Texas hunting and fishing licenses go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 15, for the 2017-18 season. With the exception of year-to-date licenses, all other Texas sporting licenses expire Aug. 31.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department issues more than 2.4 million hunting and fishing licenses a year. They can be purchased in any of the agency’s 28 field offices, more than 50 state parks and more than 1,700 retailers. They are also available online.
Revenue generated from the sale of licenses pays for conservation efforts and recreational opportunities across the state. Projects funded include fish stocking, wildlife management, habitat restoration, public hunting leases, river access permits and Texas Game Wardens.
Hunters and anglers renewing licenses can enter the Big Time Texas Hunts drawing. Nine winners will each receive a premium guided trip with lodging and meals on some of the finest private ranches and prime wildlife management areas in Texas. Three will receive Lifetime Super Combo Licenses. Entry is $5 each when applying for a license online; $10 each at license retailers or by phone at (800) 895-4248; or $9 each with a license at tpwd.texas.gov/buyentry. Deadline to enter is Oct. 15.
Check the Outdoor Annual online for hunting and fishing news and regulation updates. You can also download the Outdoor Annual on your smartphone from that page.
For hunting season dates, visit the TPWD website.
DONATIONS NEEDED
Donations are needed for the Hunters for the Hungry program. Legally harvested deer donated by hunters are given to local food banks for families in need. Financial donations are also accepted. Last year, more than $106,000 was donated through the TPWD licensing system.
The Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance is seeking financial donations to aid veterans and their families. License purchasers during the 2016-17 season donated $194,000 for the veterans program.
