Hunting Permits & Certifications
Federal Sandhill Crane Hunting Permit (must be issued by TPWD)
Required to hunt sandhill cranes. Permit must be issued by TPWD to hunt sandhill cranes in Texas. Please keep a record of hunting activities because 26% of crane hunters are chosen for a federal harvest survey.
Permit can be obtained:
- at TPWD Law Enforcement offices and TPWD headquarters in Austin
- by phone at (800) 792-1112 or (512) 389-4820, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
- by purchasing online any time at TPWD Online License Sales
Permit | Eligibility | Item | Fee | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|
Federal Sandhill Crane Hunting Permit | Texas resident and non-resident | 590 | Free | Only online and Law Enforcement Sales Office. |
Harvest Information Program (HIP) Certification
Required to hunt migratory game birds.
Inform the clerk you intend to hunt migratory game birds and need to be HIP-certified. The clerk will ask a few simple questions. The letters "HIP" will appear on your license.
Permit | Eligibility | Item | Fee | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|
HIP Certification | Texas resident and non-resident | 137 | Free | Available online or Find a retailer |
Pronghorn Permit
Pronghorn hunting is by landowner permit only. Landowners or land managers of properties within the state of Texas may apply for permits. Hunters can contact landowners regarding available permits.
Permit | Eligibility | Item | Fee | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pronghorn Permit | Land Owners or Land Managers | N/A | Free | Apply for permit |
Public Hunt Permits
The Annual Public Hunting Permit is required to hunt on public hunting land areas, including the Public Dove and Small Game Hunting Areas. More details on the Annual Public Hunting Permit.
Standby permits may become available if drawn hunt positions are not accepted. There is no application fee to enter a standby drawing, but successful adult hunters must pay the permit fee. There are no fees for youth participants. More details on standby permits are available in the Texas Public Hunt System.
Permit | Eligibility | Item | Fee | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|
Annual Public Hunting Permit | Texas resident and non-resident | 173 | $48 | Buy online or Find a retailer |
State Park Standby Hunting Permit – Exempt | Texas resident and non-resident | 150 | Free | Contact hunt area for availability |
WMA Standby Hunting Permit – Exempt | Texas resident and non-resident | 160 | Free | Contact hunt area for availability |
Mentored Hunting Permits
Required to participate in mentored hunting workshops provided through the Public Hunt Program. More information about Mentored Hunting Workshops is available.
Permit | Eligibility | Item | Fee | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mentored Hunting Permit | Texas resident and non-resident | 189 | $25 | Contact hunt area for availability |
Mentored Hunting Permit – Exempt | Texas resident and non-resident | 188 | Free | Contact hunt area for availability |
Regular (Daily) Hunting Permits
Required for certain small game and waterfowl hunts in specific areas within the Public Hunting Program. Available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact each regular permit hunt area for availability.
Permit fee will be waived for
- youth hunters under age 17
- persons possessing an Annual Public Hunting Permit
Permit | Eligibility | Item | Fee | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|
Regular (Daily) Hunting Permit | Texas resident and non-resident | 191 | $20 | Contact hunt area for availability |
Regular (Daily) Hunting Permit – Exempt | Texas resident and non-resident | 190 | Free | Contact hunt area for availability |