New 2018-2019 Texas hunting and fishing licenses go on sale Wednesday, Aug. 15, with more than 2.4 million licenses expected to be purchased in the coming year.
All current Texas hunting and fishing licenses, except year-to-date fishing licenses, expire Aug. 31.
Licenses from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) are available at the agency’s 28 field offices, more than 50 state parks and at more than 1,700 retailers across the state. Licenses are also available online at www.tpwd.texas.gov/buy or by phone at 1-800-895-4248. There is a required $5 administrative fee for each phone or online transaction, but unlimited items can be purchased during a single transaction for this $5 fee.
Hunting and fishing license fees fund conservation efforts and recreational opportunities that help make Texas one of the best places in the country to hunt and fish, according to TPWD. Fish stocking, wildlife management, habitat restoration, public hunting leases, river access permits and Texas game wardens are just some of the initiatives funded in part by license fees.
Hunting and fishing regulations for the new season are available in the Outdoor Annual in print, online and on the Outdoor Annual mobile app. A limited number of Outdoor Annual booklets can be picked up at any of the 1,700 license retailers.
Hunters can also enter several drawings. Big Time Texas Hunts offers the chance to win one or more premium guided hunt packages with all lodging and food included. There are opportunities to pursue bighorn sheep, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, alligator, waterfowl, upland game birds, wild hog and exotics. Big Time Texas Hunts entries are available online for $9 each or for $10 each at license retailers or by phone.
TPWD also will award Lifetime Super Combo licenses to three lucky winners during the Lifetime License Drawing. Participants can enter for $5 per entry at license retailers or online. The first entry deadline for the three monthly drawings is Sept. 30 with the first winner drawn Oct. 1. Any entries not drawn will automatically be included in the next drawings on Nov. 1 and Dec. 3.
Hunters and anglers can also support two worthwhile causes when they buy their hunting or fishing license. License buyers can make voluntary donations to help veterans or to support the Feeding Texas’ Hunters for the Hungry program.