If you plan to hunt or fish in Texas this year, it’s time to pay for a new license.
New hunting/fishing licenses for the 2024-25 season have been on sale since August 15. The validity of the licenses for the current year ends at the end of August.
Texans purchase more than 3.9 million hunting and fishing licenses each year, which fund conservation efforts and recreational opportunities, including fish stocking, wildlife management, habitat restoration and public hunting leases, Texas Parks and Wildlife said in a news release.
Licenses can be purchased online and at retail locations, including sporting goods stores and Texas Parks and Wildlife offices throughout the state. They can also be purchased by phone at 800-895-4248 during business hours, but wait times may be longer. There is a $5 administrative fee for phone and online purchases.
A hunting license is required for every person, regardless of age, to hunt animals, birds, frogs and turtles. The only exceptions are wild boars, coyotes and fur-bearing animals if the hunter already has a commercial trapping license.
License prices vary. The “Super Combo” license package for $68 is the best deal and includes resident hunting and fishing licenses, plus stamps for archery, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing and migratory bird hunting. A resident hunting license, valid for any game bird or animal, costs $25. A resident fishing license for freshwater and saltwater costs $47.
Texas residents on active military duty and all qualified disabled veterans are required to have a license to hunt and fish in Texas, but these licenses are free.