09-21 | Texas Celebrates National Hunting and Fishing Day Sept. 26

Sept. 21, 2026

Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030

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AUSTIN – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) invites Texans to bring their friends and family into the outdoors for National Hunting and Fishing Day on Sept. 26. This celebration recognizes hunters and anglers for their contributions to wildlife and conservation.

Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation in support of the day, saying how outdoor pursuits foster patience, self-reliance and appreciation for the natural world while promoting physical activity and mental well-being. Additionally, Abbott noted that outdoor recreation generates billions of dollars in annual economic activity, supporting local businesses, jobs and communities throughout the state.

“The significant contribution made by Texas’ outdoors women and men toward research and species management is one of the reasons why the tradition of hunting and fishing in Texas has endured for generations,” said TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz. “Texas’ hunters, anglers and landowners, make the difference in preserving and maintaining the state’s natural spaces and wildlife population. This year, in honor of National Hunting and Fishing Day, I invite all Texans to take a hunter education course, attend a neighborhood fishing event and learn how participating in these activities aids in conserving the best of Texas.”

Participation is Conservation

TPWD works to connect more Texans to outdoor recreation and carry forward these time-honored traditions. Continued participation in fishing, boating, hunting and shooting sports helps fund efforts such as fish stocking, access and habitat improvements, and mentored hunting programs, which introduce new hunters to the sport in a safe environment.

Texas’ wildlife management programs are funded through the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses, stamps and endorsements, as well as taxes paid on hunting and fishing equipment, motorboat fuel, firearms and ammunition. License purchases generate millions of dollars for conservation programs benefiting both game and non-game species statewide. Since licenses became available for purchase on Aug. 15, recreational license sales have exceeded $36.7 million.

Through the continued participation of Texans in outdoor recreation, TPWD has been able to bring more opportunities for hunting and fishing across the state.

Fishing

In 2026, TPWD’s Neighborhood Fishin’ Program is celebrating 20 years of bringing fishing opportunities to Texans’ backyards. These sites are a great place for beginners to get started. Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes can be found in city and county parks with ample parking, shoreline access, restrooms, lighting and other amenities.

Community Fishing Lakes are an excellent option for both first-time and experienced anglers. For more information and special regulations, visit TPWD’s community fishing lakes website.

Texans who want to learn to fish can find resources on the TPWD Fishing for Beginners webpage including how to get started, safety, basic gear assembly, tackle boxes and supplies, bait and lures, how to cast and more.

Fishing events around the state are listed on the online event page. No license is required to fish from the shore or dock at a Texas State Park.

Hunting

For Texans interested in learning to hunt, the Hunting for Beginners webpage also offers a wealth of information. TPWD also offers mentored hunting workshops to introduce new hunters to the experience and teach needed skills.

The Texas dove hunting season is in full swing and a great option for new hunters. Texas continues to lead the nation in dove hunting, accounting for 32 percent of the mourning dove and 87 percent of the white-winged dove harvest in the U.S. annually. More than 300,000 hunters take part each year, generating more than $500 million in economic activity.

In addition to dove, the early teal season began on Sept. 19 and goes through Sept. 27. Folks can hunt for dove, teal and a multitude of other species on more than one million acres of public land with the purchase of an annual public hunting permit.

To learn about hunting, register for an online or in-person hunter education course. Hunter education certification is required for anyone born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, and equips them with the necessary tools and information they need to be safe in the field: basics about firearm safety, species identification, zones of fire and more.

Licenses and Regulations

A variety of hunting and fishing licenses are available for purchase through the official TPWD website, or in-person at retail locations throughout Texas or TPWD offices.

Updated identity verification rules are in effect for Texas hunting and fishing license purchases to combat residency fraud and support TPWD law enforcement. Additional information can be found at the License ID Validation FAQ page or the Purchase Requirements for Licenses, Endorsements and Tags page on the TPWD website.

Full hunting and fishing regulations are available on the Texas Outdoor Annual mobile app or online at OutdoorAnnual.com.

For images of Texans participating in the outdoors, visit the TPWD Flickr page.