State & Local Perks
Which states give veterans free hunting and fishing licenses?
At least 15 states give veterans with a service-connected disability a free or deeply discounted hunting and fishing license. Texas and Alaska are the most generous: Texas issues a free Super Combo license (normally $68+) to any veteran rated 50% or higher, and Alaska gives residents with a 50%+ rating a free permanent license that never needs renewal.
Updated June 2026 · Browse all benefits
States with free licenses for disabled veterans
These states issue hunting, fishing, or combination licenses at no cost to qualifying disabled veterans. Residency requirements apply in most programs.
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Texas — Veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or more (or loss of use of a foot or leg) receive a free Super Combo license. This single license covers resident hunting, resident fishing, archery, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, upland game bird, and migratory game bird. Apply in person at a Texas Parks and Wildlife license retailer with your VA disability letter.
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Alaska — Alaska residents with a service-connected disability of 50% or higher receive a free permanent hunting, fishing, and trapping ID card. The card never expires and exempts holders from the king salmon stamp and state conservation stamp for waterfowl hunting. Apply at an ADF&G office.
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Illinois — Veterans with a service-connected disability of 10% or greater (or receiving a total disability pension) get free hunting and fishing licenses through the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. Uniquely, this applies to non-residents as well — you do not need to live in Illinois. Apply for the required Disability Affidavit through a local IDVA office; the affidavit must be carried while hunting or fishing.
States with reduced-cost or limited-species free permits
Many states offer significantly discounted licenses — well below the standard public rate — or free permits for specific activities for veterans with a qualifying disability.
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Alabama — Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability pay $2 plus the standard issuance fee for a hunting license. Veterans rated 50% pay half the regular license fee. Both groups are exempt from the fee on an annual nighttime feral swine and coyote license (issuance fee still applies).
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Missouri — Any honorably discharged veteran with a service-connected disability of 60% or greater (resident or non-resident) may hunt most Missouri wildlife without a permit. Excluded species: deer, elk, turkey, and black bear still require standard permits. Carry a VA-issued certified eligibility statement. Standard fishing licenses are separate.
Additional states offer discounted or free licenses not listed here, including North Carolina ($50 lifetime for 50%+ disabled veterans) and others. Search "[your state] disabled veteran hunting fishing license" for your state wildlife agency's current program.
How to apply for a veteran hunting or fishing license
Applications go to your state's fish and wildlife or game management agency — not the VA. You'll typically need:
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A VA benefit letter confirming your current disability rating — available at va.gov/records or through the VA mobile app.
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Your DD-214 or veteran ID card as proof of honorable military service.
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State residency documentation if the program is resident-only (driver's license, utility bill).
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The state-specific application form, available from your state fish and wildlife agency website or regional office.
Most veteran license programs apply to state residents only. Non-resident veterans typically pay standard non-resident rates unless the state explicitly extends the benefit to non-residents. Texas is a notable exception — it does not require state residency for the disabled veteran Super Combo.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a state resident to get a free veteran hunting license?
For most states, yes. Texas is a notable exception — it extends the free Super Combo to non-resident veterans with a qualifying disability rating. Alaska's permanent card requires Alaska residency. Check your state's wildlife agency for its specific residency rules.
Does the free license cover all species and license types?
It depends on the state. Texas's Super Combo is one of the most comprehensive — it covers most hunting and fishing types in a single license. Other states may issue only a base hunting or fishing license, requiring separate purchases for migratory bird stamps, saltwater endorsements, or archery tags.
Do these veteran licenses expire and need annual renewal?
Alaska's permanent disabled veteran card never expires. Most other states issue annual licenses that must be renewed each year — though free or discounted based on your status. Your disability rating on file with the VA does not expire on its own, so renewal is typically just re-applying annually through the state agency.
What if my disability rating changes?
If your VA rating changes, your eligibility for state programs may change with it. States typically require you to present a current VA disability letter, and some verify your rating annually at renewal. If your rating drops below the program threshold, you would no longer qualify for the veteran rate.
Boon Atlas is an independent benefits and perks directory. Boon Atlas is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, or any military branch. Confirm benefit details directly with the company, program, or official source before relying on any information listed here.
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