Chronic Wasting Disease found in Texas deer

July 26, 2015

Dead zone is bigger than predicted

August 6, 2015

August 15 is the date to renew licenses if you plan to hunt and fish in Texas. The licenses can be purchased online (tpwd.texas.gov/business/licenses/online_sales/index.phtml) and through 1,700 locations throughout the state in addition to TPWD offices and parks. These locations include sporting goods stores, (Academy Outdoors and Bass Pro Shops), gun shops, department stores, discount stores, bait and tackle shops, grocery stores, and many other types of stores, or order by phone, toll free (800) 895-4248, Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm central time.

If you choose to order online and avoid long lines at retailers, you can print your receipt and use it as a temporary license for activities that do not require the use of tags until you receive the permanent license document in the mail. There is a $5.00 administrative fee in addition to the cost of license.

Visa, MasterCard, and Discover are accepted for online purchases. A confirmation for your order will be emailed to the billing email address that you specify, it also may serve as your order receipt.

For the best online shopping experience, use Internet Explorer version 6 or higher or Firefox 2 or higher. Check TPWD (tpwd.texas.gov) to answer any questions you might have regarding costs, types of licenses, etc. A good source for information is the Outdoor Annual App (tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/app).

In addition to a hunting license, anyone born after Sept. 1, 1971, must successfully complete a hunter education training course or purchase a one-time deferral good for one license year in order to hunt legally in Texas. The certification is valid for life and is honored in all other states and provinces. More information on hunter education certification is available online (www.tpwd.state.tx.us/outdoor-learning/hunter-education).

A Migratory Game Bird endorsement and Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification are also required to hunt dove. HIP certification involves a brief survey of previous year’s migratory bird hunting success and is conducted at the time licenses are purchased.