Military Vets Can Get Hunting Licenses for as Little as $5

Written by Justin Park| 10/23/2025

Growing up as an “Army Brat,” I saw the many benefits available to my father as a disabled veteran. He received health care from the Veterans Administration, discounts at some businesses, National Parks passes, and access to certain loan programs. 

Today, hunting access is a growing part of many government-backed plans. There is a movement to offer discounts and accommodations for veterans through state-managed hunting programs.

I don’t recall any such programs growing up, but I do remember my first hunting experiences. We took our half-trained, half-breed English Springer Spaniel out pheasant hunting. I’d carry a shotgun even at age 12 or so, but I never shot. My dad and the dog, Harry, were the only ones who ever harvested a bird.

My father grew up hunting on the same land where I grew up hunting. He shipped off to West Point, barely missed Vietnam, went through Ranger School, and then destroyed his shoulder while in the Reserves. That resulted in an honorable discharge and the end of his service career.

In our adopted home state of Colorado, disabled veterans are eligible for some free lifetime hunting and fishing licenses. Back in our home state of New York, the senate has introduced a bill to offer similar lifetime privileges to disabled hunters for life at just a  $65 fee.

The trend is taking off across America, with several states now offering special hunting access to veterans as a nod of appreciation for their service and a benefit to enrich their lives.

State Veterans’ Programs Gaining Momentum

New York is hardly the only state moving to make hunting and fishing more accessible and affordable for veterans. Pennsylvania has existing discounts for combat-wounded veterans, but a bill was introduced to expand the benefits to veterans who sustained disabilities outside of combat, such as my father.

Texas has a program for disabled veterans to receive a lifetime “Super Combo” hunting and fishing license. Iowa introduced a new Disabled Veterans Deer Tag that allows qualifying veterans to pick up a deer license for any established firearm hunting season. 

Minnesota passed a law that will make all hunting licenses $5 for disabled veterans starting in 2027. 

Many other states offer discounts and programs to both residents and non-residents.

Beyond free and discounted licenses, some states offer disability accommodations to make it easier for veterans to hunt and fish. For example, my father’s permanent shoulder disability prevents him from drawing a bow but through a Colorado accommodation permit he was able to join my brother and I on an archery elk hunt carrying a crossbow instead.

More Than a Discount

Hunting and fishing have long been a way my family has spent quality time together. I am happy to see so many states lean into hunting access. Time in nature is healing for anyone, and studies have shown that nature-based activities can help veterans ease back into civilian life and even help with symptoms of PTSD.

As a volunteer with Project Healing Waters, I’ve seen veterans of all stripes enjoy camaraderie and learning new skills in the outdoors. We fly fish and simply swap stories and tips for things as simple as navigating the VA system. 

PHW and similar nonprofits let veterans take part in incredible fishing and hunting experiences, often on private land. I have seen donations from outfitters, ranches, and private individuals that might otherwise be unavailable to the general public or cost thousands of dollars. 

The Veterans Afield Foundation offers hunting experiences nationwide but there are many other national and regional organizations as well. 

If you’re not a veteran, but are interested in helping veterans spend time in the outdoors, these organizations and others like them are always looking for volunteers. The Vet Connect website has a directory with dozens of outdoor-based nonprofits, including state and regional organizations.

Whether you're a veteran looking to reconnect with the outdoors or someone eager to support those who served, these programs and organizations offer meaningful opportunities to make that connection, one hunt, cast, or shared story at a time.

AUTHOR BIO: Justin Park is a Colorado-based writer, editor, and avid hunter with a passion for the outdoors. He contributes to leading publications such as GearJunkie, Popular Mechanics, Powder, and Men's Journal, and serves as Editor of Wild Snow. Park is deeply involved in conservation and recreation advocacy, serving as Chapter Chair of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) in Summit County. He also represents RMEF on a state recreation committee focused on proactively addressing land use conflicts.