If you’re planning to hunt or fish in Texas (or honestly, any state), the first step is getting your license. I’m most familiar with Texas, so I’ll break down the process for you.
Step 1: Hunter Certification
If you were born after 1971, you’re going to need a hunter certification. It’s a one-time course that’s pretty much common sense. It’ll cost you anywhere from $25 to $50, depending on your age, the type of course, and any processing fees.
Step 2: Figure Out Which License You Need
When you go to purchase your license, you’ll see a lot of options such as:
- Super Combo
- Senior Combo
- Duck Stamp
- Resident & Non-Resident Licenses
- And a bunch more…
You need to decide which option best suits your needs. I buy the Super Combo every year with a duck stamp, which costs me around $100.
Step 3: Buying the License
You can pick up your license at any Walmart, most outdoor stores, or online. I recommend downloading the Outdoor Annual app; it keeps all your info and license details.
Step 4: Using Your License
Licenses are used to help track and manage animal populations, so for some animals, you’re required to tag them—like turkey, white-tailed deer, mule deer, redfish, trout, etc. Ducks and doves don’t need tags, but if you renew your license the following year, they’ll ask how many you bagged.
Step 5: Tagging
If you have a paper license, fill it out and attach it to your animal. If you purchased your license online, you can tag electronically through the app. It will give you a UIN (Unique Identification Number) that you’ll need to write on a piece of paper and attach to your animal. The app should work offline if you don’t have service.
Notes:
Some state parks have their own requirements, so always check the website if you plan to fish at a state park.
If you’re fishing on public land, even if you’re just catching and releasing, you need a license.
OTSDE Outdoors 