How Much is a Deer Hunting License in Texas?
Texas is renowned for its exceptional deer hunting opportunities, with a vast population of whitetail deer and a vast range of hunting areas. If you’re planning to go deer hunting in the Lone Star State, obtaining a deer hunting license is a crucial step. In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed breakdown of the costs and requirements associated with obtaining a deer hunting license in Texas.
Cost of Deer Hunting License in Texas
The cost of a deer hunting license in Texas varies depending on several factors, including your residency status, type of license, and season. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
Resident Licenses:
- Annual Combination License: $30-$40 (includes deer hunting license, small game license, and waterfowl permit)
- Deer Hunting License Only: $20-$30
- Senior (65+) Combination License: $20-$30 (includes deer hunting license, small game license, and waterfowl permit)
Non-Resident Licenses:
- Annual Combination License: $160-$200 (includes deer hunting license, small game license, and waterfowl permit)
- Deer Hunting License Only: $100-$150
- Senior (65+) Combination License: $80-$120 (includes deer hunting license, small game license, and waterfowl permit)
Special Licenses:
- Muzzleloader Permit: $10
- Archery-Only Permit: $5
- Antlerless Deer Permit: $10-$20
Additional Fees:
- Hunting License Agency Fee: $5 (non-refundable fee for processing and issuing licenses)
- Funds for Wildlife Conservation: 50 cents (included in the license fee)
Hunting Seasons and Zones
Texas has multiple hunting seasons and zones, which affect the cost of licenses. Here’s a summary:
- Archery Season: September 1 – February 28/29
- Muzzleloader Season: January 1 – January 31
- Primitive Weapons Season: October 1 – October 27
- Regular Deer Season: November 4 – January 31
- Special Late Muzzleloader Season: December 27 – January 31
Deer Hunting Zones
Texas has 28 deer hunting zones, each with its unique regulations and bag limits. Here’s a list of the zones:
| Zone | County |
|---|---|
| Panhandle | Armstrong, Carson, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Hartley, Hansford, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Ochiltree, Potter, Randall, Roberts, Sherman, Wheeler, Gray, Donley |
| South Plains | Baylor, Borden, Bexar, Briscoe, Cochran, Crosby, Dickens, Garza, Hall, Knox, Lubbock, Lynn, Mitchell, Swisher, Taylor, Castro, Floyd, Hale |
| North Texas | Baylor, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Grayson, Hunt, Hood, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Van Zandt, Fannin, Gray |
| East Texas | Angelina, Cherokee, Henderson, Houston, Jasper, Liberty, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, San Jacinto, Shelby, Tyler, Trinity, Walker |
| Central Texas | Bell, Blanco, Bosque, Burnet, Coryell, Falls, Gillespie, Hays, Kendall, Kerr, Lampasas, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Mills, San Saba, Williamson, Wilson |
| South-Central Texas | Bastrop, Caldwell, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes, Lee, Fayette, Goliad, Jackson, Karnes, Lavaca, Gonzales, Wilson |
| Rio Grande Valley | Aransas, Bee, Live Oak, McMullen, Refugio, San Patricio, Jackson, Kleberg, Willacy, Cameron, Kenedy, Hidalgo, Starr, Brooks, Jim Hogg |
| South Texas | Webb, Zapata, La Salle, McMullen, Duval, Jim Hogg, Starr, Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg, Aransas, San Patricio, Bee, Nueces |
Age Requirements and Education
In Texas, you must meet the following age and education requirements to obtain a deer hunting license:
- Resident: 17 years old or older; completed a hunter education course (unless born before September 2, 1971)
- Non-Resident: 17 years old or older; completed a hunter education course
Hunter Education Course
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) offers a free hunter education course, which is required for all new hunters. The course covers essential topics such as:
- Hunting laws and regulations
- Wildlife management
- Firearm safety
- Archery safety
- Ethics and responsibility
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a deer hunting license in Texas varies depending on your residency status, type of license, and season. Resident hunters can expect to pay around $20-$40 for an annual combination license, while non-resident hunters can expect to pay around $160-$200. Special licenses, such as muzzleloader and archery-only permits, are available for an additional fee.
Remember to check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for the most up-to-date information on deer hunting license costs, seasons, and regulations. With the correct license and knowledge, you’ll be ready to start your deer hunting adventure in the Lone Star State!
