Texas Wildlife Division Proposes Consolidation of Nonresident Hunting Licenses

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is set to streamline nonresident hunting licenses following a recent government meeting. During the TPWD Commission Work Session on August 20, 2025, Chris Cerny, a Business Analyst for the Wildlife Division, presented proposed changes to implement Senate Bill 1247, which consolidates five nonresident hunting license options into two.

The legislation, passed during the 89th Texas Legislative Session, eliminates three hunting licenses: the nonresident migratory bird hunting license, the nonresident spring turkey hunting license, and the nonresident special hunting license. The remaining options will be the nonresident general hunting license and the nonresident five-day hunting license. Notably, the general hunting license has been renamed from its previous title, and the term "special" has been removed from the five-day license.

The nonresident general hunting license is essential for hunting any animal requiring a tag, such as deer and bighorn sheep, while the five-day license allows hunting of species that do not require tags, including dove and quail. The proposed changes aim to align the Texas Administrative Code with the new legislation, ensuring clarity and consistency in licensing.

In addition to the main changes, the proposal includes minor adjustments, such as removing outdated references to digital licenses and correcting a grammatical error. The commission will review these changes for public comment and action in the upcoming meeting.

This consolidation is expected to simplify the licensing process for nonresident hunters, making it easier for them to navigate hunting regulations in Texas. The TPWD continues to focus on enhancing the hunting experience while ensuring compliance with state laws.