Hunters, anglers, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says licenses for 2017-2018 go on sale Aug. 15 and that all current year licenses, except year-to-date fishing licenses, expire at the end of the month.
The state parks department said they issue more than 2.4 million hunting and fishing licenses annually online, by phone, at retailers, state parks and field offices and that 100 percent of the fees collected go toward conservation.
"All revenue generated from hunting and fishing license fees pays for conservation efforts and recreational opportunities that help make Texas one of the best places in the country to hunt and fish," the parks department said in a statement. "Fish stocking, wildlife management, habitat restoration, public hunting leases, river access permits and Texas Game Wardens are just some of the initiatives funded in part by license fees."
Most hunting and fishing licenses range in price from $7 to $70, depending upon age and whether it's a combo license. Some licenses are free for active duty military or senior citizens. See the parks department's license page here.
For an entry fee, hunters and anglers can also gamble on a chance to win guided hunt packages or lifetime combo licenses. Click the links for more information on each.
The state's park department is also supporting two charities this year, the "Feeding Texas' Hunters for the Hungry" program or the Veterans Commission's Veterans Assistance Fund.
Donations to the Hunters for the Hungry program provides hunters with a way to donate legally harvested deer to participating processors, and this processed meat goes to local food banks to feed Texas families in need. Last year, hunters and anglers generously donated $106,913 through the TPWD licensing system, which helped offset a percentage of the processing fees for food banks and made it possible for more Texas families in need to enjoy this quality protein source.
Donations to the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans' Assistance (FVA) program provide grants to veteran service organizations and nonprofit charitable institutions that assist veterans and their families at the community level throughout Texas. In its first year in 2017 license buyers generously contributed $193,903 in donations from Texas hunting and fishing license purchasers.
