A simple starting point for Texas families who want to learn to hunt safely together. Everything here links to official sources so you can check the latest rules yourself.
I didn't grow up hunting. Nobody in my family hunted, and I knew nothing about it: not the gear, not the rules, not where you'd even go. But I have kids, and I wanted them to have what I'd heard about from other people. Early mornings in a blind, learning to be patient and respect the land, and bringing home food you harvested yourself.
A friend showed me the way. He walked me through the basics, took us out, and answered every "dumb" question I had. What I learned is that becoming a new hunter doesn't have to be hard. You don't have to be an expert. You just have to want to go, even if all you want is to take your kids.
That's a big part of why this site exists, and why it's 100% free. Here's how to get started.
Every good hunt starts with safety. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) hunter education covers firearm and hunting safety, legal and ethical hunting, outdoor safety and wildlife conservation. It's the best first step for new hunters of any age, and for parents who want to guide their kids.
TPWD also offers in-person Hunting 101 workshops on topics like dove, deer, turkey, waterfowl, bowhunting, game processing and outdoor survival and first aid.
Who needs it: every hunter in Texas born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, including out-of-state hunters. The minimum age for certification is 9.
"Accompanied" means by someone at least 17 who is licensed to hunt in Texas, has passed hunter education or is exempt, and stays within normal voice control.
Course options:
Certification is good for life, and other states honor it. You must carry proof of certification while hunting, though you don't need it to buy a license.
TPWD Hunter Education ↗ · Hunter Education FAQ ↗ · Already certified? Check here ↗
Online-only course options (17+) ↗ · Field course details ↗ · Find a field course ↗
Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP). Run by the Texas Wildlife Association with TPWD, TYHP offers safe, educational, affordable introductory hunts for youth ages 9 through 17 and a parent or guardian. Mentors, lodging and meals are provided. Hunter education is required first. If your youth is approved, the parent or guardian needs a Texas Wildlife Association membership (a $35 Friends of TWA membership is enough). A hunt for a youth and an accompanying adult normally costs $250, scholarships are available, and loaner rifles and bows can be arranged.
Texas Youth Hunting Program ↗ · TYHP FAQ ↗
TWA Adult Learn to Hunt. Educational hunts, typically 3 days and 2 nights, with firearms training and safety, a personal guide or mentor, and lessons on skinning, butchering and cooking wild game. Meals, lodging and firearms (if needed) are provided. It's free to apply; participants need a TWA Associate membership ($75 a year), a Texas hunting license and hunter education.
TPWD Mentored Hunting Workshops. Select state parks and wildlife management areas host workshops for first-time hunters, followed by a mentored hunt on the same area. These are geared toward adult first-time hunters, which makes them a great fit for parents learning alongside their kids. Applications are usually taken July 1 through Sept. 15, and a Mentored Hunting Permit ($25) is required.
TPWD Mentored Hunting Workshops ↗
Youth public hunt drawings. TPWD holds drawings for youth-only hunts on public land. For youth-only special permit hunts, youth apply at ages 8 to 16 with a non-hunting supervising adult at least 18, and application and permit fees are waived. Applications open July 1, and each hunt category has its own deadline.
Programs that teach new hunters, listed alphabetically:
A resident hunting license is $25. The Youth Hunting License is for any resident or non-resident under 17 on the date of purchase, and costs $7. It's exempt from state hunting endorsements except the Reptile and Amphibian Endorsement. Add Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification when it applies, for example for migratory birds like dove.
TPWD Hunting Licenses ↗ · Texas Outdoor Annual (rules & seasons) ↗
Rules, fees and dates change. Always confirm the latest details on the official TPWD pages linked above.
Groups, clubs and programs across Texas where new and experienced hunters can learn, volunteer and meet others, organized by location and listed alphabetically. Links go to each group's public website or Facebook page.
Linked groups: if you'd like your organization removed, just let us know and we'll take it down, no problem. Contact us.
Listing a group doesn't mean it endorses LeaseFinderTX. Know a group we missed? Tell us.
Every hunter started somewhere. Someone showed me, and I'd love to help connect the next person. Tell us a little about yourself and we'll try to make an introduction by hand. Nothing you send is published.
We got it. We'll reach out by email if we can make a good introduction.
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