HARLINGEN — Like ducks migrating south, the annual late-summer rite of buying a new Texas hunting and fishing license is here.
The 2017-18 licenses go on sale Aug. 15, and all current Texas hunting and fishing licenses expire Aug. 31 (except year-to-date fishing licenses).
Each year, the state issues about 2.4 million licenses at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s 28 field offices, more than 50 state parks, over 1,700 retailers statewide and online.
All of the revenue collected goes to on-the-ground conservation efforts such as 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.
Texans can also enter the Big Time Texas Hunts drawing when purchasing their licenses for a chance to win one of nine premium guided hunt packages, with all lodging and food included.
There are packages to hunt bighorn sheep, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, alligator, waterfowl, upland game birds, wild hog and exotics.
Big Time Texas Hunts entries are available online for $9 each at www.tpwd.texas.gov/buyentry or for $10 each at license retailers or by phone at 800-895-4248.
TPWD will also be awarding Lifetime Super Combo Licenses to three lucky winners through the Lifetime License Drawing. Participants can enter for $5 per entry at license retailers or online at www.tpwd.texas.gov/licensedraw
The first entry deadline for the three monthly drawings is Sept. 30 with the first winner drawn on Oct. 2. Any entries not drawn will roll over into the next drawings on Nov. 1 and Dec. 1
Hunters and anglers can also support worthwhile causes when they buy their hunting or fishing license by making voluntary donations of $1, $5, $10 or $20 to help support the “Feeding Texas’ Hunters for the Hungry” program or the Veterans Commission’s Veterans Assistance Fund.
