TEXAS, USA — As August comes to an end, current-year Texas hunting and fishing licenses will expire, but you can purchase a new one for the 2024-25 season now. Licenses went on sale Aug. 15.
Texans purchase more than 3.9 million hunting and fishing licenses annually, directly funding a multitude of conservation efforts and recreational opportunities, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).
How do I buy a new hunting or fishing license in Texas?
Outdoorsmen and women can purchase a variety of licenses through the official TPWD website, or in-person at retail locations throughout the state or TPWD offices. They can also purchase by phone at (800)895-4248 during regular business hours, though they may experience long hold times during peak calling periods such as the beginning of the season. A $5 administrative fee applies to phone and online purchases.
Resident hunters and anglers continue to have the option to purchase a fully digital license for several license types, including the super combo (Items 111, 117), youth hunting (Item 169) or lifetime combo (Item 990), Hunting (Item 991), or Fishing tags (Item 992). Customers can also purchase other products such as the exempt angler tag (Item 257), bonus red drum (Item 599) and spotted seatrout tags (Item 596), per the TPWD website.
Customers purchasing a physical super combo license should note that the new spotted seatrout tag prints on a second document. For anglers purchasing a physical saltwater or all-water license, the spotted seatrout tag prints on the license document.
The digital license option is available through online purchase only when licenses go on sale Aug. 15. Digital license holders will not receive a printed license or tags but must keep their digital license available via mobile device while in the field. Digital tagging is required of digital license holders through the Texas Hunt & Fish mobile app. The license can be viewed through the Texas Hunt & Fish and TPWD Outdoor Annual mobile apps.
TPWD encourages repeat license buyers to use the expedited checkout process. This speeds up the sale of new licenses by allowing customers to re-purchase licenses bought in recent years.
Customers can provide proof of licensure in several ways other than your physical license: (1) an electronic photo of their licenses, (2) an emailed receipt of their purchases; (3) their account in the online license sales system; (4) via license lookup in the Outdoor Annual app or Texas Hunt & Fish.
When does hunting and fishing season start in Texas?
The hunting and fishing licenses begin in September, but the seasons to hunt certain animals begin on different dates. For a look at those different dates, visit the TPWD website here. New hunting rules for the 2024-25 season are posted here. New fishing rules for the 2024-25 season are posted here.
Frequently asked questions about Texas hunting and fishing licenses
For answers to the frequently asked questions about Texas hunting and fishing licenses, click here.
More Texas headlines: