TYLER - Current year Texas hunting and fishing licenses (except year-to-date fishing licenses) expire Aug. 31, and new licenses for 2010-2011 will go on sale Sunday, Aug. 15.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) issues about 2.1 million hunting and fishing licenses annually through the agency’s 28 field offices, more than 65 state parks, and at over 1,500 retailers across Texas. For a $5 administrative transaction fee, licenses may also be purchased on-line through the TPWD Web site or by phone at 800-895-4248. Call center hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday thru Friday. The on-line transaction system is available 24/7.

A license confirmation number is issued at the time of purchase for on-line and telephone orders, and the physical license is mailed separately. Confirmation numbers will verify that a license has been purchased, which is sufficient for dove hunting, but will not allow hunters to take fish or wildlife that require a tag. In addition to a hunting license, all wing shooters will need to purchase a game bird stamp.

To hunt doves or teal in September, a Migratory Game Bird Stamp ($7) is required. Duck hunters also need to purchase a Federal Duck Stamp and receive HIP (Harvest Information Program) certification. HIP certification involves a brief survey of previous years hunting success and is conducted at the time licenses are purchased

There are other mandatory endorsements to consider at the time of purchase, too.

An Upland Game Bird Stamp ($7) is required to hunt all non-migratory game birds, including turkey, quail, pheasant, chachalaca and lesser prairie chicken.

Lifetime license drawing hunters and anglers can also take care of their licensing requirements, with the purchase of an $1,800 Lifetime Super Combo, or you can enter for a chance at winning a lifetime license through a special drawing.

Entries for the Lifetime License Drawing cost $5 each and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. There is no limit to the number of entries that may be purchased. Winners will be drawn on Dec. 30, 2010 and June 30, 2011.

A mandatory Hunter Education Certification is also required of any hunter born on or after Sept. 2, 1971 and who is at least 17 years old.

For hunters who are unable to work in a hunter education course before hunting season for whatever reason, TPWD does offer a deferral option that allows people 17 years of age or older a one-time extension to complete the states hunter education requirements.

The individual must first purchase a hunting license and then may purchase the deferral option #166.

Hunters using the deferral option must be accompanied by someone 17-years-old or older, who is also licensed to hunt in Texas.

The accompanying individual must have completed hunter education or be exempt from the requirements (born before Sep. 2, 1971).

The extension is good for a one year license year, at which time the person with the deferral option needs to complete a hunter education course.

This option is not available to those who have ever received a conviction or deferred adjucation, for lack of hunter education certification. They still must take the course before going afield.