Texas Hunting License for Non-Residents 2026: Costs, Types & What You Need
Everything an out-of-state hunter needs to know about buying a Texas license, choosing endorsements, and planning a hunt.
TL;DR — Key Takeaways
- Two non-resident license types: General Hunting ($315) for all game, or 5-Day Small Game ($48) for dove, quail, and exotics only.
- Endorsements are extra: Migratory Game Bird ($7), Upland Game Bird ($7), Archery ($7), Federal Duck Stamp ($25 for waterfowl).
- No hunting license needed for feral hogs and coyotes on private land — even as a non-resident.
- Youth non-residents (under 17) can hunt for just $7 with a Youth Hunting License.
- All licenses are fully digital — buy online at TPWD or at any license vendor the day you arrive.
In This Guide 9 sections
- Why Non-Residents Choose Texas
- Non-Resident License Types & Costs 2025-2026
- Required Endorsements & Add-Ons
- The Feral Hog Exemption — Hunt Free
- How to Buy Your Texas Non-Resident License
- Hunter Education Requirements
- Planning Your Non-Resident Texas Hunt
- Drawn Hunts — Special Opportunities
- Common Mistakes Non-Residents Make
Why Non-Residents Choose Texas
Texas is consistently one of the top destinations for non-resident hunters, and for good reason:
- No draw system for deer — Unlike Western states with complicated tag lotteries, Texas sells over-the-counter deer tags with your license. Buy your license and hunt.
- The longest seasons in the country — Deer season spans September through February; dove season opens September 1; spring turkey runs through May.
- Feral hog hunting is free — No hunting license required on private land. This unique exemption makes Texas the easiest state for non-residents to hunt hogs.
- Species diversity — White-tailed deer, mule deer, feral hogs, Rio Grande turkey, doves, quail, waterfowl, pronghorn, javelina, exotic game, and alligators.
- Warm weather hunting — While northern states deal with sub-zero temperatures, Texas offers comfortable hunting conditions through much of the season.
- Massive public land — Over 1 million acres of public hunting through the Annual Public Hunting (APH) permit program.
Non-Resident License Types & Costs 2025-2026
For 2025-2026, TPWD simplified non-resident options to two primary license types:
License Comparison Table
| License Type | Cost | Valid For | NOT Valid For |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Hunting | $315 | All legal game: deer, turkey, dove, quail, waterfowl, pronghorn, alligator, javelina, exotics | — |
| 5-Day Small Game | $48 | Exotics, fur-bearers, squirrel, javelina, dove, quail (5 consecutive days) | Deer, turkey, pronghorn, alligator |
| Youth Hunting (under 17) | $7 | All game (same as general) | — |
| Spring Turkey Only | $132 | Spring turkey hunting only | All other game |
Which License Should You Choose?
Choose the General Hunting License ($315) if you want to:
- Hunt white-tailed or mule deer
- Hunt turkey (spring or fall)
- Hunt pronghorn or alligator
- Have maximum flexibility during your trip
- Hunt for more than 5 consecutive days
Choose the 5-Day Small Game License ($48) if you want to:
- Hunt doves during a quick September trip
- Hunt quail or small game for a short stay
- Save money on a focused upland bird trip
- Combine with free feral hog hunting on private land
Choose the Spring Turkey License ($132) if you're:
- Making a dedicated spring gobbler trip
- Not interested in any other game species
Required Endorsements & Add-Ons
Your base license does NOT include species-specific endorsements. You'll likely need one or more of these:
| Endorsement | Cost | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| Migratory Game Bird | $7 | Doves, ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, woodcock |
| Upland Game Bird | $7 | Turkey, quail, pheasant |
| Archery | $7 | Archery-only seasons |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | Waterfowl (ducks and geese) only |
| HIP Certification | Free | Mandatory for ALL migratory bird hunting |
| Reptile & Amphibian | $10 | Hunting on public roads/rights-of-way |
Total Cost Examples
Here's what your total investment looks like for common non-resident hunting scenarios:
| Scenario | License | Endorsements | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer + hog combo trip | $315 | None needed | $315 |
| Deer + turkey + dove | $315 | Upland $7 + MGB $7 | $329 |
| Quick dove weekend | $48 (5-day) | MGB $7 | $55 |
| Spring turkey only | $132 | Upland $7 | $139 |
| Duck hunting trip | $315 | MGB $7 + Duck Stamp $25 | $347 |
| Quail hunting trip | $315 | Upland $7 | $322 |
| Quail (5-day trip) | $48 | Upland $7 | $55 |
| Youth hunter (all game) | $7 | Most exempt | $7 |
The Feral Hog Exemption — Hunt Free
One of the biggest draws for non-resident hunters is Texas's unique feral hog exemption:
No hunting license is required to hunt feral hogs or depredating coyotes on private land with landowner consent — regardless of your residency status.
This means a non-resident can:
- Hunt hogs year-round, day or night
- Use any legal weapon including suppressors, thermal optics, and night vision
- Harvest unlimited hogs with no bag limit
- Add hog hunting to any trip at zero additional license cost
The only restriction: public land hog hunting does require a valid hunting license and the Annual Public Hunting (APH) permit ($48).
Many non-residents plan "hog + deer" or "hog + dove" combination trips to maximize value. Some ranches offer guided hog hunts starting at $200–$500 for a weekend, making it one of the most affordable guided hunting experiences in America.
For complete details, see our Texas Feral Hog Hunting Guide.
How to Buy Your Texas Non-Resident License
Online (Recommended)
- Visit TPWD License Sales or download the Texas Hunt & Fish app
- Create a TPWD account with your personal information
- Select your license type and endorsements
- Complete payment with credit/debit card
- Your license is immediately available as a digital license — no physical card needed
In Person
You can buy a license at any of the 1,700+ license vendors across Texas, including:
- Walmart
- Academy Sports
- Bass Pro Shops / Cabela's
- Many gas stations, convenience stores, and sporting goods shops
By Phone
Call TPWD at 1-800-895-4248 (Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm CST).
Important Dates
- Licenses go on sale: August 15 each year
- Valid period: Date of purchase through August 31 of the following year
- Recommendation: Buy before you travel to avoid delays on your first hunting day
Hunter Education Requirements
Who Needs It?
All hunters born on or after September 2, 1971, must complete a hunter education course to obtain a Texas hunting license. This applies to both residents and non-residents.
Accepted Courses
Texas accepts hunter education certificates from:
- Any US state or Canadian province
- TPWD-approved online courses (e.g., Hunter-Ed.com)
- International hunter education certificates (IHEA-USA)
Deferral Option
If you haven't completed hunter education, Texas offers a one-time deferral that allows you to hunt while accompanied by a licensed hunter who is 17 or older and has completed hunter education. The deferral costs an additional $10.
Youth Exemption
Hunters under 17 are exempt from hunter education requirements if accompanied by a licensed adult 21 or older.
Planning Your Non-Resident Texas Hunt
Best Hunting Seasons for Non-Residents
| Season | Approximate Dates | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Dove opening | Sep 1 | Quick, affordable trip; social hunting event |
| Archery deer | Sep 27 – Oct 31 | Low pressure, warm weather, early season bucks |
| General deer | Nov 1 – Jan 4 | Peak rut action in Hill Country and South Texas |
| Quail | Nov 1 – Feb 28 | Classic pointing-dog hunting in Rolling Plains |
| Spring turkey | Mar 14 – May 10 | Gobbler hunting with guaranteed warm weather |
| Feral hogs | Year-round | Add to any trip for free |
Budget Planning
| Expense Category | Budget Range |
|---|---|
| License + endorsements | $55 – $347 |
| Guided deer hunt (3-5 days) | $2,500 – $8,000+ |
| DIY public land deer hunt | $300 – $800 |
| Guided dove hunt (half-day) | $150 – $350 |
| Guided quail hunt (per day) | $500 – $1,500 |
| Guided hog hunt (weekend) | $200 – $500 |
| Lodging (rural Texas) | $80 – $200/night |
| Rental vehicle | $50 – $100/day |
| Ammunition | $30 – $100 |
Where to Stay
- Hill Country (Kerrville, Fredericksburg): Best for deer, turkey; charming towns with lodging options
- South Texas (Laredo, Eagle Pass): Best for trophy deer, hogs; budget-friendly motels
- Rolling Plains (Abilene, Vernon): Best for quail; rural ranch lodging available
- Rio Grande Valley (McAllen, Harlingen): Best for white-winged doves; plenty of hotels
Drawn Hunts — Special Opportunities
TPWD's Drawn Hunt Program offers non-residents access to managed hunts on public lands and some private ranches. These include hunts for:
- White-tailed and mule deer
- Pronghorn antelope
- Turkey
- Alligator
- Exotic species (aoudad, axis deer on select WMAs)
How to Apply
- Create a TPWD account online
- Purchase an Annual Public Hunting (APH) permit ($48) — required for most applications
- Browse available hunts in the TPWD Drawn Hunt Catalog
- Submit applications between August 1 and November 1 (deadlines on the 1st and 15th of each month)
- Application fee: Free to $10 depending on hunt category
- If drawn, special permit fees range from $80 (regular) to $130 (extended)
Drawn hunts are competitive but offer non-residents some of the best value and quality hunting available in Texas.
Common Mistakes Non-Residents Make
- Buying a General License for a dove-only trip — The 5-Day Small Game license ($48) covers doves and saves you $267
- Forgetting endorsements — Your base license doesn't cover migratory or upland birds. Add the $7 endorsement(s) you need.
- Not getting HIP certified — It's free and mandatory for migratory bird hunting. Do it when you buy your license.
- Buying a license for hog hunting — On private land, you do NOT need a license for feral hogs
- Not checking Sunday hunting rules — Unlike some Eastern states, Texas has NO Sunday hunting restrictions
- Bringing prohibited ammo — Check zone-specific regulations for shot type and size
- Missing the drawn hunt application window — Applications close November 1; plan ahead for premium public land hunts
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a non-resident hunting license in Texas?
The General Hunting License is $315, providing access to all legal game including deer and turkey. The 5-Day Small Game License is $48 for dove, quail, and small game. Youth hunters (under 17) can get a license for just $7.
Do non-residents need a license for hog hunting in Texas?
No — on private land with landowner consent. Texas does not require a hunting license for feral hogs or depredating coyotes on private land, regardless of residency. Public land hog hunting does require a valid hunting license and APH permit.
Can I buy a Texas hunting license online as a non-resident?
Yes. TPWD sells licenses online and through the Texas Hunt & Fish mobile app. You can also purchase at 1,700+ vendors across Texas, including Walmart, Academy Sports, and Bass Pro Shops, or by phone at 1-800-895-4248.
Does Texas accept out-of-state hunter education?
Yes. Texas accepts hunter education certificates from all US states and Canadian provinces. If you haven't completed a course, Texas offers a one-time deferral ($10) allowing you to hunt while accompanied by a licensed, educated hunter.
What endorsements do non-residents need for deer hunting?
None — standard deer hunting is covered by the General Hunting License ($315). You only need add-on endorsements for: migratory birds ($7), upland game birds like turkey/quail ($7), archery-only seasons ($7), or waterfowl (Federal Duck Stamp $25).
Is there a non-resident turkey-only license in Texas?
Yes. The Non-Resident Spring Turkey License costs $132 and covers only spring turkey hunting. You'll also need the Upland Game Bird Endorsement ($7) for a total of $139.
Can non-residents hunt on Texas public land?
Yes. Non-residents can purchase the Annual Public Hunting (APH) permit ($48) for access to over 180 hunting areas including WMAs and leased private lands. Non-residents can also apply for drawn hunts through TPWD.
Are there Sunday hunting restrictions in Texas?
No. Texas has no Sunday hunting restrictions. You can hunt every day of the week during open seasons, which is a significant advantage over states like Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia that restrict Sunday hunting.