Military Discounts on Hunting and Fishing Licenses By State
If you’re an active-duty service member, veteran, or military family member who loves the outdoors, you’ll be happy to know that most states offer discounted or even free hunting and fishing licenses.
Some states offer full license exemptions for disabled veterans only, while others provide steep discounts or let you buy at resident rates, even if you’re stationed elsewhere. It can get a little confusing, so we’ve rounded up a state-by-state guide to help you quickly see what’s available and what you’ll need to qualify.
Whether you’re casting a line at your local lake or heading into the woods for a weekend hunt, the following military discounts on hunting and fishing licenses can make it easier (and more affordable) to enjoy time in nature.
State Hunting and Fishing Licenses with Military Discounts
The options below are current as of press time; however, terms and conditions are subject to change. Check with your local authority for the most up-to-date information.
Alabama
Alabama gives resident military personnel on leave a temporary break from license requirements—if you’re home on leave, you can hunt and fish without a license. For non-resident service members stationed in Alabama, you qualify to purchase a resident hunting and/or fishing license (instead of the higher out-of-state version) if you’re here for at least 30 days.
Disabled military veterans are eligible for special licenses. A veteran with at least 50 percent service-connected disability can get the Military Veteran’s Appreciation Hunting License. Veterans with 20 percent or higher service-connected disability can buy a special freshwater fishing license for just $3.50.
Alaska
Any resident actively serving in Alaska’s National Guard or the U.S. Reserves (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard) gets a complimentary annual hunting, trapping, and sport fishing license.
Alaska offers a free, permanent hunting, fishing, and trapping ID card to resident disabled veterans with a VA disability rating of 50 percent or more. To qualify, you must meet the state’s residency requirements and apply while physically present in the state.
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Arizona
If you’re an Arizona resident and veteran with a 100 percent service-connected disability, your combo license is waived entirely; otherwise, vets with some service-connected disability pay just $42, and Purple Heart recipients pay $28.
Active-duty military members stationed in Arizona can take advantage of resident hunting and fishing license rates with 30 days of stationing in the state and a commitment that they won’t claim residency elsewhere.
Arkansas
If you were an Arkansas resident when you entered military service, you’re eligible for free hunting and fishing licenses, no matter where you’re stationed now.
You can get lifetime resident licenses that cover hunting and fishing if you are a retired servicemember aged 60 or older and have lived in Arkansas for at least a year. On top of that, 100 percent service-connected disabled veterans can access lifelong combo licenses that include both hunting and fishing.
Arkansas also ensures accessibility through special permits (i.e., trout tags or waterfowl stamps) to round out the privileges of these lifetime licenses.
California
Active-duty service members stationed in the Golden State pay the same license fees as California residents, even if their home of record is elsewhere.
California offers reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses for veterans who have a service-connected disability of 50 percent or higher. After submitting proof, you’ll be eligible to purchase both fishing and hunting licenses at a much lower rate, though you’ll still need to buy any additional permits required for certain species (like trout or waterfowl).
The state also provides special licenses for recovering service members (those undergoing outpatient treatment for service-related injuries) with access to reduced-cost fishing licenses once prequalified.
Colorado
Colorado makes it pretty straightforward for military folks when it comes to hunting and fishing licenses. If you’re on active duty and stationed in Colorado under permanent orders, you and your family can buy licenses at resident rates. All you need is proof of your active-duty orders. (Just keep in mind that this doesn’t apply to those in the Reserves or National Guard unless they’re on active duty.)
Veterans residing in Colorado with a service-connected disability of 50 percent or more can apply for a lifetime combination license that covers both fishing and small game hunting. The same goes for Purple Heart recipients. You’ll just need proof from the VA showing your disability rating or documentation of the medal to apply.
Connecticut
Active-duty military members from other states can enjoy hunting and fishing by buying annual licenses at resident prices. Just bring proof you’re on full-time active duty, and you can pick them up at participating town halls or DEEP offices.
Connecticut also offers discounted or free licenses to disabled veterans and individuals with limb loss or impairment. Vets with a VA-rated service-connected disability of 10 percent or more qualify for a 50 percent discount.
Delaware
If you’re on active duty and stationed in Delaware, you (and your dependents) can purchase hunting and fishing licenses at resident rates.
Veterans certified by the VA with a 60 percent or greater service-connected disability can receive a full license exemption, allowing them to hunt, trap, and fish for free in Delaware.
Florida
Florida offers a special event permit to event organizers that lets disabled veterans and active or reserve military members hunt and fish without a license, but only during officially permitted events.
This isn’t a blanket exemption—it’s only valid during the event dates. It also doesn’t cover things like tarpon tags, gator trapping licenses, federal duck stamps, or limited entry hunts.
Georgia
If you’re a Georgia resident who served at least 90 days of active federal duty and were honorably discharged on or after July 1, 2005, you’re eligible for a free, one-time Veterans Hunting and Fishing License. It’s good for one full year and covers all the same privileges as a regular sportsman’s license. However, it’s a one-and-done deal, only issued once per person.
After that first year, you can step up to a discounted lifetime license. Veterans ages 16 to 49 get 20 percent off the full Adult Lifetime Sportsman’s License. Once you hit age 50, Georgia offers additional discounted options, including a Senior Discount Lifetime License at 60 or an Older Adult Lifetime License starting at 50.
Hawaii
Active-duty military members and their families stationed in Hawaii get a free Nonresident Recreational Marine Fishing License (NRMFL) to fish in the ocean. The exemption applies specifically to recreational marine fishing. While there’s no separate hunting license for veterans, active-duty service members are eligible to buy hunting licenses at the resident rate.
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Idaho
If you’re an Idaho resident on furlough from active duty, you can get a reduced-rate combination hunting and fishing license, or just a fishing license, while you’re back.
Military members stationed in Idaho for at least 30 days are also eligible to purchase licenses, tags, and permits at resident prices. And if you’re deployed and can’t use a license or tag you already bought, Idaho Fish and Game allows refunds or rain checks so you don’t lose out.
To make the process easier for newly arrived service members, Idaho provides a Military Status Residency Affidavit. This allows active-duty personnel, along with their spouses and children under 18, to purchase resident licenses after 30 days of residing in the state. (Note: the affidavit is only valid for 30 days after it’s issued.)
Illinois
Illinois offers free hunting and fishing licenses to veterans who receive 10 percent or more in service-connected disability compensation or a total disability pension. It doesn’t matter if you’re a resident or not—if you meet the disability threshold, you’re covered. There’s no need to purchase a license, but you do need to carry proof.
Indiana
Indiana residents with a service-connected disability recognized by the VA are eligible for reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses.
Iowa
Iowa offers a lifetime combination hunting and fishing license to qualifying resident veterans. To be eligible, you must have served on active federal duty, including training, and either have a service-connected disability or have been a prisoner of war during your military service.
The state requires that your disability rating be recognized under Title 38, Chapter 11 of the U.S. Code, and you must be an Iowa resident for at least 90 days before applying.
Kansas
Kansas offers free, permanent hunting and fishing licenses to disabled veterans. You’ll need to be honorably discharged, a current Kansas resident, and have a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more. Once approved, the license is yours for life—no renewals or additional fees required. Members actively serving in the Kansas National Guard are also eligible to receive free hunting and fishing licenses.
Kentucky
Kentucky residents who are veterans with a service-connected disability of 50 percent or more are eligible for discounted hunting and fishing licenses.
Louisiana
Louisiana residents with a permanent, service-connected disability of 50 percent or more can get a free lifetime combo license that covers hunting, fishing, and more.
Active-duty military stationed in Louisiana, along with their dependents, can buy licenses at resident rates, even if they’re not from the state. Purple Heart recipients also qualify for resident pricing, and retired military can apply for a discounted combo license with proof of service.
Maine
Veterans with a 50 percent or greater service-connected disability can receive a free hunting, fishing, and trapping license, which also includes many permits and even a guide license if qualified. This isn’t just for Maine residents—vets from states like NH, VT, RI, and TX are also eligible through reciprocal agreements.
Maine runs a Controlled Moose Hunt for disabled resident veterans and a select number of nonresident veterans. Eligible veterans can also apply for noncommercial lobster, crab, and scallop licenses through the Department of Marine Resources.
Maryland
A Maryland resident on active duty and home on official leave can fish or hunt without a license, as long as they carry their leave orders. Active-duty members stationed in Maryland are considered residents for licensing purposes and can buy resident hunting and fishing licenses.
Veterans who are 100 percent service-connected disabled, former POWs, or deemed unemployable by the VA can apply for a complimentary lifetime license that covers hunting and fishing, including stamps for bow, muzzleloader, and sika deer, along with most fishing privileges. However, some stamps must still be purchased separately.
Purple Heart recipients are eligible for a 50 percent discount on state hunting and fishing licenses. Maryland also issues annual group exemptions for nonprofits or government programs taking veterans with physical or mental disabilities fishing.
For hunters with mobility impairments, the state offers a Universal Disability Pass, which allows for specific accessibility accommodations while hunting on public lands.
Massachusetts
There were no military discounts for Massachusetts found at press time.
Michigan
Michigan residents who are full-time active-duty military or 100 percent disabled veterans can get hunting and fishing licenses at no cost. Active-duty, nonresident service members currently stationed in Michigan can purchase hunting and fishing licenses at the same price as Michigan residents.
Minnesota
Minnesota offers military members and veterans a significant break on outdoor licenses. If you’re active-duty and stationed in the state, you can buy hunting and fishing licenses at resident rates. If you’re a Minnesota resident on leave from out-of-state active duty, you can hunt small game for free (just bring your leave orders and proof of residency).
Disabled veterans with a 100 percent service-connected VA rating get even more: a free lifetime fishing license, plus free annual deer and small game hunting licenses. Minnesota also offers residents serving in the military or reserves priority in special hunt lotteries for deer, bear, turkey, and more.
Mississippi
Mississippi offers military members and veterans several ways to save on licenses. If you’re active-duty and stationed in the state, you can grab a resident hunting license, even if you’re not originally from Mississippi. If you’re a Mississippi resident on leave from active duty elsewhere, you don’t need a hunting license at all while you’re home—just keep in mind that hunter education requirements still apply.
There’s also a 14-day Armed Forces hunting and fishing license available to non-resident active-duty military. And for veterans who live in Mississippi and have a 100 percent service-connected disability, no hunting license is required. Instead, you can get the annual Disabled Exempt License.
Missouri
If you’re an honorably discharged veteran with a 60 percent or higher service-connected disability, a former POW, or assigned to a Warrior Transition Unit, you can hunt and fish without needing a standard permit. Special permits may still be required for activities involving deer, turkey, or migratory birds.
For Missouri residents serving in the National Guard or reserves who’ve been on federal active duty in the past year, there’s also a budget-friendly option.
Montana
Montana gives active-duty military and veterans a break on hunting and fishing licenses. If you’re a Montana resident on leave from active duty, you can grab a discounted fishing or combo license for less than $20.
Served in a contingency operation? Members of the Montana National Guard, Reserves, or active-duty military who were deployed out of state for at least two months can get free fishing or sportsman licenses (minus bear) for up to five years after they return. Disabled veterans may also qualify for discounted licenses.
Nebraska
If you’re stationed at a Nebraska base and currently on active duty (including National Guard with orders), you can grab a yearly state park permit for just $5—that gets you into over 76 parks all year.
Disabled veterans who live in Nebraska and have a VA disability rating of 50 percent or higher (or 100 percent non-service-connected with a VA pension) can obtain a lifetime park entry permit for free. The same group also qualifies for a no-cost lifetime small game/fishing/fur harvest permit that covers all state stamps.
Veterans aged 64 and above can obtain an annual hunting and fishing permit for $5 with proof of service. And if you’re a Nebraska resident just back from deployment, you can get that same permit once for $5 in the year you return.
New Hampshire
If you’re a resident and permanently, totally disabled due to a service-connected condition, you can get a free lifetime Fish and Game License. You’ll just pay a one-time $10 admin fee.
Disabled veterans and paraplegics in the state can also apply for a permit that lets them hunt from a motor vehicle or non-motorized boat under specific conditions. Again, there’s a one-time $10 fee. If you’re a resident living at the NH Veterans Home or receiving care at the VA Medical Center in Manchester, you may be eligible for a free fishing permit.
New Jersey
New Jersey makes it easier for disabled veterans to enjoy the outdoors by offering free hunting and fishing licenses, along with deer and turkey permits and all necessary stamps. If you’re a resident with a service-connected disability, as recognized by the VA, you qualify for these benefits, but first, you’ll need to go through a certification process with the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife.
Once certified, you can apply for your licenses and permits each year at no additional cost. These benefits also include a complimentary marine fishing license, which must be requested in person.
New Mexico
New Mexico offers a 50% discount on all hunting and fishing licenses, permits, and stamps to resident active-duty military members and veterans. Residents with a 100 percent service-connected disability are eligible for a free lifetime Game-Hunting & Fishing License. Those who do not meet the 100 percent disabled qualification can still get a discounted license.
New York
If you’re a New York resident currently serving in the military or National Guard, you can get free hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses while home on leave or during drill. Non-resident military members stationed in New York for more than 30 days are eligible to buy licenses at resident rates.
Veterans who are New York residents with a service-connected disability rating of 40 percent or more can get an annual license for just $5, and all additional licenses for that year are free. That includes bowhunting and muzzleloader privileges, and you may also receive preference in special permit lotteries.
North Dakota
Active-duty service members and National Guard stationed in North Dakota can buy non-lottery licenses like fishing, small game, and furbearer at resident prices. That same deal applies if you’re here on temporary leave.
The state also looks out for disabled veterans. If you’re a North Dakota resident with a 50 percent or higher service-connected disability, you’re eligible for a discounted fishing license. Veterans who are 100 percent disabled or rated unemployable can get a deeply discounted combo hunting license that includes small game, furbearer, and the habitat stamp.
Ohio
If you’re an Ohio resident and a veteran with a 100 percent permanent and total service-connected disability, you can get a free five-year combo license with no annual renewals needed.
Former POWs who live in Ohio and were honorably discharged, or are still actively serving, are also eligible for free licenses. Active-duty military personnel stationed in Ohio are required to purchase a resident hunting license and any necessary permits, unless they’re on leave or furlough.
Oregon
Oregon offers reduced-price hunting licenses for resident uniformed service members, including big game and game bird licenses for just $17. These service members can also purchase general season tags after the deadline without paying any late fees.
If you’re active-duty but not a resident, you can buy annual hunting, angling, or shellfish licenses at resident prices. Vets with a service-connected disability of 25 percent or more can receive complimentary hunting and fishing licenses.
Pennsylvania
Active-duty service members stationed outside of Pennsylvania can fish without a license while on leave, provided they carry their military ID, leave orders, and proof of Pennsylvania residency. The state also has reciprocity agreements with a few others, so if your home state offers the same privilege, you can fish in Pennsylvania without a license.
For hunting, active-duty Pennsylvania residents stationed out of state can obtain a discounted resident military hunting license, which includes tags for antlered deer and turkey, as well as small game privileges. You’ll just need to be on temporary leave and meet the basic eligibility requirements.
Vets with a 100 percent service-connected disability qualify for a lifetime free hunting and fishing license. Veterans with a 60 to 99 percent disability rating may be eligible for a reduced-fee resident fishing license.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers free hunting and fishing licenses to disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients, while other veterans can get them at discounted rates. Vets with a 100 percent permanent disability, whether residents or not, may also qualify for a free lifetime fishing or combination license.
Active-duty service members, regardless of residency, can purchase hunting and fishing licenses at resident rates.
The state also designates veterans-only hunting areas, giving vets a space to enjoy the outdoors and connect with others. On the fishing side, Rhode Island hosts annual veterans-only events to build community and offer a day on the water.
South Carolina
South Carolina gives resident privileges to military personnel and their dependents who are stationed in the state for at least 30 days or are domiciled there.
If you’re a resident on active duty and you’re home on leave, you can hunt and fish without a license; however, you’ll still need the required permits and tags for big game, migratory birds, WMA lands, and specialty fishing or hunting activities.
Veterans with a VA-rated service-connected disability of 10 percent or more can get a free 3-year Disability Hunting and Fishing License, either a combo license or fishing-only, depending on preference.
South Dakota
Residents on active duty or stationed out of state may hunt and fish without a license while home on leave, unless you need to purchase any special permits or stamps, like those for migratory birds.
Resident vets who meet specific criteria can get reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses, as can vets with a 40 percent or greater service-connected disability, receive the VA “K” award, or are a former POW. Vets receiving Social Security disability (40 percent or more) and who have served in the military may also qualify.
Tennessee
Active-duty military members stationed in Tennessee can purchase resident licenses, and those who are home on leave can hunt and fish without a license during their leave.
Tennessee also offers a one-time $10 sport fishing and hunting license to resident veterans who are either 100 percent permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected cause, or 30 percent or more disabled as a result of wartime service.
Texas
Texas offers a complimentary Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package to active-duty military personnel on full-time service. This package includes both hunting and fishing licenses, along with all necessary endorsements.
Disabled veterans, whether residents or nonresidents, may also qualify for a free license if they have a disability rating of 50 percent or more or have lost the use of a foot or leg and are receiving compensation from the VA.
Utah
Resident veterans with a service-connected disability of 20 percent or more are eligible for discounted hunting, fishing, or combination licenses. If you’re stationed in Utah on active duty, you can buy resident licenses, and if you’re a Utah resident serving elsewhere, you may be eligible for free or discounted licenses while you’re home on leave or deployed.
Vermont
Vermont offers free hunting and fishing licenses to residents serving on active duty or assigned to homeland defense or stateside contingency operations for 120 consecutive days or more. Once issued, the license stays valid until it expires, even if you leave the military.
Nonresident service members stationed in Vermont can buy licenses at resident rates, and resident veterans with a service-connected disability of 60 percent or more are eligible for a free permanent license. Vermont also extends a reciprocal benefit to disabled veterans from New Hampshire and Maine, offering a free one-year license.
Virginia
Active-duty military members stationed and living in Virginia, along with their immediate family, can get resident hunting and fishing licenses, no matter where they’re originally from.
If you’re a resident and vet with a total and permanent service-connected disability, you may be eligible for a free lifetime combo license. Veterans with a 70 percent or higher rating can obtain licenses at a discounted rate, and even non-resident veterans with permanent disabilities may qualify for reduced pricing.
Washington
Active-duty service members who are permanently assigned in Washington qualify for resident hunting licenses, regardless of their original home state. Likewise, Washington residents on active duty but stationed out of state can still purchase their hunting licenses at resident rates.
Washington offers reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses to both resident and non-resident veterans with a VA-rated service-connected disability of 30 percent or more. Veterans 65 and older with a service-connected disability also qualify, whether they live in the state or not.
West Virginia
West Virginia offers free hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses to resident veterans who either qualify for VA auto grant benefits, have a 100 percent permanent and total disability rating, or are former POWs.
Active-duty service members can also hunt, fish, and trap without a license while on leave or furlough—just carry your official papers, which act as your license during that time.
Wisconsin
Active-duty service members can purchase licenses at resident rates, even if they’re not Wisconsin residents. If you’re a Wisconsin resident on active duty and home on leave or furlough, you can get a free fishing and small game license for that year.
Disabled veterans with a VA disability rating of 50 percent or higher may qualify for discounted licenses and vets rated at 70 percent or more are eligible for even deeper discounts. Purple Heart recipients can buy licenses at resident prices.
Wyoming
Free lifetime fishing, small game, and game bird licenses are offered to resident veterans who are 100% service-connected disabled or recipients of the Purple Heart. Veterans with a 50 percent or greater disability rating can get a free lifetime fishing license as well. The state also allows big game licenses to be donated to qualifying disabled veterans through approved nonprofits.
Active-duty service members stationed in Wyoming for at least 90 days can buy licenses at resident rates, and those on leave from a combat zone may be eligible for free resident licenses. Wyoming also waives hunter safety certificate requirements for both active-duty personnel and honorably discharged veterans.
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