This is a guide on how to get your hunting license in four of the most popular states for hunters: Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, and Indiana. We will cover the basic requirements you need, the state-specific tips you might want to keep in mind, and how much the license will cost. 

With this guide, you can spend less time reading fine print and more time preparing for opening day. 

1. How to Get a Hunting License in PA

To get a PA hunting license as a first-time buyer, you must have completed the hunter-trapper education course, and you must be at least 12 years old (12-16 year olds can get a junior license). If applying for a PA Resident Hunting License, you must present proof of residency. 

How to Apply for a PA Hunting License

To get a PA hunting license, you can either apply online or in person.

• To obtain a PA hunting license online, apply through the official website: HuntFishPA.
• To buy your PA hunting license in person, you can directly buy from the more than 600 issuing agents statewide, including county treasurers and sporting goods stores.
• The license year for a PA hunting license runs from July 1 to June 30 of the following year.

PA Hunting License Costs (as of 2024–2025)

The cost for a PA hunting license ranges from $2.97 (for mentored youth permits) to  $20.97 (for adults). How much you pay for a hunting license in Pennsylvania depends on whether you are a junior or an adult, and whether you are a resident or non-resident of the state. 

Here’s a brief guide on how much you can expect to pay for a PA hunting license:

• Resident Adult Hunting License: $20.97
• Non-Resident Adult Hunting License: $101.97
• Junior Resident License (ages 12–16): $6.97
• Senior Resident License (ages 65+): $13.97
• Mentored Youth Permit (under 12): $2.97(pgc.pa.gov, pgc.pa.gov)

Additional permits (e.g., archery, muzzleloader, antlerless deer) may require extra fees.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Obtain a PA Hunting License?

PA Junior licenses are available for residents and non-residents aged 12–16. So, technically, you can get a PA hunting license as long as you are 12 years old and above. Take note that proof of Pennsylvania residency is required for resident licenses.

For Official Information on PA Hunting Licenses

Visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Licenses and Permits page for more detailed information, including specific permit requirements and regulations.

 More Important Information On PA Hunting Licenses. 

• The Mentored Hunting Program allows individuals of all ages to hunt in PA, as long as they are under the supervision of a licensed mentor before completing hunter education.
• Hunters are no longer required to display their license on their outer garment, but must carry it while hunting.

2. How To Get A Hunting License in Texas

To obtain a Texas Hunting License, you must have completed the Hunter Education program (if you were born after September 2, 1971). If you have lived in the state for at least six months and qualify as a resident, you are eligible to apply for a Texas Resident Hunting License.

How to Apply for a Texas Hunting License

To get a hunting license in Texas, you can either apply online, in person, or by phone. Digital licenses are also an option, but holders of digital licenses must use the “Texas Hunt and Fish” mobile app for electronic tagging. Costs vary from $25 if you are a Texas resident to $1,000 if you are paying for a lifetime Resident Hunting License.

• For online application, apply through the Texas License Connection, which is the official website. Take note that a $5 administrative fee applies to online transactions.
• To apply in person, you can directly purchase the Texas hunting license at any of the over 1,800 retail locations statewide, including sporting goods stores, gun shops, and grocery stores. (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department)
• To apply by phone, call (800) 895-4248 during business hours. Take note that a $5 administrative fee also applies

Certain licenses, such as the Super Combo and Youth Hunting licenses, are available in digital format. Again, digital license holders must use the Texas Hunt & Fish mobile app for electronic tagging.

3. Texas Hunting License Costs (2024–2025 Season)

The cost of a Texas hunting license depends on whether you are a resident or non-resident, a youth or adult hunter, and the type and duration of license you are applying for. 

Here is a complete guide to help you determine how much your Texas hunting license will cost:

Texas Resident Licences

• Texas Resident Licenses ($ 25- $ 68+)
• Resident Hunting License: $25
  
• Youth Hunting License (under 17): $7
  
• Super Combo Package (includes hunting and fishing licenses plus endorsements): $68
  
• Senior Super Combo Package (65+): $32

Texas Non-Resident Hunting License Costs

• General Hunting License: $315
  
• Special Hunting License (excludes deer, turkey, and pronghorn): $132
  
• 5-Day Special Hunting License: $48
  
• Spring Turkey License: $126

Additional fees may apply for a hunting license in Texas for certain game species.

Required Endorsements

• Archery Endorsement: $7
• Upland Game Bird Endorsement: $7
• Migratory Game Bird Endorsement: $7
• Federal Duck Stamp: $28.50

Endorsements are required in addition to a valid hunting license when hunting specific game species.

Additional Information

• Lifetime Resident Hunting License: $1,000
  
• Lifetime Resident Combo Hunting & Fishing License: $1,800(Texas Parks & Wildlife Department)

Texas Hunting License Regulations

• Certain game animals, such as deer and turkey, require tagging. Hunters must carry the appropriate tags and complete them immediately upon harvest.
• Texas offers various public hunting lands. An Annual Public Hunting Permit ($48) provides access to these areas.
• Available for $10, allowing hunters to defer the education requirement for one year.

For more detailed information, including specific regulations and updates, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Hunting Licenses page.

If you have another state in mind, please provide its official hunting license webpage, and I can summarize the requirements for you.

4. Ohio Hunting License: How to Apply, and How Much It Costs

To obtain a hunting license in Ohio, you must have completed the hunter education course and must have lived in the state for at least six consecutive months (to qualify as a resident). Federal statutes also require that you present your Social Security Number to apply for a hunting license in Ohio.

Nonresident students actively enrolled in an Ohio college or university also qualify for a resident license. 

How to Get a Hunting License in Ohio

You can get an Ohio hunting license online, via the authorized app, in person, or by phone. 

• To apply for an online Ohio hunting license, purchase through the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System or via the HuntFish OH mobile app.
• In-Person: Available at authorized license sales agents throughout the state.
• By Phone: Call 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543) for assistance.

Annual hunting licenses in Ohio are valid from March 1 to the last day of February of the following year. 

Ohio Hunting License Costs (2024–2025 Season)

Ohio Hunting Resident License Costs

• 1-Year Hunting License: $19.00
• 3-Year Hunting License: $54.08
• 5-Year Hunting License: $90.14
• 10-Year Hunting License: $180.27
• Lifetime Hunting License: $449.28 

Nonresident Licenses

• 1-Year Hunting License: $180.96
• 3-Day Hunting License (Small Game Only): $40.56
• 1-Year Apprentice Hunting License: $180.96 

Youth Licenses (Resident & Nonresident)

• 1-Year Hunting License: $10.00
• 3-Year Hunting License: $27.04
• 5-Year Hunting License: $45.07
• 10-Year Hunting License: $90.14
• Lifetime Hunting License: $430.56

Senior Licenses (Residents Only)

• 1-Year Hunting License: $10.00
• 3-Year Hunting License: $27.04
• 5-Year Hunting License: $45.07
• Lifetime Hunting License: $84.24
• Free senior hunting licenses are available for residents born on or before December 31, 1937
  

Required Permits & Stamps for Ohio Hunting Licenses

Deer Permits

• Either-Sex Deer Permit: $31.20 (Resident), $76.96 (Nonresident)
  
• Deer Management Permit (Antlerless Only): $15.00 

Turkey Permits

Spring or Fall Turkey Permit: $31.20 (Resident), $38.48 (Nonresident) 

Fur Taker Permits

$15.00 (Adult), $8.00 (Youth), applicable to both residents and nonresidents 

Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp

$15.00, required for hunting waterfowl

Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp

$25.00, required for hunting migratory birds 

Additional Information for Hunting Licenses in Ohio

Apprentice Licenses

Available for both residents and nonresidents, allowing individuals to hunt under the supervision of a licensed hunter without completing a hunter education course. 

License Exemptions

Ohio resident landowners, their spouses, and children hunting on their own property.
Tenants residing on and deriving income from the land they hunt.
Active-duty military members on leave or furlough. 

Electronic Licenses

 Hunters may carry licenses and permits electronically via the HuntFish OH mobile app. 

Duplicate Licenses

Reprints are free online and cost $4 at license agents (Ohio Department of Natural Resources). For more detailed information and to purchase licenses or permits, visit the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System or the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

4. How to Get a Hunting License in Indiana 

To qualify for an Indiana hunting license, you must have successfully completed a DNR-offered hunter education class. For an Indiana resident hunting license, you must have permanent residency. Youth licenses are available for residents 17 years or younger.

• To qualify as a resident, individuals must have established permanent residency in Indiana.
• All youth hunting licenses are valid for the designated license year, even if the individual turns 18 during that year, but the license must be purchased before the youth turns 18.
• Apprentice licenses are available for individuals who have not completed a hunter education course. Apprentice license holders must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter.

Application Process

For an Indiana hunting license online, purchase through the Indiana Fish & Wildlife Online License System.

To apply for your hunting license in person, you can visit authorized license retailers throughout the state.

You can also apply for an  Indiana hunting license by mail. Send your order at the official state website with the following information:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Include a copy of a hunter education certificate or card if born after Dec. 31, 1986
• Complete address, city, state, zip, phone number
• Height, weight, color of hair, and color of eyes
• Social Security number (mandatory)
• Specify the licenses, including the season (e.g., deer for muzzleloader)
• Send a check, money order, or credit card number and expiration date for licenses made payable to Indiana DNR.

Indiana Hunting License Costs (2024–2025 Season)

Resident Licenses:

• Annual Hunting: $20
• Deer License Bundle: $91
• Deer Archery (Archery Season): $39
• Deer Crossbow (Archery Season): $39
• Deer Firearm (Buck Only – Firearms Season): $39
• Deer Muzzleloader (Muzzleloader Season only): $39
• Deer Reduction Zone (Reduction Zones only): $39
• Deer First Bonus Antlerless: $39
• Deer - Second and Additional Resident Bonus Antlerless Deer License only: $24
• Spring Turkey: $32
• Fall Turkey: $32
• Youth Consolidated Hunt/Trap: $12
• Annual Trapping: $20
• Hunting & Fishing Combo: $32
• Annual Fishing: $23
• One-day Fishing (includes Trout/Salmon): $10
• Senior Annual Fishing: $3 (for residents born after March 31, 1943, and age 64 and older)
• Senior Fish-for-Life: $23 (includes trout/salmon stamp).
  

Non-Resident Licenses

• Annual Hunting: $90
• Five-day Hunting: $50
• Deer License Bundle: $550
• Deer Archery (Archery Season): $240
• Deer Crossbow (Archery Season): $240
• Deer Firearm (Buck Only – Firearms Season): $240
• Deer Muzzleloader (Muzzleloader Season Only): $240
• Deer Reduction Zone (Reduction Zones Only): $240
• Deer First Bonus Antlerless: $240
• Deer - Second and Additional Non-Resident Bonus Antlerless Deer License only: $39
• Spring Turkey (Age 18 and up): $175
• Fall Turkey (Age 18 and up): $175
• Youth Annual Hunting: $20
• Youth Deer License Bundle: $91
• Youth Deer Archery (Archery Season): $39
• Youth Deer Crossbow (Archery Season): $39
• Youth Deer Firearm (Buck Only – Firearm Season): $39
• Youth Deer Muzzleloader (Muzzleloader season): $39
• Youth Deer Reduction Zone (Reduction Zones Only): $39
• Youth Deer First Bonus Antlerless: $39
• Youth Spring Turkey: $32
• Youth Fall Turkey: $32
• Annual Fishing: $60
• One-day Fishing (includes Trout/Salmon): $15
• Seven-day Fishing: $35 

Discounted Licenses

• Disabled American Veterans (DAV) 1-Year Option: $2.75
• DAV 10-Year Option: $27.50 

Required Stamps & Endorsements

• Waterfowl Stamp Privilege: $11
• Game Bird Habitat Stamp Privilege: $11

These stamps are required for hunting specific game species and are not included in the base hunting license.

Additional Information

• License Validity: Annual licenses are valid from April 1 to March 31 of the following year.
• Reporting Harvest: All deer harvested in Indiana must be reported within 48 hours of the time of harvest at an on-site check station, online, through your Indiana Fish & Wildlife Account, or by phone at 1-800-419-1326. There is a $3 charge for the phone service, payable only by Visa or Mastercard. 
• Exemptions: A hunting license is not required for an individual who is less than 13 years old, does not possess a bow or firearm, and is accompanied by a person who is at least 18 years of age and holds a valid hunting license. 

For more detailed information and to purchase licenses or permits, visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Fish & Wildlife Licenses & Permits page.

If you have another state in mind, please provide its official hunting license webpage, and I can summarize the requirements for you.

Sources

• Texas Resident License Costs: Recreational Hunting and Fishing Licenses 
• Texas Youth Resident Under 17: Lifetime License Drawing
• Texas Super Combo Texas Hunting License cost: Super Combo & Combo License Packages
• Ohio Hunting License: State of Ohio 
• Ohio Hunting License Costs: Ohio Wildlife Licensing System
• Indiana License Requirements:  Indiana Wildlife licenses and permits fees
• Indiana Hunting License Costs: State of Indiana