Texas Hunting Safety and Education

We developed this Hunting Safety and Education Guide to ensure you meet Texas' hunting safety requirements and that you have the safest hunting trips possible. Hunting is often an adventure you partake with family and loved ones, so we realize that safety is of the utmost importance.

Also, you will find links to our hunting How To Guides for some great information on various hunting topics. And you can chat with fellow hunters in our hunting forums. So take some time and browse through this guide and learn how you can have the most enjoyable and, of course, the safest hunting adventure possible.

Overview

Texas Hunting Safety and Education Classes

Here you will learn everything you need to know about signing up for and completing your states mandatory hunting safety and education requirements. Keep in mind that every hunter (including out-of-state hunters) born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, must successfully complete a Hunter Education Training Course. Minimum age of certification is 12 years and cost is $15. If you were born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, and you are: � under 12 years of age, you must be accompanied*. � age 12 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**. Hunter Education Deferral (cost: $10) � Allows a person 17 years of age or older who has not completed a hunter education program to defer completion for up to one 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. Take the course by August 31 of the current license year and receive a $5 discount. **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 you must be within normal voice control, (Preferrably within physical control). Proof of certification or deferral is required to be on your person while hunting. Note: Certification is NOT required to purchase a hunting license. Note: Bowhunter education does NOT substitute for Hunter Education certification.

DNR-Pro.org's Hunting How To Guides

Our library of Hunting How To Guides covers many safety and educational hunting topics. Learn everything from deer and elk hunting tips to choosing a good hunting dog and more.

Hunting and Wildlife Forums

Chat with like minded people in our Hunting and Wildlife Forum. Discuss various topics such as hunting safety, bow hunting, deer hunting or just chat about general hunting topics - and much more!