Non-Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting License by State

Looking for Expert-Level VA Claim Help?📱Call Us Now! 737-295-2226

This post will cover the non-resident disabled veteran hunting license by state. We’ll look at guidelines, prices, and restrictions for non-residents planning to hunt out of state.

We’ll also include official links for each state so you quickly navigate to the official information page on hunting licenses, permits, and stamps for the state you’re interested in.

Let’s get started! 

Non-Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting License by State

Some states offer special hunting license rates for disabled veterans, even if you aren’t a resident. In other states, non-residents must pay a fee to hunt. Find the state you’re interested in below (alphabetically) to see which fees apply. 

Alabama

Non-resident 100% service-connected veterans can obtain a special hunting license for $2 plus the applicable issuance fee in Alabama. 

In addition, a special hunting license is available to 50% service-connected veterans at half the usual cost plus the appliance issuance fee. 

Eligible veterans can also purchase an annual resident nighttime feral swine and coyote hunting license by paying the issuance fee, as adjusted; they are exempt from paying the license fee. 

You must present your disability certification from the USDVA when applying. 

For license information and an application, contact Outdoor Alabama at 1-888-848-6887. 

Alaska

There are no special rates for non-resident disabled veterans in Alaska regarding hunting licenses. 

However, they do offer non-resident hunting licenses at a rate of $160 per year. Additional non-resident fees may apply and vary based on license type:

• Annual hunting and trapping license
• Small game annual hunting license
• Annual state waterfowl stamp

Arizona

In Arizona, there are no special rates for non-resident disabled veterans, so you must pay the annual hunting license fee of $160. 

Arkansas

Arkansas only offers discounted rates for resident disabled veterans, but you can buy hunting licenses at the following rates:

• Annual all game annual license: $410
• 5-day all-game hunting license: $225
• 3-day all-game hunting license: $1175
• 1-day all-game hunting license: $100
• Annual small game hunting license: $110
• 5-day small game hunting license: $80
• Trapper’s permit: $125

California

California allows non-resident honorably discharged disabled veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability the opportunity to apply for a hunting license. 

Once you prequalify for your first disabled veteran reduced hunting fee license, you can purchase a disabled veteran license anywhere licenses are sold.

Colorado

Colorado only provides special rates to resident disabled veterans, and therefore, non-residents are subject varying fees based on license type:

• Small game annual license
• Furbearer annual
• Small game additional day
• Small game 1-day license

Connecticut

In Connecticut, non-resident disabled veterans must apply for and obtain a hunting license to hunt in the state legally. 

The following fees apply to non-residents hunting in Connecticut:

• Firearms hunting license: $91
• Archery deer and small game hunting license: $135
• 3-day bird hunting license: $35
• A lottery administers additional deer hunting permits
• Additional stamps are required for hunting bird

Delaware

In Delaware, veterans with at least a 60% service-connected disability rating are eligible for a veteran license exemption. 

If you qualify, you must complete the Veterans with Disabilities Exempt Application and submit it to the Division of Fish and Wildlife. 

District of Columbia

Hunting is prohibited in the District of Columbia (D.C.).

Florida

Non-residents of Florida must apply for and obtain a hunting license to hunt in the state legally. 

There are no discounted rates for non-resident disabled veterans, so the following rates apply:

• Annual hunting license: $151.50
• 10-day hunting license: $46.50

Georgia

The Georgia Department of Veterans Service permits non-resident disabled veterans with a permanent and total disability rating for a physical or mental impairment a 3-year disability sportsman’s license at a steep discount from the regular license cost. 

Hawaii

While Hawaii doesn’t offer a hunting license specifically for veterans, you can apply for a non-resident license. 

Non-resident annual hunting license fees are available for $105, with a reduced fee of $10 for 

seniors. 

Additional game bird stamps are available for a fee of $10. 

Idaho

In Idaho, non-resident disabled American veterans may be eligible for reduced fees for licenses and tags. 

The following fees will apply:

• DAV hunting and three-day fishing license: $31.75
• Deer: $23.75
• Elk: $39.75
• Bear: $23.75
• Turkey: $19.75

You must provide a copy of your official VA Disability Percentage Rating letter that verifies you have a service-connected disability rating of 40% or greater. 

Illinois

In Illinois, disabled veterans who receive a 10% or greater service-connected compensation or total disability pension benefits aren’t required to have a hunting license. 

Indiana

Indiana permits non-residents to hunt in the state, although there is no discounted rate for disabled veterans. 

The following fees apply:

• Annual hunting license: $90
• Annual trapping license: $140 
• Additional permits and stamps available for hunting:
  • Deer
  • Turkey
  • Waterfowl
  • Game birds

Note: If you have a disability that prevents you from being able to hunt wild animals under regular hunting regulations, you may request a special permit from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. 

Iowa

In Iowa, eligible non-resident disabled veterans may apply for a severely disabled deer hunting license, allowing them to hunt during the Disabled Hunter Season. 

All other non-residents must pay the following fees:

• Annual license: $131
• 5-day hunting license: $77, additional habitat fee of $15
• Annual migratory game bird fee: $11.50
• Annual fur harvest license: $247

To hunt in Iowa, non-residents must purchase hunting and a habitat fee. In addition, if you plan to hunt deer, you will also need your tags, sold as an any-sex tag and antlerless tag combination ($498.00)

The total for a deer hunting application will be $644.00 plus applicable fees. 

For turkey, you will need a hunting license, habitat fee, and turkey tag ($119.00) for your season/zone of interest. The total for applying for a turkey tag will be $265.00 plus applicable fees. 

Kansas

Kansas doesn’t offer discounted rates for non-resident disabled veterans; however, you may apply for an annual hunting license. 

Non-resident hunting fee:

• Annual hunting license: $97.50

You can submit your application by mail or online. 

Kentucky

Kentucky doesn’t offer non-resident disabled veterans a special rate; however, you can still hunt in the state pending you have applied and received the appropriate licensure. 

The following rates apply for non-residents of Kentucky:

• Annual hunting license: $150
• 1-day hunting license: $25
• Annual trapping license: $130
• Statewide deer permit: $185

Louisiana

Louisiana allows non-residents awarded a Purple Heart to be eligible for a hunting license at the resident rate. 

For veterans with a permanent service-connected disability classification of 50% or more, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation covers the $4 fee for this license. This included basic and saltwater fishing licenses, basic deer, waterfowl, and turkey hunting licenses, and the WMA access permit. 

It doesn’t include the federal duck stamp. 

Maine

Maine permits disabled veterans with a service-connected disability evaluated at 50% or more to obtain a complimentary hunting license. 

The complimentary license includes all necessary permits and other permission, and upon meeting the requirements, a guide’s license. 

Maryland

Maryland doesn’t have a discounted rate for non-resident disabled veterans; however, you can still purchase a hunting license for $160 if you are between the ages of 16 and 64. 

In addition, there is a special senior non-resident rate of $65. 

Massachusetts

Massachusetts doesn’t have a specific non-resident disabled veteran rate; however, they offer a free annual license to people with paraplegia. 

Annual fees for other non-residents are as follows:

• Hunting license, big game: $101.50
• Hunting license, small game: $67.50
• Trapping permit: $206.00
• Fur buyer permit: $96.00

Michigan

Michigan doesn’t offer a special rate for non-resident disabled veterans; however, you can still purchase a non-resident base license for $151. 

All hunters must obtain a base license, which permits the hunting of small game, and they can purchase additional hunting licenses, including the following:

• Antlerless deer/junior antlerless deer: $20
• Deer: $20
• Deer combo: $190 (two deer licenses: $20 regular, $170 restricted)

Minnesota

Minnesota doesn’t offer special rates for non-resident disabled veterans; however, you can still apply for a hunting license. 

The following fees apply to non-residents of Minnesota:

• Federal Duck Stamp: $27.50
• Small game license: $102
• Furbearer/Racoon/Bobcat: $183

You can find a complete list of non-resident fees depending on the animal on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website. 

Additional licenses and permits are required for hunting the following:

• Deer
• Bear
• Elk
• Turkey
• Waterfowl 

Mississippi

Mississippi only offers disabled veteran rates to residents, and the following rates apply to non-residents:

• Annual all-game hunting license: $300
• 7-day all-game hunting license (doesn’t include archery/primitive weapon/crossbow, spring permit, deer permit, or WMA user permit): $150
• 3-day all-game hunting license (doesn’t include archery/primitive weapon/crossbow, spring permit, deer permit, or WMA user permit): $150
• Annual small game hunting license: $95
• 7-day small game hunting license: $38
• Annual trapping license: $205

Additional permits and stamps are required for hunting:

• Deer
• Turkey 
• Duck 

Missouri

The Missouri Department of Conservation has several permit exceptions and low-cost permits for disabled veterans who qualify for one of the following:

• Any honorably discharged military veteran having a service-related disability of 60% or greater or who was a prisoner of war or currently assigned as a patient to a Warrior Transition Brigade, Warrior Transition Unit, or a military medical center may hunt small game (will still need a migratory bird permit for doves) or fish without a permit (will still need a trout permit or trout park tag).  The individual only needs to carry a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
• Any honorably discharged military veteran having a service-related disability of 60% or greater or who was a prisoner of war or currently assigned as a patient to a Warrior Transition Brigade, Warrior Transition Unit, or a military medical center may receive permits at resident prices.  The Warrior Transition Unit/Brigade would include programs like the Wounded Warrior Program.

Montana

In Montana, there is no special rate for non-resident disabled veterans, so you must pay the non-resident base annual hunting license fee of $15. 

You must also apply for special permits and licenses through drawings for hunting:

• Deer
• Elk
• Moose
• Bison
• Sheep
• Goat
• Antelope

In addition, anyone, resident or non-resident, can purchase or draw a hunting license, tag, or permit and donate them to a disabled veteran. However, the donor can’t choose the individual or organization the donation will go to. 

Participating veterans must be a Purple Heart recipient and have a disability rating of 70% or greater. 

Nebraska

Only resident disabled veterans of Nebraska are eligible for special rates. All others must pay the following hunting fees:

• Annual small game hunting license: $109

Permits are required for hunting the following:

• Deer 
• Antelope 
• Turkey
• Elk
• Bighorn sheep

In addition, you must obtain additional stamps for hunting waterfowl and upland birds. 

Nevada

Reduced rates for disabled veterans in Nevada are limited to residents only. All others must pay the following annual rates:

• Hunting and fishing combination license: $155

New Hampshire

The following rates apply for non-resident disabled veterans in New Hampshire:

• Annual hunting license: $113
• Annual small game hunting license: $53
• 3-day small game hunting license: $25

New Jersey

New Jersey doesn’t offer a discounted rate for non-resident disabled veterans; however, hunting licenses are still available at the following rates:

• Annual firearm hunting license: $135.50
• 2-day small game hunting license: $36.50
• 1-day commercial preserves hunting license: $12.50
• Annual bow and arrow hunting license: $135.50
• Annual trapping license: $200.50

New Mexico

There is no reduced rate for non-resident disabled veterans in New Mexico, and the following rates apply:

• Annual small game hunting license: $65
• 4-day small game hunting license: $33

New York

In New York, there are no discounted rates for non-resident disabled veterans, and therefore, they must pay the annual hunting license fee of $100. 

North Carolina

North Carolina doesn’t offer discounted rates to non-resident disabled veterans. Additionally, the following rates apply:

• Annual hunting license: Varies by resident state
• Annual trapping license: $158

North Dakota

North Dakota doesn’t offer specific rates for non-resident disabled veterans, so the following rates will apply:

• Annual small game hunting license: $100
• Annual general game and habitat license: $20

Ohio

Special rates for disabled veterans are only available to Ohio residents, and therefore, non-residents must pay the following fees:

• Annual hunting license: $180.96
• 3-day hunting license: $40.56

Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, there is no discounted rate for non-resident disabled veterans, so the following rates will apply:

• Annual hunting license: $176
• 5-day hunting license: $75
• Annual trapping license fee: $345

Oregon

Oregon only has discounted hunting license rates for disabled veterans if they are state residents. 

Non-residents must pay an annual hunting license fee of $172.

Pennsylvania

Disabled veteran rates are only available to Pennsylvania residents; however, you can still purchase licenses at the following rates:

• Annual hunting license: $101.97
• 7-day small game hunting license: $31.97
• Annual fur taker license: $81.97

Rhode Island

Rhode Island offers free hunting licenses to veterans with a 100% disability rating from the VA. All other veterans are subject to non-resident fees, depending on the license type:

• Annual hunting license
• 3-day hunting license
• Annual trapping license

South Carolina

South Carolina doesn’t have a unique program for non-resident disabled veterans, and therefore, regular rates apply. 

Non-resident veterans are subject to non-resident license fees, depending on the license type:

• Annual hunting license
• 10-day hunting license
• 3-day hunting license

South Dakota

South Dakota only provides discounted rates to resident disabled veterans; the following fees apply to non-residents:

• 10-day small game hunting license: $121
• Furbearer license: $275

Tennessee

Tennessee only offers resident disabled veterans a discounted rate, so the following rates apply to non-residents:

• Annual all-game license: $305
• Annual trapping: $200
• 7-day all game: $214
• 7-day-hunt small game/waterfowl: $61
• Annual hunt-small game/waterfowl: $110

Texas

Texas permits non-resident disabled veterans, consisting of the loss of use of a foot or leg, or with a service-connected disability evaluated at 50% or more to obtain a complimentary hunting license. 

For all other non-residents, the following fees apply:

• Special hunting license: $132
• Trapper license: $315
• 5-day special hunting license: $48

Utah

Utah doesn’t offer discounted rates for non-resident disabled veterans, so the following rates will apply:

• Annual basic hunting license: $120
• 3-day small game hunting license: $46 

Vermont

Non-residents of Vermont with a 60% service-connected disability may be eligible to receive a free one-year hunting license if they reside in a state that provides reciprocal privileges to Vermont residents. 

Virginia

Virginia offers non-resident disabled veterans hunting licenses if you are totally and permanently (P&T) disabled or have a VA rating of 70% or higher. 

The following are the annual fees based on your rating:

P&T: $28.50

70% or higher: $56.00

You can find the application online and return it with proper payment to:

You must also include proof of your disability with your application. 

Washington

Non-resident disabled veterans are eligible for reduced tags in Washington if they meet either of the following criteria:

• Non-resident veterans with at least a 30% service-connected disability verified by a VA letter. 
• Non-resident veterans 65 years or older with a service-connected disability verified by a VA letter. 

West Virginia

Only West Virginia resident disabled veterans aren’t required to have a hunting license; all others must. 

However, the state allows eligible non-residents with disabilities to apply for the Class Q or Class QQ special hunting permits, which offer special privileges to disabled hunters. 

The following fees apply for non-residents of West Virginia:

• Statewide hunting/trapping license: $119
• Bear hunting license: $162
• Small game hunting license: $27

Additional stamps and permits may be required depending on the type of animal you hunt. 

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, non-resident Purple Heart Medal recipients can receive resident rates for a hunting license. 

Eligible veterans must provide appropriate documentation at a DNR Service Center and, once approved, a reduced rate license at any of the over 1,000 licensing agents or online. 

Wyoming

Wyoming only offers discounted hunting licenses to resident disabled veterans. 

Non-resident disabled veterans are subject to specific fees, depending on the type of animal. In addition, there is a $15 non-resident application fee. 

FISHING: Non-Resident Disabled Veteran Fishing License Information

Additional State Veteran Benefits Resource

In addition to this non-resident disabled veteran hunting license by state guide, be sure to check out our complete list of Veteran Benefits by State, letting you know what you are entitled to depending on where you live. 

In each State Veteran Benefits blog, you’ll also find hunting and fishing license information for resident veterans!

NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?

We hope you’ve found this information helpful. We pride ourselves on providing relevant and up-to-date information to the veteran community. 

Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and, therefore, not getting their due compensation. At VA Claims Insider, we help you understand and take control of the claims process, so you can get the back pain VA rating and compensation you’re owed by law. 

Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you every step of the way in building a fully-developed claim (FDC)—so you can increase your rating FAST! 

If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating—or you’re unsure how to get started—reach out to us! Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call. Learn what you’ve been missing—so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE!