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:

Federal Sandhill Crane Hunting Permit
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.

Harvest Information Program (HIP) Certification
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.

Experimental Pronghorn Permit
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.

Public Hunt Permits
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.

Mentored Hunting Permits
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
Regular (Daily) Hunting Permits
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