Every hunter (including out-of-state hunters) born on or after September 2, 1971, must successfully complete a Hunter Education Training Course.
• Proof of certification or deferral is required to be on your person while hunting.
• Minimum age of certification is 9 years.
• Single-day in-person course cost is $15.
• Persons 17 years of age and older have the option of taking the course in person or online.
• The cost of an approved online course varies by provider.
• Call (800) 792-1112 or visit the TPWD Hunter Education webpage for information about various course options.

If you are:
• under 9 years of age, you must be accompanied.
• 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 within normal voice control.

Hunter Education Deferral - $10
Allows a person 17 years of age or older who has not completed a hunter education program to defer completion for up to a 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.

Note: Certification is not required to purchase a hunting license.
Bowhunter Education: Certification is required on the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, Pottsboro. Bowhunter education does not substitute for Hunter Education certification.
For further course information, please consult TPWD Hunter Education or call toll-free (800) 792-1112 (menu 6) or call (512) 389-4999.

Photo courtesy TPWD Hunter Education