Participation is Conservation

How does Texas protect its wild things and wild places? We’ll give you a hint: it’s not through state taxes. Conservation funding in Texas is based on the North American Model of Conservation, a user-pay system in which land, water and species conservation efforts are funded through the sale of fishing and hunting licenses, boat registration fees, federal excise taxes on the sale of hunting, fishing and shooting sports equipment, and taxes on motorboat fuel. These funds support wildlife research and habitat management, public access to outdoor recreation, fish stocking and hatchery operations, game wardens, education and outreach programs and more.

Buy a License

The simplest way to help protect the natural resources of our state is by purchasing a hunting, fishing or combo license — even if you’re not a hunter or angler! These funds go directly support conservation efforts in Texas.
Purchase a license.

Gear Up

A portion of all fishing gear, tackle, ammunition, firearms, shooting sports equipment and motor boat fuel sold goes to support wildlife conservation.
Learn more about funding.

Buy a License Plate

Support conservation while you drive! A conservation license plate adds a touch of wild style to your vehicle, and provides $22/year in funding to conservation efforts across Texas.
Purchase a license plate.

Volunteer

Texas Parks & Wildlife is always looking for conservation volunteers. Participate in a BioBlitz, help clean up a park, trail or river. Help remove abandoned crab traps along the Gulf Coast.
View volunteer opportunities.

• Coastal Fisheries Management: 32.23%
• Coastal Hatcheries Management: 3.49%
• Hunting and Wildlife Recreation: 2.28%
• Inland Fisheries Management: 12.06%
• Inland Hatcheries Management: 6.0%
• Wildlife Conservation: 31.87%
• Technical Guidance: 7.38%

Source Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget