It’s time to plan your autumn hunts because dates have been set for the 2016-2017 season. They include a dove season of 90 days, which is the longest in 80 years. The traditional opening date of Sept. 1 remains the same, but an additional 20 days will push dove hunting season into January.

Don’t forget the mandatory Hunter Education Course if you have never completed one.

Who needs Hunter Education?
Every hunter (including out-of-state hunters) born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, must successfully complete hunter education. Minimum age for certification is 9 years and cost is $15. If you were born on or after September 2, 1971 and you are:
- under 9 years of age, you must be accompanied*.
- age 9 through 16, you must successfully complete hunter education, OR you must be accompanied.
- age 17 and over, you must successfully complete hunter education; OR purchase a “Hunter Education Deferral,” and you must be accompanied.

What does "accompanied" mean?
Accompanied means: By a person 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. Proof of certification or deferral is required to be on your person while hunting. Note: Proof of certification is not required to purchase a hunting license.

Do I qualify for a Hunter Education Deferral?
Any person 17 years of age or older who has not completed hunter education may 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. You must be accompanied while hunting if you have a deferral. Note: The one-time Hunter Education Deferral is available at license vendors and costs $10. 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.

Choose a course:
- Classroom Course - 6 hours of basic instruction. Some courses may be extended in length to cover added topics.
- Online + Field Course - Completion of an approved online course plus a 4 hour minimum "field day" including live-fire and other skill-based activities. Be sure to look up and register for a field course near you prior to completing the online course.
- Online-Only Course (17 and older) - Completion of an approved online course, designed for Texas residents. You must be 17 years of age or older to register.
- Optional Hunting 101 Courses

Additional Option: One-time, one year Hunter Education Deferral Extension
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. The one-time Hunter Education Deferral is available at license vendor.