Hunting License

A hunting license is required of any person, regardless of age, who hunts any animal, bird, frog or turtle in the state of Texas (except furbearers, if the hunter possesses a trapper's license). No license is required for nuisance fur-bearing animals, depredating hogs or coyotes (see below).

In addition to a hunting license, a migratory game bird stamp endorsement ($7) is required to hunt any migratory game bird, including mourning dove (a Federal Sandhill Crane Permit also is required to hunt sandhill crane). An upland game bird stamp endorsement ($7) is required to hunt turkey, quail, pheasant, lesser prairie chicken, or chachalacas.

The Harvest Information Program (HIP) is a federally mandated part of hunting migratory game birds. Getting it involves answering several harvest survey questions while purchasing a license. Duck identification is critical to fully enjoying this game. There is no substitute for homework and time in the field.

Duck hunting is allowed within most of our coastal waters, anywhere below the mean high tide line. However, the city of Corpus Christi has an ordinance against duck hunting within 1,000 feet of a home, business, road, school, park, public beach, etc. and everywhere it is illegal to shoot across a road or fence.

Exceptions: a hunting license is not required to hunt the following:
• Coyotes, if the coyotes are attacking, about to attack, or have recently attacked livestock, domestic animals, or fowl.
• Depredating feral hogs, if a landowner (resident or non-resident) or landowner's agent or lessee is taking feral hogs causing depredation on the landowner's land.
• Fur-bearing animals, if the hunter possesses a trapper's license or if the fur-bearing animals are causing depredation.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Link:  Hunting License and Permits

Steps:

1. Get a new license annually, as the hunting licenses in Texas expire each year. You'll have to apply for the specific license you need for the type of animal you want to hunt during the year.
2. Find out when the season begins for your chosen hunting game. Apply for the license well before the season starts to avoid the crowds that inevitably form during the beginning of each season.
3. Go to an official branch of the licensing office, which can be located in the sporting/outdoors section within a Wal-Mart or in other areas around the community. Many hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased at feed stores, or bait shops as well. Or, choose to apply online for the license by visiting the Texas Parks and Wildlife website. You'll receive the license by mail.
4. Pay for the license after submitting the required identification and information.
5. Apply for a separate Migratory Game Bird Stamp in addition to your license if you plan to hunt birds such as doves. You will also have to buy a Federal Duck Stamp if you plan to hunt for ducks in Texas.

Respect the Game Wardens
Texas Game Wardens are responsible for enforcement of the Parks and Wildlife Code, all TPWD regulations, the Texas Penal Code and selected statutes and regulations applicable to clean air and water, hazardous materials and human health. Wardens fulfill these responsibilities through educating the public about various laws and regulations, preventing violations by conducting high visibility patrols, and apprehending and arresting violators. 

Operation Game Thief program was created to assist game wardens in our state's ongoing battle against poaching. Operation Game Thief quickly became a vital link between the sporting public and our game wardens, and has since evolved into one of the nation's premier wildlife crimestopper programs.

Report illegal hunting and fishing – call 1-800-792-GAME (4263).