National Hunting And Fishing Day Celebrates Texas Outdoor Traditions And Economic Impact

If you grew up anywhere around West Texas, there's a decent chance somebody taught you how to fish, hunt or both. I know my family taught me!

There's also a decent chance that same person spent several hours explaining that you were making too much noise.

Get our free mobile app

Those traditions will get a little extra recognition this Saturday, September 26th, as Texas celebrates National Hunting and Fishing Day.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is encouraging Texans to use the occasion to get outside, introduce somebody new to hunting or fishing and recognize the role outdoorsmen and women play in conserving the state's wildlife.

man fishing during daytime

Hunters and Anglers Pay for a Lot of Texas Conservation

Here's something that sometimes gets overlooked.

When you buy a Texas hunting or fishing license, that money doesn't simply disappear into some giant government money bucket.

According to TPWD, money from licenses, stamps and endorsements, along with taxes collected on hunting and fishing equipment, firearms, ammunition and motorboat fuel, helps fund wildlife management and conservation across Texas.

READ MORE: Grab a Dutch Bros Drink in Lubbock and Help Local Kids in Foster Care

That includes fish stocking, habitat improvements, public access and programs designed to introduce new hunters to the outdoors.

Since 2026 licenses went on sale August 15th, TPWD says recreational license sales have already topped $36.7 million.

So yes, buying that fishing license really does help pay for fishing.

a man holding a rifle while standing in a field

Texas Dove Hunters Are Kind of a Big Deal

National Hunting and Fishing Day arrives right in the middle of a busy time for West Texas hunters.

Dove season is already underway, and Texas remains the undisputed heavyweight when it comes to dove hunting.

According to TPWD, more than 300,000 people hunt dove in Texas each year, generating more than $500 million in economic activity.

Texas hunters account for about 32% of the nation's mourning dove harvest and a whopping 87% of its white-winged dove harvest.

Early teal season is also underway and continues through September 27th.

For hunters who don't have access to private property, TPWD's annual public hunting permit provides access to more than one million acres of public hunting land around the state.

Want to Learn How to Fish?

National Hunting and Fishing Day isn't just for people who've been doing this their entire lives.

TPWD's Neighborhood Fishin' Program celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026 and is specifically designed to make fishing more accessible, including to beginners. Many participating lakes are located in city and county parks with shoreline access, parking and other amenities.

And here's a nice little Texas perk: you don't need a fishing license to fish from the shore or a dock inside a Texas State Park.

TPWD also offers beginner resources covering everything from selecting tackle and bait to learning how to cast.

silhouette of three person riding on boat on body of water

Never Been Hunting? They'll Help With That, Too

TPWD offers beginner hunting information and mentored hunting workshops, where newcomers can learn the basics in a controlled environment.

READ MORE: Foreigner Brings 50 Years Of Classic Rock To Lubbock This October

Remember that hunter education certification is required for hunters born on or after September 2nd, 1971, subject to Texas' applicable hunter-education rules. Courses cover firearm safety, species identification, zones of fire and other things you'll definitely want to understand before heading into the field.

Maybe Take Somebody New This Year

Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation recognizing National Hunting and Fishing Day, highlighting both the economic importance of outdoor recreation and the role it can play in developing patience, self-reliance and an appreciation for the outdoors.

But I think TPWD's message for September 26th can be boiled down even further:

Take somebody with you.

Take your kid fishing. Invite a friend who's never been dove hunting. Sign up for hunter education. Spend a Saturday morning beside some water without staring at your phone every 14 seconds.

Hunting and fishing have been part of life in West Texas for generations.

The best way to make sure they're around for another generation is to teach somebody new why we enjoy them in the first place.