Free and Discounted Hunting & Fishing Licenses for Veterans by State
A state-by-state table of hunting and fishing license benefits for veterans, drawn from each state's own fish and wildlife agency and read on October 16, 2026.
Every state's fish and wildlife agency does something different for veterans. Some give a free lifetime license to veterans with a 100% rating. Some accept a lower rating, and a few offer something to veterans with no rating at all. Some sell a reduced-fee license instead of a free one, and some simply exempt qualifying veterans from needing a license. Most limit the benefit to residents.
The table below sets out, state by state, what each agency's own page or form says. Each row was read on October 16, 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you apply or buy.
How state programs differ
The rating test
Thresholds on the agency pages we read run from any service-connected rating (New Jersey) and 10% (Illinois) up to a permanent and total rating (Arizona, at 100%, and Ohio). Several states use 30%, 40%, 50% or 60%. A few use a different test entirely, such as a Purple Heart, war-time service, or a VA pension.
What you get
The benefit may be a free license, a reduced-fee license, a lifetime license, or an exemption from needing a license. Many cover small game and fishing but not big game tags, lottery draws, stamps or federal permits.
Residency
Most programs are for residents only, and some set a minimum time in the state. A few agencies also serve nonresident veterans, or residents of states with a reciprocal agreement.
How you apply
Most agencies ask for a letter from VA showing your rating, often the benefit summary letter, along with proof of residency. Some also ask for a DD-214, or for proof of hunter education before they issue a hunting license. Some states take the application online; others require mail or an in-person visit.
State-by-state table
| State | Who qualifies and what the agency lists | Source (read Oct. 16, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Resident veterans with VA certification of a 50% or higher disability can buy a Disabled Military Veteran's Appreciation hunting license (all legal game). At 20% or higher, an annual freshwater fishing license under the same program. Both carry a fee. | Alabama DCNR hunting form; fishing form |
| Alaska | Residents certified 50% disabled or greater receive a complimentary permanent identification card to hunt, sport fish and trap. Holders do not need a king salmon stamp or the state waterfowl conservation stamp. | Alaska Department of Fish and Game |
| Arizona | Residents of at least one year receiving compensation for permanent and total service-connected disabilities rated at 100% can get a Disabled Veteran's License with the privileges of a Hunt/Fish Combination License. A 100% rating through Individual Unemployability does not qualify. | Arizona Game and Fish Department |
| Arkansas | Residents of one year who are 100% totally and permanently disabled (VA) can buy lifetime fishing, hunting or combination licenses. Residents rated 70% or higher, or 50% or higher with a Purple Heart, can buy a lifetime combination license that includes trout and state duck stamp privileges. Both carry a fee. | Arkansas Game and Fish Commission |
| California | Honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected rating of 50% or greater can buy reduced-fee hunting and sport fishing licenses after prequalifying with a VA letter. | California Department of Fish and Wildlife |
| Colorado | Residents who are Purple Heart recipients or have a combined service-connected rating of 50% or more can obtain a Lifetime Small Game and Fishing Combination License. | Colorado Parks and Wildlife |
| Connecticut | The agency's fishing license page lists no disabled veteran license. Active, full-time armed forces members pay the resident fee for fishing and small game firearms licenses. Residents who have lost a limb, or the use of one, may get a free license. | Connecticut DEEP |
| Delaware | Veterans with at least a 60% service-connected rating are eligible for a license exemption by application to the Division. Residents who served 90 or more days in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom get a one-time exemption for the first 12 months after discharge. | Delaware DNREC Fish and Wildlife |
| District of Columbia | The fishing license page lists exemptions only for people under 16 and 65 or older. It lists no veteran exemption. | DC Department of Energy and Environment |
| Florida | Florida residents who are honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected rating of 50% or greater can get the no-cost Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License, issued for five years. Active-duty members stationed in Florida, and Florida residents who are active-duty or retired, can buy a reduced-fee Military Gold Sportsman's License. | Florida FWC; Military Gold |
| Georgia | Residents who served 90 or more days of active federal duty and were honorably discharged on or after July 1, 2005 can get a free One-Time Veterans Hunting and Fishing License, valid for one year and issued once. The agency also lists a discounted veterans lifetime license. | Georgia Wildlife Resources Division |
| Hawaii | The state's hunting license fee law lists no veteran rate. The license is free for residents 65 and older. See the Hawaii DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife. | Hawaii Revised Statutes 183D-22 |
| Idaho | Veterans with a service-connected rating of 40% or greater can get reduced fees on DAV licenses and tags. Residents and nonresidents have separate DAV prices. | Idaho Fish and Game |
| Illinois | Disabled veterans with at least a 10% service-connected rating, resident or nonresident, are exempt from the hunting and fishing license and the habitat stamp. Hunting permits are still required. | Illinois DNR |
| Indiana | Residents with a documented service-connected disability can buy a discounted DAV license to fish or hunt small game. | Indiana DNR |
| Iowa | Residents of at least 90 days who served on active federal duty (other than training) and have a service-connected disability rating can buy a lifetime hunting and/or fishing license and a lifetime fur harvester license and one extra Any Deer tag, each for a fee. Annual fish and wildlife fees are not included. | Iowa DNR application form |
| Kansas | Honorably discharged Kansas residents with service-connected disabilities of at least 30% receive free, permanent hunting and fishing licenses. | Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks |
| Kentucky | Residents at least 50% disabled from a service-connected disability can buy the Disabled Sportsman's License. It includes the combination hunting and fishing license, all deer permits, turkey permits, the migratory bird and waterfowl permit and the trout permit. | Kentucky Fish and Wildlife |
| Louisiana | Resident or nonresident veterans, including the Louisiana Army or Air National Guard, with a permanent service-connected disability of 50% or more receive a free disabled veteran hunting and fishing license. | Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries; application |
| Maine | Disabled veterans with a service-connected rating of 50% or more can get a complimentary license to fish, trap and hunt, including archery, muzzleloader, bear, migratory bird and turkey. It is open to residents of Maine and of states with a reciprocal agreement (the agency names New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Missouri, Texas, Delaware and Louisiana). | Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife |
| Maryland | Residents who are 100% service-connected disabled veterans, former prisoners of war, or deemed unemployable by VA can get complimentary lifetime fishing and hunting licenses. The fishing license covers the non-tidal angler's license, trout stamp, Chesapeake Bay sport fishing license and recreational oyster license; the hunting license includes the bow, muzzleloader and sika deer stamps and the furbearer permit. Maryland veterans with a Purple Heart get 50% off hunting and fishing licenses. | Maryland DNR |
| Massachusetts | The agency's free licenses are for anglers and hunters who are blind, have an intellectual disability, or have paraplegia. The page lists no veteran license. | MassWildlife |
| Michigan | Residents with a VA letter stating they are 100% disabled or individually unemployable receive all non-lottery licenses free. The letter must be carried while hunting or fishing. | Michigan DNR |
| Minnesota | Residents with a 100% service-connected disability can get a permanent angling license (no trout stamp needed) and free small game and deer licenses each year. They do not need state waterfowl, pheasant or trout stamps. | Minnesota DNR |
| Mississippi | Residents rated 100% service-connected disabled by VA are not required to buy a hunting or fishing license. They must carry proof of residency and disability unless they buy the annual Disabled Exempt license. | Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks |
| Missouri | Honorably discharged veterans, resident or nonresident, with a service-related disability of 60% or greater, or who were prisoners of war, may fish and hunt without a permit, except for black bear, deer, elk and turkey. The exemption does not cover trapping. They can buy permits at resident prices. | Missouri Department of Conservation; exemptions |
| Montana | Veterans with certain combat-connected injuries may get half-priced deer and antelope licenses, up to 50 a year. Under state law, resident Purple Heart recipients may fish and hunt game birds (not wild turkeys) with a conservation license and an aquatic invasive species pass. | Montana FWP; MCA 87-2-816 |
| Nebraska | Residents rated 50% or more service-connected, or 100% non-service-connected and receiving a VA pension, can get a Disabled Veteran's Lifetime Annual Small Game Hunt/Fish/Fur Harvest Permit at no fee. It includes all state stamps. | Nebraska Game and Parks |
| Nevada | Residents of at least six months with a service-connected disability of 50% or more and an honorable discharge can buy a Resident Disabled Veteran Specialty Combination Hunting and Fishing License, valid for one year. | Nevada Department of Wildlife application |
| New Hampshire | Residents with a permanent 100% rating and an honorable discharge can get a permanent fishing, combination hunting and fishing, or archery license for a one-time administration fee. Maine and Vermont residents may apply under the same rule. Residents rated 80% to 99% for more than two years can buy a lifetime license at half price. | New Hampshire Fish and Game; 80% to 99% |
| New Jersey | Honorably discharged resident veterans with a service-connected disability of any degree receive free hunting and fishing licenses, permits and stamps after certification by mail. This includes free deer, turkey and bear permits. | New Jersey Fish and Wildlife |
| New Mexico | Residents 100% disabled from service get a free lifetime game-hunting and fishing license through a Disabled Veteran card, which covers fishing and small game, plus a free deer license when the cardholder draws one or has landowner permission. Disabled veterans below 100% can buy a $10 combination license. Resident active-duty members and honorably discharged veterans get 50% off licenses, permits and stamps, with some exceptions. | New Mexico Department of Wildlife |
| New York | Residents with a service-related disability of 40% or more pay $5 for their first hunting, fishing or trapping license each calendar year, and later licenses that year are free. Bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges are free (a base hunting license is required). | New York State DEC |
| North Carolina | Residents who are 50% or more disabled veterans (VA) can get a Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License for Resident Disabled Veterans, valid while the rating stays at 50% or more. | NC Wildlife Resources Commission |
| North Dakota | Under state law, residents with at least a 50% service-connected disability can buy a $10 fishing license and a $10 combined general game, habitat stamp, small game and fur-bearer license. The agency takes the Resident Disabled Veteran application online. | North Dakota Game and Fish; NDCC 20.1-03-12 |
| Ohio | Residents of six months who are honorably discharged, rated permanently and totally disabled by VA and receiving VA pension or compensation; who hold Ohio Disabled Veterans License Plates; or who are honorably discharged former prisoners of war can get free fishing and hunting licenses, deer and turkey permits, a fur taker permit and the wetlands habitat stamp. Approval lasts five years, and the licenses are still obtained each year. | Ohio Division of Wildlife application |
| Oklahoma | Residents disabled as certified by VA can buy a lifetime combination license at a discounted rate. The donor-funded Stars and Stripes project offers donated licenses at no cost to resident veterans, including a lifetime combination license option for those 60% or more disabled. | Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation |
| Oregon | Residents with a disability rating of at least 25% get a free combination license (hunting, fishing, shellfish and the Columbia River Basin Endorsement) and qualify for a discounted elk tag. | Oregon Fish and Wildlife |
| Pennsylvania | Residents rated 100% by VA for a service-connected disability get a free fishing license; those rated 60% to 99% get a reduced-fee fishing license. The Game Commission sells Resident Disabled Veteran hunting licenses for 100% and 60% to 99% ratings, validated each year. | Fish and Boat Commission; Game Commission |
| Rhode Island | Under state law, veterans with a 100% disability rating receive a license to hunt, fish or both without a license fee. The agency's application says the veterans' license, once issued, is permanent. | RI General Laws 20-2-31; DEM application |
| South Carolina | Residents of at least 365 days who have been declared disabled and receive disability benefits from VA (or several other listed agencies) get a free disability hunting and fishing license, valid for three years. | South Carolina DNR |
| South Dakota | Residents with a VA K award or a service-connected disability of 40% or greater can apply for a reduced-fee hunting and fishing license. | South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks |
| Tennessee | Resident veterans certified by VA as 30% disabled by reason of war service, or 100% service-connected, can buy a Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing license covering the base combination and supplemental licenses. WMA and federal permits are extra. | Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency |
| Texas | Resident or nonresident veterans with the loss of use of a foot or leg, or a disability rating of 50% or more, who receive compensation for it, get a free Disabled Veteran Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package. Proof is required each year, in person at a license retailer. | Texas Parks and Wildlife |
| Utah | Residents with a service-connected disability of 20% or greater can buy a discounted hunting, fishing or combination license. Once approved, they do not need to reapply each year. | Utah Division of Wildlife Resources |
| Vermont | Residents who are, or ever have been, 60% disabled due to a service-connected disability can get a free permanent license. Disabled veterans from states that reciprocate (the agency names New Hampshire and Maine) can get a free one-year license. | Vermont Fish and Wildlife |
| Virginia | Residents with a service-connected rating of 30% or more can buy a lifetime hunting and/or freshwater fishing license. The fee drops as the rating rises; for veterans rated totally and permanently disabled, the fishing and hunting licenses are $0. | Virginia DWR application |
| Washington | Honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected rating of 30% or more, or 65 and older with any rating, qualify for reduced fees as residents or resident rates as nonresidents. | Washington Fish and Wildlife |
| West Virginia | Under state law, residents who receive a VA pension for total permanent service-connected disability, or who qualify for the disabled veteran vehicle registration fee exemption, may hunt, trap and fish without a license. See the West Virginia DNR. | West Virginia Code 20-2-28 |
| Wisconsin | Residents rated 50% or more, or individually unemployable, can buy a Disabled Veteran Recreation Card covering fishing, small game, state park admission and the state trail pass. Residents rated 70% or more, individually unemployable, or receiving a VA pension can buy a Resident Disabled Veteran Fishing License. | Wisconsin DNR |
| Wyoming | Residents certified at 100% service-connected get a free bird, fish and small game license, valid while they live in Wyoming. Residents receiving 50% or more compensation get a free lifetime fishing license. Resident Purple Heart recipients get a free bird, fish and small game license. | Wyoming Game and Fish; 50% fishing |
Before you apply
Get a current VA benefit summary letter that shows your combined rating. Nearly every agency above asks for it, and some want a recent one; Texas asks for proof issued within the last 12 months. Have your driver's license or state ID ready as proof of residency, and your DD-214 if the agency asks for it. If you want a hunting license, check whether the agency needs proof of hunter education.
Expect a wait. Several agencies process these licenses by mail or at a main office. Delaware says to allow up to four weeks, and Virginia up to 45 days. Some licenses must be renewed or re-verified every year, such as Pennsylvania's disabled veteran hunting license and the Texas Super Combo.
Read what the license leaves out. A free license often does not cover federal duck stamps, lottery or draw tags, big game, wildlife management area permits or trapping. The agency page lists what is included.
Beyond licenses
Some of the agencies above also list state park benefits for veterans. Colorado, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Minnesota list park passes for qualifying disabled veterans, and Maryland waives day-use entrance charges for veterans. Our state pages, linked from each state's name in the table, cover parks, property tax, education and other benefits; the full list is on the state benefits index.
Sources
Each row links the agency page, form or statute it summarizes. All were read on October 16, 2026, between 12:49 a.m. and 1:35 a.m. Pacific time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 100% rating to get a free license?
Not everywhere. Among the agencies in the table, New Jersey's free licenses cover a service-connected rating of any degree, Illinois exempts veterans rated 10% or more, Oregon's free combination license starts at 25%, and Kansas's free licenses start at 30%. Michigan, Minnesota and New Mexico tie their free licenses to a 100% rating, and Mississippi exempts veterans rated 100% from needing a license. Check the row for your state.
Does a 100% rating through Individual Unemployability count?
It depends on the state. Michigan, Maryland and Wisconsin name individual unemployability on their agency pages, and North Dakota's law counts it toward the 50% threshold for the reduced fishing license. Arizona says a 100% rating through Individual Unemployability does not qualify for its Disabled Veteran's License.
I don't live in the state. Can I still get its disabled veteran license?
Usually not, because most of these programs are for residents. A few agencies print exceptions. Texas and Louisiana include nonresidents in their free licenses, Illinois and Missouri extend their exemptions to nonresident veterans, Idaho and Washington offer nonresident reduced fees or resident rates, and Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont accept residents of certain reciprocal states.
What documents do agencies ask for?
Most want a letter from VA showing your service-connected rating. Many also ask for proof of residency, some ask for a DD-214, and several ask for proof of hunter education before they issue a hunting license. In some states the paperwork passes through another office first: Ohio's application goes to the Ohio Department of Veterans Services for certification, and Pennsylvania's free and reduced fishing licenses are first issued through county treasurers or Fish and Boat Commission offices.
Does a free license cover every hunt?
Often not. Texas notes the federal duck stamp is not included in its Super Combo, Michigan's free licenses exclude lottery licenses, Tennessee's license does not include WMA permits, and Missouri's exemption does not cover deer, turkey, black bear, elk or trapping. The agency page lists what is included.