Avoid the Rush: Hunting, Fishing Licenses Go On Sale Aug. 15
This just in from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department: The August 6 press release is a reminder of something that is all too easy to forget, or, in our always-busy world, neglect to take care of until the absolute last minute. It can be a mighty expensive memory lapse. Plus, if it were not for the funds we as sportsmen generate, our natural resources would be in serious trouble indeed.
I’ve always said to well-meaning folks who want to ”Save the Wildlife,” no matter the creature, the best way to make a solid contribution is to buy a fishing and hunting license … and, while you’re at it, a federal duck stamp (which, if you are a waterfowler, you should purchase, attach and sign at the same time you buy your TPWD combo license).
Want more ducks? Enlist more duck hunters?
Want more fish in the lakes and bays? Buy a fishing license.
Just do it as soon as possible, so you can get on with enjoying all the outdoors has to offer. Compared to other outings (been to a Texans game lately, or spent a day on the golf course?), a combination fishing-and-hunting license remains one of the most economical and effective investments a person can make to support our wildlife and water resources. When we protect those resources and habitat, every creature in the field … again, “non-game” species included … benefits immeasurably. Blue herons live in the same habitat as migratory bluewing teal, after all.
Hunting, Fishing Licenses Go On Sale Aug. 15
AUSTIN, Texas — New hunting and fishing licenses for 2007-08 will be available beginning Wednesday, Aug. 15, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is encouraging hunters to buy early and avoid the rush heading into the Sept. 1 dove season opener.
TPWD officials are reminding sportsmen that all current annual hunting and fishing licenses expire Aug. 31.
Texas issues 3.2 million hunting and fishing licenses annually through 28 TPWD field offices, more than 100 state parks and at over 1,400 retailers across Texas.
License vendors are bracing for an anticipated last-minute license buying surge that typically occurs during the Labor Day holiday weekend, particularly along the I-35 corridor where many dove hunters descend.
“If you wait until the Friday before the dove season opener, you’re probably going to be standing in line to buy a license,” says Tom Newton with TPWD’s licensing section. “Last year, we sold nearly 350,000 licenses during the four-day period around the opening weekend of dove season. It takes an average of five minutes to process a license sale transaction, so it’s likely there will be delays if you wait ’til the last minute.”
Newton points out that a little planning can save hunters a lot of time in the checkout line. “It’s like planning your morning commute,” he explains. “You can sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic or you can leave early and breeze through. We average less than 20,000 license transactions a day during the two weeks prior to the dove season opener and five or six times that number on the days around opening weekend.”
“Hunters who need to purchase a license at the last minute or those who don’t want to stand in line have a couple of options,” said Newton. “They can also purchase licenses online through the TPWD web site (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/) or by calling (800) 895-4248. There is a $5 convenience fee for either option and a major credit card is required.”
License sales call center hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday — Friday. The online transaction system is available 24/7.
“We sold about 13,000 licenses online and by phone during the peak sales weekend last year,” Newton said. “We’d like to steer more of the traffic to the call center and Internet during the peak volume periods.”
Howdy. I am 
