Hunter Safety Certification
Texas Hunter
Education 2026
Hunter education certification requirements, online course options, field day rules, apprentice license info, and bowhunter education for Texas. Texas requires hunter education for all first-time hunters born on or after September 2, 1971. The online course plus field day is the most popular completion method.
Online Course Available
Field Day Required
Accepts Reciprocity
Apprentice License Available
2026 Hunter Education Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Required?
Yes
Min. age 9
Online Course
Available
$24.95 via Hunter-Ed.com
Field Day
Required
$0.00 fee
Course Hours
5
hours minimum
Course Requirements
Texas Hunter Education Course Details
Enrollment options, fees, and what to expect from the Texas hunter education certification process.
Issuing Agency
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
— Official Site
Required
Required — for all first-time hunters (minimum age: 9)
Online Course
Available
$24.95 via Hunter-Ed.com
Field Day / Skills
Required
Fee: $0.00 — hands-on firearm safety demonstration required with certified instructor
In-Person Fee
Free (volunteer instructors)
Minimum Hours
5 hours (completion time varies based on pace and method)
Reciprocity
Does Texas Accept Out-of-State Certifications?
Reciprocity Accepted
Texas accepts valid hunter education certifications issued by any other US state, territory, or Canadian province. You do not need to retake the course when purchasing a Texas hunting license.
Texas accepts valid hunter education certifications issued by any other US state, territory, or Canadian province. You do not need to retake the course when purchasing a Texas hunting license.
Apprentice Program
Texas Apprentice Hunting License
Apprentice License Available
Hunt before completing hunter education with a licensed adult mentor
Must hunt alongside a licensed adult mentor at all times
Full hunter education certification required for subsequent license purchases after apprentice license(s) are exhausted
Bowhunter Education
Texas Bowhunter Education
Texas offers a separate bowhunter education course covering archery safety, equipment selection, shot placement, and ethical bowhunting.
Take the Bowhunter Education course →
Take the Bowhunter Education course →
Course Curriculum
What Topics Are Covered?
The Texas hunter education course covers the following subjects:
Firearm safety
Wildlife identification
Hunting ethics
State regulations
Survival skills
Hunter responsibility
Important Notes
Texas-Specific Requirements
The online course counts as classroom instruction; a mandatory field day must be completed in-person with a certified instructor. The $24.95 online fee covers the study course only; the field day itself is free.
Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (tpwd.texas.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current course fees and enrollment options directly with the agency before registering.