Hunting and Fishing in Texas

Each year, September 1 marks the beginning of a new year for hunters and anglers in Texas. That is the date when the previous year's statewide licenses expire and new licenses take effect. It also marks the opening day of dove season in the state. Texas residents have many options when it comes to purchasing hunting and fishing licenses. Separate licenses can be purchased for different types of hunting and fishing, or combinations thereof. Residents also have the option of purchasing the "Super-Combo" package. This package includes a Resident Hunting License, a Resident Fishing License and all 5 state stamp endorsements (archery, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing with a red drum tag, upland game bird, and migratory game bird) at a discount price. The Super Combo package is $64 for most residents; for senior residents, the cost is $30; for resident disabled veterans, the package is free; for resident active duty military, the package is also free. Residents may buy hunting and fishing licenses valid for the lifetime of the license holder. The lifetime license exempts the holder from state stamp endorsement requirements, but not the Federal Duck Stamp requirement. Most licenses can be purchased over the phone, online, or at one of the 1700 places where licenses are sold across the state. Every hunter (including out-of-state hunters) born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, must successfully complete a Hunter Education Training Course. Hunters have the option of enrolling in a traditional two-day course, or an online course plus a one-day field course, or a home-study course plus a one-day field course. Please note that some federally controlled areas require all hunters using that site to have hunter education certification. In Texas, this includes Corps of Engineers property and most military reservations. Be sure to check with the specific area prior to going hunting. The cost of the course is $15, and more information regarding hunter education is available through the Parks and Wildlife website. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department administers a comprehensive public hunting program, which offers the opportunity to participate in low-cost, family-oriented hunts for many different species. Each year, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department publishes maps of land open for public hunting. There are 1,135,245 acres of public hunting lands that are accessible during various times of the year; access to these lands is available through either an Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit or a Limited Public Use (LPU) Permit. For more information on hunting and fishing in Texas, visit the Department's website at www.tpwd.state.tx.us . The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's toll free phone information line at (800) 792-1112. You can contact my office by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by emailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us. My district office phone number is (903) 891-7297.