Hackers Obtain The Personal Data of Texas Hunting and Fishing License Holders

If you legally hunt and fish in Central Texas, some of your personal information may have been stolen.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Data Breach

Millions of outdoor enthusiasts across the Lone Star State may have had their private records compromised following a security breach. Texas Cyber Command recently uncovered a hack within the computer systems of the third-party provider responsible for managing the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) licensing database. Security analysts estimate that the incident may have exposed the personal details of upwards of three million individuals who purchased regional hunting and fishing permits.

The Stolen Information

Investigators confirmed that the sensitive data accessible during the breach includes:

State driver's license records

Passport numbers (for clients who submitted them)

Contact phone numbers

Active email accounts

Confirmed residential addresses

How Vast was the Hack?

Despite the scale of the hack, authorities say there is no indication that the hackers got their hands on Social Security numbers, exact dates of birth, or sensitive financial information like credit card numbers. It also appears that records belonging to license holders under the age of 18 were not obtained by the hackers.

Protective Measures Going Forward

To help Texans whose information was hacked, the department is providing a complimentary 12-month subscription to a credit-monitoring service. Individuals seeking to confirm their eligibility or resolve questions regarding their accounts have until September 14, 2026, to finalize their enrollment. TPWD says it is working closely with the license system vendor to implement new safeguards and enhanced monitoring services. License sales will continue on schedule for August and the next license year.