Hunter Education

Valid Sep. 1, 2023 through Aug. 31, 2024.  Cost of hunter education certification is $15.

Who Must Complete Hunter Education?

Every hunter (including out-of-state hunters) born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, must successfully complete a Hunter Education Course. Proof of certification or deferral is required to be on your person while hunting, either printed or electronically (including the Texas Outdoor Annual mobile app). Certification is not required to purchase a hunting license. Minimum age of certification is 9 years. In-person course cost is $15. Persons 17 years of age and older have the option of taking the course in person or on- line. Online course costs vary. Call (800) 792-1112 or view the Hunter Education web pages for information about course options.

Age Requirements

Minimum age of hunter education certification is 9 years.

If you were born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, and you are:

• Under 9 years of age: You must be accompanied. Accompanied means: By a person (resident or non-resident) who is at least 17, who is licensed to hunt in Texas, who has passed hunter education or is exempt (born before Sept. 2, 1971), and you must be within normal voice control.
• Age 9 through 16: You must successfully complete a hunter education course or be accompanied.
• Age 17 and over: You must successfully complete a hunter education course; or purchase a "Hunter Education Deferral" and be accompanied.
  • "Accompanied" means: by a person (resident or non-resident) who is at least 17, who is licensed to hunt in Texas, who has passed hunter education or is exempt (born before Sept. 2, 1971), and you must be within normal voice control.

Military & Law Enforcement Hunter Education Exemptions

The following persons are exempt from requirements to complete a hunter education course to hunt in Texas:

• Active duty members and honorably discharged veterans of the United States armed forces;
• Active duty members or those who have previously served as members of the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, or the Texas State Guard; or
• Persons who are serving or have previously served as a peace officer as described by Subdivision (1), (2), (3), or (4), Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure.

Proof of Certification

Proof of certification or deferral is required to be on your person while hunting. Certification is not required to purchase a hunting license.

Hunter Education Deferral

Allows a person 17 years of age or older who has not completed a hunter education program to defer completion for up to one year.

A deferral may only be obtained once and is only valid until the end of the current license year.

A person who has been convicted or has received deferred adjudication for violation of the mandatory hunter education requirement is prohibited from applying for a deferral.

Bowhunter Education

Bowhunter education certification is required on the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, Pottsboro. Bowhunter education does not substitute for Hunter Education certification.

Course Information

For course information, please consult TPWD Hunter Education or call toll-free (800) 792-1112 (menu 6) or call (512) 389-4999.