Contact Information

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Wildlife Conservation Permits
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX 78744

WPoffice@tpwd.texas.gov

Scientific Permit for Research


Important Update: In the summer of 2025, Scientific Permit for Research (SPR) applications and amendments will be submitted on a new web-interface database — see Scientific Research Permits Online System for more information.

Research and/or collections in state parks or state natural areas require a different permit. Visit the State Park Scientific Study Permit page for information.

Application packets must be obtained from TPWD, completed and returned along with two letters of recommendation from individuals in an appropriate biological or professional field. If you wish to collect or hold an endangered species you must provide written justification explaining how the species will benefit from the proposed activity. These permits do not allow the sale of animals. Permits are issued for three years, and a report is required each year in order to maintain the permit.

Persons representing grade schools or certain governmental organizations are exempt from the permit fee. Facilities for housing live animals must meet minimum requirements specified by regulation.

A Scientific Permit for Research is required to collect, salvage, band, or hold native Texas wildlife for scientific purposes. Scientific purposes include activities aimed at enhancing, protecting, conserving, or managing protected wildlife, or furthering scientific understanding of a resource or the environment.

Please expect a processing time of approximately 3 months for most Wildlife Permits. Applications and email communications are addressed on a first-in-first-out basis, so please plan accordingly.

Bird Permits: Migratory Birds

If you plan to apply for a permit that includes the authority to handle migratory birds (rehabilitation, educational display of birds, or scientific collecting of migratory bird species), you will also be required to apply for a federal permit. Applications and further information can be found at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Permits.

Accessibility

Although TPWD makes effort to publish accessible electronic publications in Word, Excel, PDFs and forms, screen readers may encounter problems. Please email us at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov if you require accessibility assistance.

Should you have questions regarding these permits, the regulations or application process, please e-mail the Wildlife Permits Office at wpoffice@tpwd.texas.gov.