State Discount Guide: Hunting & Fishing Licenses for Military Members

U.S. Military members and veterans can often get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses from their state. The rules vary by state. But don’t worry, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to!

General Rules for Military & Veteran Hunting & Fishing License Discounts

The table below offers basic information about military and veteran discounts for hunting and fishing licenses, along with links for each state in the U.S. Below the table, we also list more detailed information for several states. This information is for states that offer several options or have more information than can easily fit into the tables.

If you’re stuck trying to find additional information about hunting and fishing licenses, you can also call your local Walmart. They will tell you if your state offers the free (or discounted) license, what documentation they need, and what qualifications you must meet.

Required Information:

• You will typically need proof of U.S. military service, such as your military ID Card, retired military card, DD Form 214, VA-issued ID card, proof of your service-connected disability rating (if applicable), or a state-issued driver’s license or ID card. Note: most states offer a veterans designation on driver’s licenses.
• Proof of residency

Notes About State Residency:

• Many states offer non-resident military members stationed in that state the opportunity to buy hunting and fishing licenses at the resident rate.
• State residents serving in the military who are stationed outside of the state may not be required to obtain a license or may often receive a free or discounted hunting or fishing license upon showing proof of state residency, proof of their current military assignment, and providing a copy of their leave orders. Rules vary by state.

States that Offer Discounts on Hunting & Fishing Licenses

Additional Notes for Fishing License Exemptions for Military Members:

The above table is great for a quick overview, but we’d love to give you more detailed information as well.

Colorado Fishing Licenses:

• Free Lifetime Fishing and Small Game Hunting Combination License (VA combo license) to veterans with a service-connected disability
• Resident fishing while home on temporary leave. Colorado residents who are on active duty and permanently stationed outside of the state may fish without a license while in Colorado on temporary leave. The military member must carry a copy of their leave papers with them while fishing and cannot use this exemption for more than 30 days per year. ​
• Residency while stationed in Colorado. Active duty military personnel stationed in Colorado and their family members can qualify to purchase hunting and fishing licenses at the Colorado resident rates. Personnel and their dependents qualify for residency if they are on active duty in Colorado under permanent orders. Military personnel must show proof by showing active duty military orders when purchasing resident licenses. Active duty does not include reserve status or National Guard.
• Additional military benefits for Colorado parks and wildlife.

Florida Military Gold Sportsman’s License:

• The Military Gold Sportsman’s License includes the Hunting, Saltwater Fishing, and Freshwater Fishing licenses; and the Deer, Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, Snook and Lobster permits. The license does not include tarpon tags, alligator trapping licenses, limited entry hunt permits, migratory bird permits, or the federal duck stamp.
• Discounted rate of $20.
• Available for all active duty and retired military members, and members of the Reserves and Florida National Guard who are stationed in Florida or are Florida state residents.
• Florida residents home on leave for less than 30 days are exempt from fishing license requirements. More info.
• More information on the Florida Military Gold License.

Louisiana – Discounts and Exemptions for the Military Community

Further details for all of these special licenses can be found on the following page.

Active Military, Guard, Reserve:

• Members may purchase hunting and fishing licenses at the state resident’s rate.

Retired Military: 

• Retired military members are eligible for a combination hunting and fishing license for $5.

Disabled Veterans with 50% disability rating or higher:

• Free hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans who have a permanent service-connected disability classification of 50 percent or more
• Includes Basic and Saltwater fishing licenses; Basic, Big Game, Bow, and Primitive Firearm hunting licenses; Louisiana Duck and Turkey stamps; and the WMA Hunting Permit
• Does not include Federal Duck Stamp

Surviving Spouses & Purple Heart Recipients:

• Surviving spouses of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Louisiana National Guard or Air National Guard, who was killed in action while in a combat zone, you may purchase recreational fishing and hunting licenses for $2.50 each. The recreational fishing license includes Basic and Saltwater fishing licenses. The hunting license includes Basic, Big Game, Bow, and Primitive Firearm hunting licenses; Louisiana Duck and Turkey stamps; and the WMA Hunting Permit.
• Purple Heart Recipient: Residents and non-residents may purchase hunting and fishing licenses at the resident rate.

Maine

• Free lifetime hunting and fishing license for veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater
• A disabled veteran who has a service-connected disability evaluated at 50% or more may obtain a complimentary license to fish, trap, hunt, including archery, muzzleload, bear, migratory bird, pheasant, spring/fall wild turkey, coyote night hunt, crossbow, one expanded archery antlerless deer permit, one expanded archery either-sex permit, and upon meeting the qualifications, a license to guide.
• This license is available to residents of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Texas, and any other state that has a reciprocal agreement with Maine.

Missouri

• Veterans with a service-related disability of 60% or greater may fish and hunt (except deer and turkey) but not trap without a permit. When a hunting permit is required (deer, turkey, migratory bird, Conservation Order permits), nonresident veterans who meet the above requirements may purchase resident permits. You must carry a certified statement of eligibility from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or orders showing assignment to a Warrior Transition Brigade or Warrior Transition Unit, or carry admission verification to a military medical center.
• Also includes veterans who were a prisoner of war during military service, or are assigned as a patient to a Warrior Transition Brigade, Warrior Transition Unit, or military medical center

Nebraska

• Deployed Military Hunt/Fish/Fur Permit. Veterans age 64 and older who are legal residents of Nebraska are eligible for a Veteran’s Annual Small Game Hunt/Fish/Fur Harvest Permit for $5. This permit includes all state stamps. A copy of a DD214 or a Veteran Indicator on the applicant’s Nebraska Driver’s License must be presented in person at the time of application.
• Veterans age 64 and older who are legal residents of Nebraska are eligible for a Veteran’s Annual Small Game Hunt/Fish/Fur Harvest Permit for $5. This permit includes all state stamps. A copy of a DD214 or a Veteran Indicator on the applicant’s Nebraska Driver’s License must be presented in person at the time of application.
• Disabled Veterans who are legal residents of Nebraska and who have been deemed 50 percent or more service-related or 100 percent disabled non-service-connected and receive a pension from the Veterans Administration are eligible for a Disabled Veteran’s Lifetime Annual Small Game Hunt/Fish/Fur Harvest Permit at no fee. This permit includes all state stamps.
• More information.

New Mexico

• 50% Discount for Resident Active Military and Veterans. 50% discounts on all licenses, permits, and stamps are available to New Mexico residents who are active duty military or veterans. The discount may be claimed by applying for or purchasing any license, permit or stamp online, by telephone, or at any license vendor. Residents claiming this discount must be able to provide proof of active duty military or veteran status upon request. Discount does not apply to license vendor fees or the Resident Disabled Veteran Game-hunting & Fishing license.
• Free Licenses for 100% Disabled Veteran New Mexico Residents. New Mexico residents who are 100% disabled veterans of the armed services are eligible for a free lifetime Game-hunting & Fishing License. Disabled veterans may apply to NMDGF for a Disabled Veteran card, which allows the holder to fish, hunt small game and obtain a free deer hunting license. Card holders do not need to buy or possess a Habitat Stamp when fishing or hunting small game or deer. However, if trapping or if hunting turkey or other big-game species, the Habitat Stamp is required
• Disabled Veterans Game-hunting & Fishing Licenses. Residents who are disabled veterans of the armed services, but do not meet the 100%-disabled qualification, are eligible for a $10 Game-hunting & Fishing License. Disabled Veteran Game-hunting & Fishing Licenses are available online: www.onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us, at local vendors and NMDGF offices, and by telephone. A Habitat Management & Access Validation and Habitat Stamp, if applicable (page 3), are required with the Disabled Veteran Game-hunting & Fishing License.
• Military Rehabilitation Fishing License. Members or veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces in rehabilitation programs that include the learning and practice of fishing skills are eligible for free fishing licenses. The rehabilitation program must be sponsored by the federal government or a nonprofit organization authorized by the federal government and it must be under the direction of a military or federal Veteran’s Administration rehabilitation center. The Habitat Management & Access Validation and the Habitat Stamp are not required.
• See the New Mexico fishing license fee discounts and exceptions page and the hunting license fee discounts and exceptions page for full details.

Pennsylvania

Veterans with Disabilities License Fee Exemption – Minimum Qualifications:

• Only for veterans with Regular Hunting and Furtaker Licenses
• Must be a resident of Pennsylvania
• Disability must consist of the loss of one or more limbs, or the loss of the use of one or more limbs, or medically certified as totally disabled.
• Disability was service incurred.
• Must be a veteran of any war or armed conflict.
• Must be otherwise mentally and physically fit.
• Must meet all other requirements of the Game and Wildlife Code.
• More info on this PA License Fact Sheet.

You can also do a simple search on Google for military exemptions on hunting and fishing licenses in your state.