fishing)
Convenience of one complete package
Discount compared to purchasing each license separately

5. Resident Combination License (Hunting & Freshwater Fishing)

Description:
This license combines hunting and freshwater fishing privileges, making it ideal for sportsmen who enjoy both activities but don’t require saltwater access.

Pricing:

Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Licensing Division, Austin, TX

Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 389-4800

Services Offered:

Covers hunting and freshwater fishing
Ability to purchase additional endorsements such as upland game bird or migratory bird
Simplifies licensing needs for hunters who also fish in lakes and rivers

6. Non-Resident Hunting License

Description:
This license is designed for out-of-state visitors who wish to hunt in Texas. It allows for general hunting activities but may require special permits depending on the species targeted.

Pricing:

$315

Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744

Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 389-4800

Services Offered:

Legal access to hunt most species
Option to add endorsements for specific hunts
Support for non-resident hunters with questions about state regulations

7. Non-Resident Youth Hunting License

Description:
This option gives young non-residents the opportunity to hunt in Texas at the same affordable cost as resident youth.

Pricing:

Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin, TX

Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 389-4800

Services Offered:

Access to all game species legally hunted in Texas
Encourages youth participation in hunting traditions
Cost-effective for families traveling from out of state

8. Non-Resident Special Hunting License (5-Day)

Description:
This short-term license is perfect for non-residents visiting Texas for a limited hunting trip. It is valid for five consecutive days.

Pricing:

Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin, TX

Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 389-4800

Services Offered:

Covers general hunting for five consecutive days
Convenient for tourists and out-of-state hunters on short trips
Flexibility without committing to a full season license

9. Non-Resident General Hunting License

Description:
A more affordable option compared to the full non-resident license, this license allows general hunting access but excludes certain big game species.

Pricing:

$132

Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin, TX

Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 389-4800

Services Offered:

General hunting privileges
Ability to add endorsements for small game species
Ideal for non-residents targeting smaller game rather than trophy hunts

10. Non-Resident Deer License

Description:
This specialized license is required for non-residents who plan to hunt white-tailed or mule deer in Texas.

Pricing:

$315

Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin, TX

Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 389-4800

Services Offered:

Authorization for deer hunting only
Option to purchase antlerless deer permits in certain counties
Access to statewide deer hunting zones

11. Resident Trapper’s License

Description:
The Resident Trapper’s License is for hunters who engage in trapping fur-bearing animals such as coyotes, foxes, and raccoons.

Pricing:

Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Licensing Office, Austin, TX

Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 389-4800

Services Offered:

Legal authority to trap fur-bearing species
Eligibility to sell pelts and furs commercially
Training resources on ethical trapping methods

12. Non-Resident Trapper’s License

Description:
Designed for non-residents interested in trapping in Texas, this license grants the same privileges as the resident trapper’s license but at a higher cost.

Pricing:

$315

Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin, TX

Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 389-4800

Services Offered:

Trapping privileges for fur-bearing species
Commercial rights to sell furs
Access to trapping areas throughout the state

13. Resident Disabled Veteran Super Combo License

Description:
This license is offered free of charge to Texas residents who are disabled veterans, honoring their service while providing full hunting and fishing privileges.

Pricing:

Free

Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin, TX

Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 389-4800

Services Offered:

Includes hunting and fishing privileges along with all state endorsements
Accessibility support and resources for disabled hunters
Recognition of veterans through reduced regulatory costs

14. Resident Active Duty Military Super Combo License

Description:
This license provides active-duty military personnel who are Texas residents with a full package of hunting and fishing privileges.

Pricing:

Free

Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin, TX

Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 389-4800

Services Offered:

Full hunting and fishing rights with endorsements
Recognition of active military service
Convenient all-in-one license package

15. Non-Resident Spring Turkey License

Description:
This license is for non-resident hunters who specifically travel to Texas during the spring season to hunt turkey.

Pricing:

$132

Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin, TX

Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 389-4800

Services Offered:

Turkey-specific hunting privileges during the spring season
Option to add endorsements as needed
Designed for seasonal hunting visitors

16. Non-Resident Exotic Hunting License

Description:
Texas is home to a wide variety of exotic species such as axis deer, nilgai, blackbuck antelope, and aoudad sheep. For non-residents who want to experience this unique hunting opportunity, the Exotic Hunting License grants permission to pursue these animals.

Pricing:
- $132
Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744

Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 389-4800

Services Offered:
- Authorization to hunt exotic species across private lands and certain designated areas
- Flexibility for trophy hunting or meat harvesting
- Helpful guidelines for species-specific regulations
17. Resident Lifetime Hunting License

Description:
This license is a one-time purchase that allows Texas residents to hunt for life without needing annual renewals. It is ideal for avid hunters who plan to continue the sport long-term.

Pricing:
- $1,000
Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Licensing Division, Austin, TX

Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 389-4800

Services Offered:
- Lifetime validity with no yearly renewal fees
- Transferability option under specific family provisions
- All standard hunting rights and privileges included
18. Resident Lifetime Super Combo License

Description:
The Lifetime Super Combo License expands upon the standard lifetime license by including both hunting and fishing privileges, as well as all state-required endorsements.

Pricing:
- $1,800
Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin, TX

Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 389-4800

Services Offered:
- Complete lifetime access to hunting and fishing in Texas
- Inclusion of all endorsements such as migratory game bird, upland game bird, freshwater, saltwater, and archery
- Cost-effective option for lifelong sportsmen who enjoy multiple outdoor activities
19. Resident Youth Combination Hunting & Fishing License

Description:
Designed for Texas residents under 17, this combination license allows young sportsmen and women to hunt and fish at a single affordable rate.

Pricing:
- $7
Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin, TX

Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 389-4800

Services Offered:
- Includes both hunting and fishing rights for youths
- Access to state educational programs for young hunters
- Affordable option for families introducing children to the outdoors
20. Resident Disabled Hunter License

Description:
This license is reserved for Texas residents with permanent disabilities that limit hunting mobility. It ensures that disabled hunters can still enjoy outdoor recreation with reduced or waived fees.

Pricing:
- Free or discounted (varies depending on disability status)
Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin, TX

Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 389-4800

Services Offered:
- Accessible hunting rights tailored for disabled sportsmen
- Opportunities for adaptive hunting programs and mobility assistance
- Simplified licensing process with disability verification
Conclusion

Hunting in Texas is more than just a pastime—it is a deeply rooted tradition that supports wildlife conservation, rural economies, and outdoor recreation. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has designed a wide variety of license options to suit every hunter, from residents and youth to military members, veterans, and non-residents traveling from other states. The pricing structure reflects a balance between affordability, conservation funding, and access to the state’s diverse hunting opportunities.

For Texas residents, affordable options such as youth licenses, senior licenses, and Super Combo packages provide excellent value. Non-residents have a range of choices depending on the duration of their stay and the species they wish to hunt, whether it’s deer, turkey, or exotic game. Meanwhile, lifetime licenses offer the ultimate convenience and long-term savings for committed hunters.

Each license serves an important role in maintaining Texas’ wildlife resources. By funding habitat restoration, wildlife research, and game wardens’ enforcement, hunting licenses ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy abundant and sustainable hunting opportunities.

Before embarking on your hunting trip, it is essential to carefully review license requirements, pricing, and endorsements to make sure you are fully compliant with state regulations. With the right license in hand, hunters can experience the thrill of Texas’ open landscapes and the satisfaction of contributing to conservation efforts that protect the natural heritage of the Lone Star State