Texas 2026-27 Hunting + Fishing Licenses Now Available Online and In Stores

If your idea of a perfect weekend involves a rifle, a fishing rod, or a boat heading out of any dock in Texas, here some important news.

Texas Parks and Wildlife  is now selling 2026-27 hunting and fishing licenses.

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And yes, fall is coming. Eventually. Right now, it may still feel like somebody left the oven door open across the South Plains, but cooler mornings and hunting season will be here before you know it.

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Your Current License Is About to Expire

Most current-year Texas hunting and fishing licenses expire at the end of August, with the exception of the Year-from-Purchase All-Water Fishing Package.

So if you're planning to head out hunting or fishing this fall, you'll need to make sure you've got the proper license for the new season.

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Licenses can be purchased online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, at TPWD offices or at license retailers throughout the state. There is a $5 administrative fee for online purchases.

Your License Does More Than Get You in the Field

Here's the part that's easy to overlook: buying a Texas hunting or fishing license helps pay for conservation across the state.

Texans purchase more than 3 million licenses every year, and that money helps fund everything from fish stocking and wildlife management to habitat restoration, public hunting leases, river access and Texas Game Warden enforcement.

So that hunting license isn't just another piece of paperwork you have to remember before opening day.

It helps keep Texas wild.

depth photography of man holding fish

You Can Go Digital

TPWD is also making it easier to leave some of the paper at home.

All recreational licenses and endorsement stamps have a digital option. Digital license holders can use the Texas Hunt & Fish and Outdoor Annual mobile apps to access their licenses and, where applicable, digital tags.

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The Outdoor Annual app is particularly handy because it can work without an internet connection once downloaded. That's a pretty useful feature when you're sitting somewhere in the middle of nowhere wondering what the regulations are.

A Chance at a Lifetime License

There's also a little lottery opportunity when you buy your license.

Texas residents can purchase a $5 entry into the Lifetime License Drawing, with three winners receiving a Lifetime Super Combo License. The first entry deadline is September 30th.

And if you'd like to give a little extra, license buyers can also donate $1, $5, $10 or $20 to programs including Hunters for the Hungry, the Fund for Veterans Assistance and Operation Game Thief.

So, Texas hunters and anglers, this is your reminder: get your license, check the regulations and start getting ready for fall.