Criminal Penalties and Civil Restitution
Penalties
If you violate fish and wildlife laws, you may:
- be fined (Class C - $25-$500; Class B - $200-$2,000; Class A - $500-$4,000; State Jail Felony, $1,500-$10,000);
- be jailed (Class B and higher offenses);
- face automatic suspension or revocation of licenses for up to five years;
- forfeit hunting gear, including firearms, used to commit a violation.
Civil Restitution
In addition to the criminal penalty for hunting and fishing violations, the department will seek the civil recovery value for the loss or damage to wildlife resources. The civil restitution cost is payable to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is in addition to the fine assessed by the court. Failure to pay the civil recovery value will result in the department's refusal to issue a license, tag, or permit. An individual who hunts or fishes after the refusal commits a Class A misdemeanor which is punishable by a fine not less than $500 or more than $4,000; punishment in jail not to exceed one year; or both fine and confinement.
License Reinstatement
A person who seeks reinstatement of license privileges following license revocation or denial must apply for license privilege reinstatement and pay a $100 application fee. For questions concerning civil restitution call (512) 389-4630.
NOTE: Texas is a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (IWVC). The IWVC is a multi-state compact that allows member states to share information about wildlife violators and to deny licensure to persons who have failed to comply with conservation law in member states. For example, if a person has had their hunting, fishing or trapping privileges suspended in one member state, the suspension may be recognized by any member state. For more information call (512) 389-4381.