HUNTING LICENSES

A hunting license is required for any person who hunts any animal, bird, frog, or turtle within the state of Texas. They are required for residents and non-residents, no matter the hunter’s age.
Hunting licenses are not required for:

• Coyotes that are attacking, about to attack, or have recently attacked livestock, domestic animals, or fowl. 
• Feral hogs that are on private property, so long as the land owner has given authorization for them to be hunted
• Fur-bearing animals , if the hunter possess a commercial trapper’s license
• Depredating fur-bearing animals, if the animal is causing depredation to a landowners property

Note: Keep in mind that while a hunting license is required for any person to hunting within the state, permits, and endorsements may be required in addition. Permits and endorsements are similar to licenses, but are only required for certain species, or to hunt with a particular firearm or in a certain region.

HUNTING PERMITS

Hunting permits are slightly different from licenses, as they are only required under certain circumstances. Permits may be required within the State of Texas to legally take various game species, such as sandhill crane or pronghorn antelope, or to hunt in certain locations. Permits are required in addition to a hunting license. Be sure that you’re familiar with which permits may be required to hunt a particular species or region.

HUNTING ENDORSEMENTS

Hunting Endorsements may be required, in addition to a license,  to hunt with various types of firearms or to hunt certain game species, such as archery hunts, some migratory game birds, ducks, and certain upland game species. Hunting Endorsement requirements may vary depending on the region or county in which you’re hunting. Be sure to check the regulations and have obtained the proper endorsements before heading-out or taking any game.

GAME SPECIES

Texas is home to a wide variety of game species, and offers hunting opportunities for hunters of all ages and skill levels. With its vast and varied landscape, it is truly one of the top hunting destinations in North America. Games species in Texas include white-tailed and mule deer, a variety of waterfowl including various species of duck and goose, and upland game birds including turkey, quail and dove. Additionally the state boasts numerous big game hunting opportunities, as well as desert-dwelling species such as pronghorn antelope and desert bighorn sheep, not to mention alligator hunting opportunities, javelina, and feral hogs. 

Overall the state is, without question, a hunting hot spot. For more information on game species in Texas, and the rules and regulations that apply, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

NON-GAME SPECIES

Some animals in Texas are qualified as “non-game species”. Hunters may still harvest non-game species however they must obtain a license specific to the animal to do so. There is no closed season for non-game species- they may be hunted at any time using lawful means, although certain regions may have restrictions in place. 

Non-game species in Texas include coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, flying squirrels, and a variety of rabbit species, in addition to turtles, porcupines, and armadillo.

Taking any non-game species for commercial purposes, such as sale, barter or exchange is unlawful in the state, and may result in heavy fines. 

Hunters should also note that additional caution should be taken when hunting armadillo and they may carry leprosy.

THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES

Texas is home to several species which are categorized as either threatened or endangered. These species may not be hunted under any circumstances – to take an endangered or threatened species is unlawful within the state.

Endangered species within the state include the grey wolf, red wolf, ocelot, jaguarundi and others. Threatened species include the black bear, bald eagle, various types of reptiles, snakes and tortoises.

INVASIVE SPECIES

Like most states, Texas has been invaded by a variety of invasive and nuisance species. These animals, plants, fish, and invertebrates typically have no natural predators which can result in rapid spread and population growth. This in turn can seriously harm the state’s lands and waters, and can be detrimental to the health and population numbers of a variety of the state’s native plants and animals.

Invasive species in Texas include species such as zebra mussels, giant salvinia, lionfish, feral hogs, nutria, giant fire ants, africanized bees, asian carp, hydrilla and asian clams.

Anyone who encounters invasive species within the state is encouraged to report it to help stop the spread. Sightings of invasive species in Texas can be reported at texasinvasives.org

PRIVATE LAND

Most of the land in Texas is either privately owned or managed. Hunters may freely take most game animals on their own land, or may get permission from private landowners to hunt on their property. Hunters must be aware of rules and regulations that apply when hunting on private property, such as landowner rights, which include the following:

• Landowners may grant or deny permission to hunt on their land
• Landowners are permitted to charge for a hunting lease
• Hunters may be required by the landowner to sign a liability waiver
• Landowners may impose stricter bag limits or harvest requirements for game animals taken on their property, within existing game laws.

Hunters who are in search of private lands with hunting opportunities can use the free Hunt Texas Online Connection service, which connects landowners with hunters. The service makes it easier for landowners to manage wildlife populations and provide information to hunters about opportunities on their property.

Additionally, there are numerous lease opportunities within the state. Hunters who purchase a lease should create a lease agreement which is signed by both the landowner and hunter(s), and include all of the participants’ names and addresses.

PUBLIC LAND

The State of Texas offers over 1 million acres of publicly accessible land, making it easy to find a prime hunting location with a variety of game species. These lands include spaces owned by the TPWD and lands that are leased by Texas Parks & Wildlife from other state or federal agencies, in addition to privately owned lands that allow public access thanks to cooperating landowners. 

Hunters in Texas may purchase an annual public hunting permit which allows them access to more than 180 different hunting areas and a wide variety of game species. Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for more information on public land hunts, year-round hunting opportunities, drawn hunts, and workshops. Hunters can also use Texas’ public hunting areas interactive map to easily locate accessible public land for hunting.  

RESTRICTED HUNTING AREAS

Many regions within the state of Texas have placed restrictions within hunting areas. Some of these areas may not permit hunting at all, while others have put regulations in place which restrict where firearms are permitted, which firearms can be used and when they may be discharged, and which animals may be taken. These restrictions may be in place depending on the county, or if the hunter is on federally owned property. 

It is the responsibility of the hunter to be aware of and follow these restrictions. Violations of these restrictions may result in heavy fines. For more information on restricted areas within Texas’ counties visit theTexas Parks and Wildlife website. 

What Are Wildlife Management Areas?

Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are lands within Texas that are managed and controlled by the Texas Parks and Wildlife, wildlife Division. These areas are open for public use and a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hunting. Currently, there are 47 WMAs throughout the state, which encompasses over 700,000 acres of publicly accessible land.

These sites also allow for the conduction of research on the state’s wildlife population, habitats, and conservation of resources.

WMA Regulations

Hunters who plan to access these areas are encouraged to contact the WMA where they plan to hunt to learn about specific regulations that may apply in the area. Regulations may vary per WMA – some example of restrictions that may apply to hunters in these areas include:

• Visitor registration (check-in and check-out requirements)
• Vehicle access restrictions
• Firearms types restrictions 
• Additional hunting permit requirements

Hunters accessing these areas must keep in mind that they may be open for multiple types of recreational use, including hiking, birdwatching, horseback riding, etc. Extra caution should be taken at all times to ensure the safety of all WMA users.