Landowners Reminded Licenses Required to Operate Hunting Leases

by Eric

Press Release from Aaron Sims

TX game wardenLubbock Regional Landowners Will Need Hunting Lease Licenses to Operate

Lubbock and surrounding areas— As the fall hunting season comes into full swing, area landowners are reminded that they are required by state law to obtain a hunting lease license to operate their hunting leases. The owner of a hunting lease or the landowner’s agent may not receive pay or anything of value from hunters unless the owner or agent has acquired a hunting lease license from the department. Similar to an individual’s hunting or fishing license, the lease license must be renewed yearly.

Lubbock district public information officer Aaron Sims explains that this is enforceable throughout the year, and covers all seasons for both game and non-game animals. “Anytime an owner of a hunting lease or the designated agent receives pay or barter for the rights to hunt that property, they are required to obtain a lease license. Landowners can lease their land for hunting a variety of animals on their property ranging from dove, deer, or even feral hogs.” Sims also says that the license must be available upon request when asked by a game warden.

The hunting lease license is for the total amount of property in a county owned by an individual, partnership, firm, or corporation. Lease licenses can be purchased at any location where Texas hunting or fishing licenses are sold. Or, licenses can be bought online with a credit card at www.tpwd.statet.tx.us Fees are:

Fewer than 500 acres – $79

Between 500-1,000 acres – $147

More than 1,000 acres – $252

Sims reminds landowners that obtaining the license is simple, and relatively inexpensive compared to what some hunting guides are charging. “For example, when some outfitters are charging over $2,000 for a single person to hunt mule deer, obtaining a once a year lease license is a small fee to pay. I also want to remind the public that funds generated from the purchase of these licenses go directly back into managing the natural resource that they are in fact utilizing. It’s a successful management system.”

A person who violates any provision of the hunting lease license requirements or who fails to comply with any provision of the hunting lease license requirements commits an offense that is a Class C Parks and Wildlife Code misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $500.

related articles